Replacing an Electrical Outlet

How to Replace an Electrical Outlet: When an Electrical Outlet has been Damaged or is Worn Out then Replacing the Outlet is Necessary using this Process © By: Dave Rongey

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How to Replace an Electrical Outlet
[ad#block]Question: I plugged my iron into an outlet this morning that already had my laptop plugged in.

• Something fell on the plugs while in and the outlet started to spark, (or ark) nothing was coming out of the outlet it was inside.
• Nothing looks burned, nothing is hot.
• I took it apart and tighten things up and it has stopped.
• Should I be worried?

This electrical question came from: Sean in Oklahoma

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

Replacing an Electrical Outlet

When an Electrical Outlet has been Damaged or is Worn Out then Replacing the Outlet is Necessary using this Process

Replacing a Wall Outlet
Sean, when an electrical outlet has sparked because of something that fell into it, replacing the outlet is always a good idea because the internal parts may have been damaged and there may be residual foreign matter that could affect the performance of the outlet or interfere when a device is plugged into the outlet.

• Purchase the same outlet and make sure it is the same voltage and amperage.
• The outlet circuit should be positively identified and shut OFF before proceeding.
• Note the wiring configurations for the existing outlet and match the same wiring onto the replacement outlet.
• If the wiring has been damaged or the wiring appears to have been  altered then the wiring should be checked.
• Replacing outlets and checking home electrical wiring is best performed by a licensed electrician who will be sure to match the exact type of outlet and use a reliable high quality brand outlet and make sure the electrical wiring is correct.

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