Replacing electric outlets is probably the easily electric-related task for a do-it-yourselfer to accomplish. That's in part to the very simple and straightforward design of wall plugs and outlets. From testing to complete replacement, handling outlets is inexpensive and quick.

To test electric outlets, first turn off the power. Get what's known as a continuity tester and insert one probe in each of the plug slots. Do this for both receptacles on the outlet. The tester will glow if the plugs-ins are working.

Unscrew the screws holding the cover plate in place and remove. Then remove the screws that hold the receptacle in place, and pull it out. Turn the power back on, and very carefully touch only one of the probes from the continuity tester to a brass terminal and the other to the silver terminal. If it doesn't glow, then use the tester to check across the neutral and hot wire coming into the box. Do not touch it to the bare ground wire. If you check the hot and neutral wire and it glows, then power is in the wires and it's just not coming through the receptacle. It's time to replace the electric outlets.

To replace electric outlets, turn the power off again. A circuit tester is an inexpensive tool, so get one and use it to make sure the power is off before you attempt to replace the outlet. Remove the screws holding the cover plate in place, and then remove the screws holding the receptacle in place. Don't touch terminals or wires. And be sure that when you're working with the receptacle that you're careful with the wires to avoid pull them and breaking on far behind the wall.

Now's a good time to just look at the old receptacle so you can see exactly how you have to wire the new one. You may have to insert bare wires in the back, or use side mounted terminal screws. Unscrew these screws on the old receptacle and gently pull the wires away. Don't yank, jerk or over-bend these wires. Be sure the ends of the wire are clean and stripped at least one-quarter of an inch in.

Wire the new electric outlets the same way the old one was attached. Generally, white wires are connected to silver terminals, and any colored or black wire is connected to the brass one. Electric tape should be used to cover any bare wires or terminals. Carefully fold the wires in and push the receptacle into the wall. Screw on the cover place and turn the power back on. You can use a receptacle tester to ensure that the power is flowing through this receptacle properly.

The procedure is the same whether the electric outlets are old two-pronged versions or newer three-pronged versions. The only difference is that with newer electric outlets you'll have to deal with the grounding wire. Just look at how the old outlet was done and you'll find replacing electric outlets is an easy task.

Photo Credits: Rennett Stowe

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Handy Man, Replace, electrical system

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circuit tester, continuity tester, electric outlets, glows, good time, hot wire, inexpensive tool, ins, jerk, neutral wire, probes, receptacle, receptacles, slots, straightforward design, t touch, terminal screws, wall plugs, yank