Replacing 2 Wire and 3 Wire Receptacle Outlets

How to Wire Replacement Electric Outlets: Types of Outlets, 2-Wire Outlet and 3-Wire Outlet, Outlet Wiring Connection, Outlet Trips a Circuit Breaker.

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 be  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

Electrical Outlets

Electrical Wire for the Home

electrical outlet wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlet 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 wire

Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.

For more information about Outlet Wiring
How to Install Electrical Outlets

Wiring Electrical Outlets
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Wiring Electrical Outlets 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. 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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