How to Change Out a Receptacle - The Right Way!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Let’s face it, not everyone is an electrical contractor, nor do they live the exotic life of an electrician! While some of us find many of the tasks we do rather mundane, others may not know how to do them. In today’s episode of Electrician U, Dustin explains how to properly change a receptacle and the tools required to tackle this task.
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Before we actually get to the steps of HOW to change a receptacle, lets discuss a few necessary items first. When performing ANY electrical work, make sure the power is OFF. Unless you have been PROPERLY TRAINED in working on something live AND the situation dictates that the power be ON, turn it OFF. There are 3 basic pieces that are a must for this. First is a plug tester. If it lights up, then the circuit is on. A plug tester has 3 lights on it and depending on which ones are lit up, it will also tell you if it is correctly wired or mis wired. There is a legend on the top of it explaining the different light sequence. To verify power is off simply leave it plugged into receptacle and turn OFF breakers until the lights on the tester go OFF. The second type of tester is a NCV (non-contact voltage) tester or in terms of the trade, a Tic Tracer. While it lights up (some of them also have an audible function) when voltage is present, one must be careful as it won’t tell you WHAT voltage is present, just that something is energized. Use it in the same way as the plug tester; turn off breakers until the light goes off. Finally, a multi meter should be used to verify the absence of voltage. Turn the meter to the appropriate voltage setting and insert the leads into the slots of the receptacle.
Now, once the power is OFF, the change out can commence. Remove the plate, remove the screws holding the receptacle to the box, and pull the receptacle/wires out of the box. Loosen the screw on the hot wire first, followed by the neutral, followed by the ground wire. Using a pair of needle nose pliers, remove the wires from the screws and discard the old receptacle. You can now install the new receptacle.
To install the new receptacle, simply repeat the above steps (in reverse). A couple of items to note, however. Once you place the looped wires on the receptacle, make sure to use the needle nose pliers to close the loop of wire around the screw. Make sure the open end of the wire is on the right side of the screw, so it won’t unwind as you tighten the screw. It is also prudent to tighten the unused screws so there is no chance of them coming into contact with the box. If the box is metal, most electricians wrap electrical tape around the device itself, covering the screws, so the next person to work on the device won’t hit the box with the exposed screws. Once all the wires are back on the screws and tightened, simply screw the receptacle back into the box making sure the ears of the receptacle are tight to the drywall. Use caution not to overtighten as this can cause issues getting the plate to seat against the device/wall properly. You may also use a level to make sure the plate is plumb. Once this is done, turn the breaker back ON and verify the device is working by using your meter or plug tester.
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
Honestly its better that DIYers learn from actual professionals than other DIYers. Its kinda like the blind leading the blind.
Yeah I'm a DIY and I learned all of my electrical knowledge from him. Watching his videos really did teach me a lot
Duh, that goes without saying. Thanks for the insight smh.
@@uppercutshurt5199 im glad my insight was so inspiring to you that you took time out of your day to write such sweet things.
I learned most of what I know from my best friend who is an actual electrician. Helping him wire his house, as well as helping him with side work.
@@zacharykorbet9690 How do you know it's right and properly code compliant ?
I don't understand the gatekeeping that some are adamant about. I'm an electrical engineer and I have learned so much from watching your videos. It makes it a lot easier for me to communicate with my electricians at work because I am getting more insight into what they actually do. You are a great teacher- thank you for educating the population and providing this resource for those in the trades.
I don't think it is gatekeeping.
First, I think it is covering their own butts. Someone goes and does something stupid and gets hurt. Says 'hey, so-and-so said do this' then tries to sue them. Doesn't matter if there is a legal leg to stand on or not, no one wants to deal with that.
Second, this stuff IS dangerous. If you don't know what you are doing, you can hurt yourself or others. Or you could burn down your house. So there is good reason to stress that.
I'll rewire any circuit in my house without a second thought. But I won't do anything in the panel. I have an electrician make those connections.
I know how to do it, doesn't mean I will. Too many amps in there. I'll leave that to the pros.
One thing I like to do is write the breaker number on the inside of the cover plate.
Definitely! The current house I live in has two 200A panels, one is fully loaded, the other is maybe 50% loaded, for around 60 breakers total, of which 7 of them were labeled. I spent a fair amount of time tracking down what breakers when to what, then pulling the plates and writing the panel and breaker number on it. I also created a detailed spreadsheet that I taped to the front of each panel.
