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How to Replace Kitchen Outlets and Avoid a Direct Short

When Replacing Outlets and There are Two Circuits be Sure to Make This Important Adjustment to Avoid Tripping the Circuit Breaker.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Replacing 120 volt Outlets
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have 4 standard 120V 15A outlet plugs in my kitchen that I recently wanted to replace.

Thanks in advance,
Chris

This electrical question came from: Chris, from Winnipeg, Canada.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Chris.

When there are Two Circuits be Sure to Make This Important Adjustment

Application: Replacing a 120 Volt Receptacle Outlet.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Two Electric Circuits and Outlet Tabs

IMPORTANT
Before replacing outlets make sure to identify the circuits and turn off the power.

More about Electrical Wiring

Electrical Outlet Wiring
outlet-wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Electrical Circuit Breakers
2-pole-circuit-breaker

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

How to Install Kitchen Electrical Wiring
kitchen-electrical-wiring

Kitchen Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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 I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It 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 the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester 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
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use 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..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “How to Replace Kitchen Outlets and Avoid a Direct Short”
  1. debra mckenna says:

    I replaced an electrical outlet that was being controlled by the switch, with a new outlet, that did not have the tab broken off, so it would no longer be controlled by the switch, problem solved. Then I went to the next outlet that I WANTED to be controlled by the switch, broke off the tab, on the brass side, and it does not work with the switch? Both of these outlets I am speaking of have two white wires, and on the hot side, one red, and one black wire. Why, after removing the tab, does it not work with the switch?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Debra,
    The red wire will need to be tested at the location of the second outlet to see if it is in fact controlled by the wall switch. Keep in mind that breaking off the tab on the outlet does not create a switch controlled outlet. All of the necessary wiring and connections must also be in place. I totally understand your brilliant logic, however identifying the existing wiring of the outlets and the wall switch must be performed first, and then the proper connection can be made. Please refer to the switch outlet wiring diagram that my assist you.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave