Replacing 2 Wire and 3 Wire Receptacle Outlets
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How to Wire Replacement Electric Outlets: Types of Outlets, 2-Wire Outlet and 3-Wire Outlet, Outlet Wiring Connection, Outlet Trips a Circuit Breaker. © By: Dave Rongey |
Wiring Methods When Replacing Outlets
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am trying to replace a 2 prong recepticle with a 3-prong receptacle.
- The existing wire is 12-2, I removed the old outlet and installed a new one ,connected the wires and the ground.
- When I turned the power on my detector sensed power throughout the whole receptacle but when I plugged into the outlet I could not get power through the outlet into the device I plugged in. ( device aka shop-vac).
- What did I do wrong and is there a way to correct it?
This electrical wiring question came from: Richard, a Homeowner from Coplay, PA.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Richard.
How to Wire Replacement Electric Outlets
- Types of Outlets
- Receptacle outlets should be replaced with the same type, and the same voltage and amperage rating.
- 2-Wire Outlets and 3-Wire Outlets
- Three wire outlets should not be installed if a ground wire is not present, two wire receptacles may be purchased and installed instead.
- Outlet Wiring Connections
- Wiring connections should match what was found on the original outlet. Only one wire is to beĀ used per screw terminal.
- Outlets that Trip a Circuit Breaker
- If the circuit is tripping the circuit breaker then the wiring connections and installation methods must be checked and verified.
More about Replacing Receptacle Outlets
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