I started marking the cover plates recently, but I also put the info in my phone. Makes it easier if the circuit breaker has tripped and you’re in the dark.
It’s also a good place to right what the paint color/code is if you ever need touch ups.
It is better than it not being there. But you have to open the receptacle when the power is on to find out what circuit it is.
@@ecospider5 The risk is very low, even for someone who doesn't really know what they're doing. Remove screw, grasp faceplate by edges, remove, read, replace, re-insert screw. Don't lick the receptacle. Easy peasy.
So easy to learn from a kind (-thinking of people who may do work after him, taping the screws so they won't get shocked, etc.) person who has no arrogance in his voice, however is very confident and loves what he's doing. Win-win for us all!
Happy New Year, Electrician U! 🎉🏆
I respect the fear of teaching DIYers, but there are some of us who watch your channel just to learn. We still call on electricians for work.
I have five Mike Holt books, have taken exams to check my knowledge, own the NEC, and in general have a pretty deep knowledge of this stuff given my education in EE and physics (plus I have designed circuit boards before for microelectronics). But, I still watch to learn code and see how an electrician does stuff, not to kill myself.
Point is, you're a good teacher and you are reaching non-certified electricians who just want to learn and not necessarily do.
It’s always good to know how to do things the right way so even if you don’t ever do it. If you pay someone else to do it you will know if there doing it right.
I taught my sister to put brakes on her car. She helped a bit and most just learned. I don’t ever expect her to do it again but now I hope that she knows enough that she can’t get taken to the cleaners by a shady mechanic or dealership. I enjoy doing my own work in as much as I can. Replacing switch’s and outlets, breakers are easy. Adding a circuit is more involved but not difficult. But you won’t see me putting in a panel and service, that’s just beyond my scope. But there’s no way I’m paying someone else to replace a switch or outlet for $100+.
When I added in a new circuit in my panel for a 50amp 240v welder outlet I found the previous licensed electrician made a mistake and didn’t secure the wires for my ac correctly in the breaker. When your working on your own stuff you can take the time and go over everything and make it right. Had I not been in the panel working and inspected everything I would have never known.
@@FishFind3000 exactly. Ultimately I'm the one responsible for my safety and my children's safety. I want to know this shit so I know it's being done right. It doesn't mean I'm going to do it all, but it does mean I know to spot a crap job, and I'm not paying for a crap job that puts us in danger.
And despite what electricians tell you, there are still those out there who'll do a crap job.
Right. I watch because electricity has always fascinated & terrified me. I want to understand everything about it, even though I don’t think my brain will ever have the capacity. lol
@@FishFind3000 just because they are licensed doesn’t mean they have integrity….I have found so many incorrectly installed details that were done by “licensed professionals”
I find it very hard to believe you’ve read Mike holts books and still hang on to the thought that you might “kill yourself”. If you’ve opened your NEC book to the first few pages you’d read “compliance therewith (of the nec) and proper maintenance result in an installation essentially free from hazard…” Understanding reduces risk in everything from stocks, to planting a seed in the ground to make a profit, to electricity. Get some confidence and quit wasting your money hiring guys to change your receptacles and do it yourself, especially with your background on electricity.
I think it would actually be desirable to have a set of DIYer videos done by someone that knows what they're doing. I see some out there with obvious code violations, like a guy using the screw on the cable clamp for his ground wire. Another valuable tip to DIYers would be how and why to replace backstabbed receptacles or switches with screw terminal or clamp plate connections, and what to do if you have daisy-chained outlets.
Screw on the cable clamp for the ground wire? He was using a screw intended as a mechanical fastener for the purposes of bonding?
As a home owner (not a electrician) I replace recepticals, run circuits and even replaced my electrical panel. The panel was permited and inspectied.
It’s the best way to save money and know the work is done right.
“1 home owner dead after diy electrical work - this is abc news… back at ya. “ Hire a professional you goof balls its not worth your life.
Not everyone is gonna get lucky and do a full run. Stop encouraging people. Its not safe work.
