Articles about Outlets

Replacing an Outlet with a GFI Receptacle

How to Replace an Outlet with a GFI Outlet or GFCI Receptacle: Identifying Wires for GFI Connections.

Why Your Microwave Oven May Not Be Working

Troubleshooting a Microwave Oven Problem: Why did our microwave oven stop working?

Kitchen Outlets and Circuit Wiring

Guide to Wiring Kitchen Electrical Circuits:Electrical Circuit Requirements for Kitchen Outlets, 120 Volt Small Appliance Circuits, 120 Volt Outlet Circuits, 240 Volt Dedicated Circuits.

Exposed Electrical Outlet Wiring

How to Check an Electrical Wall Outlet for Safety – Unchecked problems can turn into electrical hazards that can be prevented and easily corrected.

Outlets on 12-2 Electrical Wiring

How to Select the Correct Electrical Outlets for the Circuit Wiring – This should not be a problem as it is common for a standard 15 amp outlet to be installed on a 20 amp circuit, in fact some outlets have a 20 amp feed through capacity

Why Home Outlets May Stop Working

How to Repair Home Electrical Outlets – The Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting for Electrical Outlets

How To Extract A Broke Ground Prong from an Outlet

Extracting a Broken Ground Prong From an Outlet – If the ground prong is hallow then insert a small screw driver into the space and twisting it slightly until it is wedged then pull out gently.

Installing a Counter Top Receptacle

How to Position and Install Counter Top Electric Outlet Receptacles – The Standard Height for Installing Counter Top Electric Outlet Receptacles – If this work is being done in an existing home then it is best to match the height of the existing receptacles or switches.

Home Warranty and Electrical Parts

Home Warranties and What They Do and Don’t Cover – I highly recommend home inspections before a prospective buyer proceeds with the purchase of a home so that the condition of the home and the important system components have been identified and addressed 0if needed before the home purchase.

Is Your 240 Volt Outlet Safe

Examining a 240 Volt Circuit and the Electrical Wiring Components for Safety – The wire gauge of the circuit should be verified. If it is found that the circuit wire AWG gauge is #12 then the circuit breaker amperage size could be increased to be a 20 amp 2 pole circuit breaker.

Replacing Home Electrical Wall Outlets

How to make the Electrical Wiring Connections for Wall Outlets

How To Wire a Outlet with a Switch

How to Electrical Wiring for Switched Outlets with Wiring Diagrams

Should a GFCI Outlet Be Warm?

The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles

Cause of No Power to an Electrical Outlet

How to Identify and Repair Lost Power to an Outlet when there is one outlet that is not working

Flickering Power at Electrical Outlet

Troubleshooting Electrical Outlet Problems: I have 120VAC coming to my receptacle however when you plug something it just flickers.

Identifying Electrical Outlet Wiring

I have an electrical outlet with 1 white wire and 2 black wires. All my other outlets have 2 and 2. Is this safe?

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Electrical Tips

To Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester

This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester

This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter

A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.