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.

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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.

So I went to Home Depot and bought some new plugs and installed them.
When I turned on the breaker switch, I saw a spark behind the breaker and it flipped back to the off position.
I consulted with an electrician and he asked me if I had broken off the tabs on the “hot” side of the outlets. I didn’t.
So I went back and sure enough the old plugs were missing the tabs. I removed the tabs on the new outlets and now everything works fine.
My question is why did this happen and have I done any damage to the breaker or the new outlets that I should be concerned about?

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

Typically there are two circuits that provide power for kitchen counter top outlets.
One wiring method is to have one circuit supply power to the top outlet, and the other circuit provides power to the bottom outlet.
When this method is used the outlet tab on the hot or brass side must be removed to avoid a direct short between the two circuits.
Typically a direct short circuit does not damage a circuit breaker, and inspecting the outlet and electrical wiring inside the junction box will reveal if these components sustained any damage that will required repairs or replacement.

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

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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “How to Replace Kitchen Outlets and Avoid a Direct Short”

debra mckenna says:

October 9, 2015 at 6:43 am

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?
Dave Rongey says:

October 9, 2015 at 3:20 pm

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

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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.

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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.