Now days just too expensive to hire a contractor. I had my panel replaced in 2005 cost me $1400 go from 150 to 200. Neighbor got a quote few months ago wanted $5000. I watched the guy do it took him about hour once the utility cut the power and pulled the meter. Most of the time was just waiting around or talking to the inspector about a football game. I understand contractors have lot of costs and have to make a profit but now days just gouging people guy made about $4000 an hour. I'm in my 50's never in my life have I had to do so much DIY work purely because of cost.
@@Mike-01234panel swaps don’t take 1 hr especially with only one guy unless he was swapping a baby sub panel. Plus cost of materials such as the panel tubs, meter base, breakers etc have increased substantially in just the last few years due to supply chain issues. Not sure about the utility company/AHJ in ur area but there’s also fees associated with inspections and getting hydro out there to begin, with the cost being passed down on the customer unfortunately.
There is nothing Wrong with a Homeowner that knows what they are doing , changing out a Receptacle in their own home as long as it's done safely and by the Code !
Haha. Right on. It's mind boggling that someone thinks I'm actually going to call an electrician to change out something like this. Be safe. Use common sense. Know how to use a multimeter. Do a bit of research. 90% of the way towards a 'pro' job at 1% of the cost.
This video helped me replace an old receptable, as a first time DIYer. Thank you so much!
Damn Skippy! Who wants to pay $500 for a recepticle replacement?
I’m with you on that brother! A few years ago I replaced the capacitor on my garage door opener at a cost of about $8. I sent the word out to the neighbors as all our houses were built at the same time. I included a warning on draining the capacitor for safety. The response back, “ Why didn’t I just call a the garage door repair man?” I guess I’d rather learn a little on TH-cam, spend $8 and 5 minutes rather than pay a gut $150 to tell me the motor is dead and then charge another $300 to replace a perfectly good motor!
@@bljdeep not at all. I respect the electrician trade. I'm most likely calling electrician to replace a panel, but $600 to install a plug just so I can plug up appliances is ridiculous.
As always another great video!!! One thing I noticed that you didn't mention that might be important for the DIYer is to make sure when wiring anything in a metal box to make sure the box is grounded as well. In plastic boxes they will not see a box ground but if they do live in an older house that might have metal and plastic boxes mixed throughout someone might not know that a ground is needed to the box as well as the receptacle.
Just FYI for the DIY. 😉
Because it is a replacement the box should already be grounded, but that IMHO is trusting the last person too much. You have the receptical out, it doesn't hurt to double check the previous work while you have access.
I was taught to ALWAYS make sure anything I worked on was correct when I finished the job, even if it meant fixing someone else's mistakes (which unfortunately happens A LOT these days).
Most of your subscribers are DIYers.
I had an electrician associated with the “disaster recovery” company come out to do work, replace panels, new service, replace 1950’s wiring. Instead of bothering to call me, one day he bent a screen and tried to get in the house, setting off my alarm. Then he called me. After the job was done, or should I say, they stopped, I discovered a previously functional outlet receptacle (all were functional, if not grounded) deader than a door nail, in rewiring one thing he killed it and two of the fire damaged circuits weren’t repaired. Both him and the contractor simply ignored me until the Sheetrock, mud and paint guys (insurance only primed the ceilings and two inches of the top walls, meaning I’ll have to paint every room now) were done, then demanded payment. Insurance guy wouldn’t help as he’s several states away. Now I have to separately contract to diagnose, or probably just run a new wire as there aren’t enough outlets in there due to 1950’s construction and no built in overhead lights..I have lots of other stories, like how they gutted the place and disappeared for over two months, or how during demo they just sawed through the bottom of the rafters rather than stop at the proper depth..moral of the story..don’t have a fire, if you do, don’t use a disaster contractor, (maybe use their ppl that remove and clean your stuff, they seemed ok) and get references and a date of completion, and don’t expect help from your insurance. I’d love to replace my receptacle, too bad there’s no power running to it anymore..
Yep, a lesson learned that in the beginning, don't go into default mode but become more Hot and less Neutral about the situation.
Only thing I would add is that I typically don't allow helpers on my jobs to use their drill for the exact reason you explained. They're so worried about being done so they can play on their phones that they won't take the time to check with a screw driver. Just impact it down and throw it into the wall without spacers or box extentions and then ask me why I'm doing their work over again. Lol. Your comment section is like my company shrink or something that I can't let all my gripes out from work 🙃
That’s crazy that they always want to be on their phone, I have my aptitude test on Thursday for the local union I hope I get in and be able to do electrical work to learn and grow not just to try to finish fast to be on my phone haha😊
I deal with lots of stripped or cross threaded screws from years of hack work done by hotel maintenance guys.
I use drills often, but not for many tasks.
Well... you see people overtightening receptacles with screwdrivers more often than not which is just as much of a problem as not being quite tight enough. So an apprentice just snugging them down with a drill is basically the same. By code you're supposed to torque them and ive seen it called out by an inspector before but who ever does that. General rule of thumb is to use the drill only to loosen or snug and a screwdriver or wrench to tighten though.
@@blosky5665 why tighten with a screwdriver at all if a drill is enough? My point is that if my guys are using the drill they will not take the time to use a screwdriver. I've seen a lot more loose connections in my days than I have over tighten, especially on things like recpts. and switches with smaller bits being used to tighten a cheap screw that strips out if you look at it wrong. I've actually seen things be installed too tight with a drill more than I have ever by hand. Usually larger connections though. People have literally used their impact to tighten lugs in meters and panels and caused some more expensive problems.
Electric Screwdrivers fill both niche well.
Thanks for the DIY content! I've got a problem in my house that maybe others share. Our 170 year old house has "mostly" modern wiring, but I swear 75% of our outlet boxes are loose in the walls. I have NO idea why they couldn't secure the boxes better! I'm about to start a campaign to go through and inspect/fortify the boxes, and tighten up the receptacles and switches. Tips / Tricks about that sort of task would be awesome to see. Most of my wiring is romex into steel boxes. At least MOST of the knob & tube is gone.. except for those scary orphaned wires in the attic! :-/
Glad to know as a DIYer that I’ve been doing this correctly! But you didn’t cover a few issues I’m curious about: Is there a standard for using top screw for line wire, bottom screw for load wire? When should you use pigtails versus wire directly? What’s the best method for folding wires into the box behind the receptacles? I leave more complex things to pros, but replacing receptacles, switches, and fixtures is something I need to do frequently
Yep
It doesn’t matter which screw you use top or bottom. I think it’s just his preference to use the top screw however the outlet is positioned in his hand. From other electricians I see them pre-fold the wires before they go into the box kinda like an accordion. Tuck into the bottom then tuck into the top and mash the device in.
@@FishFind3000 pre fold - makes sense - thank you!
1)There's no standard, as it's just passing power from one terminal to the next. UNLESS it's a split receptacle.
2)Always wire directly. Exceptions for multiple gangs of switches with 1 power source, or wires are too short to work with.
3)Accordion the wire (e.g. press the wire into the top left, then bottom right of the box), never spin and press in. Just my 2 cents.
I spent many years as a service electrician.
NEVER USE stab in the back connections.
If you tape the device do not use more than 2 wraps it’s a pain to work on
And may not fit back in the box, especially with GFCI's.
If electricians get mad about people working on their own home, we mechanics don't want you fixing your vehicles.
Us crazy people can't learn if nobody teaches us ... Thx Dustin ... How's your boy doing ?
Thanks for teaching them correctly. I would rather they know how to do it right instead of always having to fix their problems or coming behind someone who has installed them wrong. Also, love your screwdriver. Klein extended multi is my favorite for sure. So much better than all of those 10 in 1s IMO.
My first lesson on replacing a receptacle...never use backstab! Also, I was told not to use tape over the screws, where another told me that he always uses white 3M elec tape over incase a wire breaks, but then I argued if a wire comes loose, you would eventually know. Thoughts on that, taping over the recept lead screws? As for backstab, found too many in condos/townhome construction...sure its quicker but wires expand and contract. Thoughts on backstab versus securely screwing leads?
I do it for metal boxes typically in case someone (myself included) ever has to pull the plug out hot while checking, testing or troubleshooting. I've never had problems. Never heard of tape causing issues. Seems unlikely but that's just my experience
No competent electrician I've ever met would admit to using backstab. It is bad for the reason you stated, and it's also just not a very secure way to attach the wires to the receptacle regardless. Wrapping around the screws or using a clamping type back-wire method are the best ways to wire receptacles.
As for taping when using non-metallic boxes.... I think it's still often a good idea because you're usually using romex in those boxes with a bare ground wire. If a hot wire somehow comes loose from the receptacle you have an extra layer of protection against shorting out on the bare ground wire (or the neutral touches the ground and trips an AFCI). Honestly, I've usually not taped receptacles on residential jobs, but I have been told to do it before and I don't think it's without merit.
DIYer and I always tape receptacles in metal boxes as you have the extra issues with the metal box accidentally completing the circuit. The problem with tape in general is that after so many years it becomes a sticky mess and the next electrician will probably just cut it off which shortens possibly already short wires. I’ve also seen electricians tape wrap the wire nuts.
@@1shakezula1 I always tape receptacles and switches in non metallic boxes exactly for the reasons you stated. Even in a non metallic 2 gang box you could have issues with incidental contact between hot and neutrals.
I especially tape gfci on single gang boxes as there’s no room for them and a higher chance of contacting the box/cover plate.
How do you replace a receptacle, the right way?
Step 1: Turn off the power at the breaker.
Step 2: Disconnect the wires from the old receptacle.
Step 3: Get the shit shocked out of you because you turned off the wrong breaker and didn't verify it at the receptacle.
Another good one to add is when there is hardly any conductor in the box!.. 6 inches minimum from corner of box as per NEC. I've had to deal with this on old wiring & having to fix this. Fun fun lol. Great stuff Justin always, brother! Keep up the good work & teaching!
@@bljdeep lol! Yes! Agreed! I usually do 8 inches on my installs & tuck them neatly back in the corner folded twice.
Useful rhyme I heard from work for remembering where the hot goes in resi settings is “black on brass or it’s your a$$”
7:50 - I think you meant clockwise, but you said counter-clockwise. You said clockwise for the next screw.
Thank you, Dustin. You are right. We are going to do it anyway.
Smart and probably most DIY's usually figure out quickly what we can and shouldn't do. I've started doing most of my own stuff back in the 70's (yes I'm that old) after reading books and articles on how to do what I needed done. Still today I can do most home stuff, but I will not hesitate to call a licensed electrician when needed. Thanks for your channel and the way you teach.
It's helpful to know what to ask for from a licensed electrician, and to be able to do some spot checks on their work too (too many people will show up and do bad work sadly). But I do like to live in a society that is resilient, and won't collapse if people need to do a bit of work on their own homes. Really the same idea as shops class or sex ed. in high school, overall it's better to keep people somewhat safe and capable.
I saw the title and thought wait a minute Dustin hates the DIY guy. Is this clickbait? Guess not. I am a DIY guy although I do some work with a real electrician too. I care a lot and am constantly trying to learn everything I can and if I don't know, I ask. I have had to clean up a lot of other people's messes and have learned that just because it "works" doesn't mean it's right or that people won't get hurt. We're not all hacks and I have even seen some work done by actual electricians that would keep me up at night. I am just trying to be the best that I can be. Thank you for teaching and sharing your knowledge with all of us. You certainly have a gift.
I don’t trust just every one. I’ve known 3 electricians who have died by electrocution.
I should send this to some of the guys at our shop haha
Man I was thinking the exact same. Just fwrd the video to everyone I work with so no one seems singled out lol
The RIGHT way? What the hell does that mean? lol, im just kidding.
At 9:38, don't stretch and tear, instead cut the tape! Over time, the tape will try and return to its original size, and will actually peel apart as it does. I had a case where it unpeeled enough to caused an arc to the metal box when users were abusing the outlet. If you trim the tape and press it down, the tape isn't trying to pull against itself and should not fail.
I like leaving pull tabs on tape. I am sure the next guy will appreciate it.
Electricians might want to stop the hate on DIYers, as I'm sure there are also things they do DIY that take work away from someone else getting paid to complete said task. Some of us are here supporting this channel as DIYers, making sure we're following code, doing things the proper way, and protecting the electricians who may come through after us/down the line. I don't want to blame Dustin for the hate, but it's clearly a contentious topic; If the people who do this for a living want to to b*tch about it, I'll just take my time to another channel and support someone else.
You have to remember electricians tend to be drowning in money relative to most of us. He probably also pays a guy to work on his AC and his vehicles and his roof and what not
The socket tester is one of my favorites, as it also useful for testing UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) for IT.
DYI repair may lead to a future electricians or other technician jobs . I work with automated laboratory equipment, knowing the basics is a big help.
who else noticed that he wired the receptacle for the end of the circuit
DYI repair may lead to a future electricians or other technician jobs . I work with automated laboratory equipment, knowing the basics is a big help.
Thank you for keeping us DIYers safe! I have learned so much from you! I must admit that thanks to you, I will change a receptacle or a switch myself; I will call a pro for anything beyond that. But what I value the most is the knowledge I have gotten from you when I have to call a pro. The way they work, the care they take, and the shortcuts they try on female homeowners because they think we don't know. Thanks to you and your many excellent videos, I truly understand what a professional should look, sound, and behave like (Yes, I also judge them on how neat they wire everything). You are Truly a Master! Please keep the knowledge coming.
An electrician I hired committed a code violation and if I had not brought in another electrician who looked at his work I would never have known that it could have set my house on fire.
Try getting an electrician to give you the time of day for a burnt out gfci.
I’m installing a ceiling fan in my bedroom and have discovered a buried switch loop line in the wall. Not sure how but probably got mudded accidentally at some point before we purchased our home.. I’d like to use it to power my fan but I’m not sure where it come from. It is hot.. How could I go about using it? I’d like to add a switch at that location.. It’s an old house so it’s a 2-wire line, red and black.. any thoughts?
Call an electrician.
And last but not least, leave the plate screw slot in the vertical position. 👍
I prefer horizontal but whatever way you choose make it consistent ✨️
As a beginner fixer upper I so appreciated this video.
As a confessed DIY guy that is willing to jump into a lot of projects, I’ll say that if anything in this video surprised you, you probably shouldn’t do DIY electrical work yet. Good video.
When I add receptacles I will usually just hold the outlet all the way to the left when im tightening the 8-32 screws because it will make it level (if the box is level) and its biased towards the neutral side and I dont have to fuss trying to make it in the center of the screw hole.
6-32
To keep it real, isn't the silver side (neutral) of the receptacle always on the same side as the ground screw? I have all 3 testers. Thanks for the video!
Usually, Ive seen some 4 way switches that have the ground in the center at the top of the switch behind the yolk. The way I keep track is just looking at the receptacles (face) and I know left is neutral.
A memory aide with a slight sexual connotation, “A small slot is always hot!”
I think it's important to note a few more things. One less important, many bigger cities and surrounding suburbs require metal boxes and conduit, and enforcement and requirements go down the further into the suburbs you get. On that note very important, correct me if I'm wrong but I do believe tape is required when using a metal box.
Yep, we're going to do it anyway. If my dad hired electricians, HVAC guys, plumbers, or mechanics or any professional to do anything, I would have grown up in squalor. We always did (and still do) a better jobs than the morons who made all our stuff anyway.
Edit: oh yeah and we do a lot of our electrical on live circuits too
As you said, it's just as useful for apprentices as well, not just DIYers.
Also after you get the plate on, square up the plate cover screws- meaning; align all of them them vertically up and down. Show pride in your work.
The technical name for this is "clocking". And I agree 100%.
No. If a DIYer is doing the work, I'd like them to not do that. It's one of the first initial ways I know that an electrician was not the last one working on that receptacle (then you remove the plate, and find a whole lot more! Hahaha).
@@saberx08 Don’t worry, you’ll still find all the back stabbed wires instead of pigtails. Hahaha.
@@saberx08 Ah, don't want the secrets of the brotherhood in the hands of the laymen, eh?
@@JCWren
Nope, not my point at all. I would like the electrical work of any DIYer to be nearly indistinguishable from if a good apprentice did it. Lining up the screws is a cosmetic preference that has no impact on the safety or function of the receptacle. And, I could care less if they do it or not. I'm just saying lets not say "this is the way" with superficial details, when addressing DIYers.
I love the idea of a good electrician like Dustin sharing "how to's", so non electricians can see how to properly do basic work.
In other reasons to hit the breaker... Changing the plate\cover. I never used to, but when selling my in-laws i was doing a walk through and noticed a cover had a pan head screw. I went to take it off. The receptacle exploded. I think the screw used was longer and damaged the receptacle. Removing it removed some tension and the receptacle fell apart, things touched, fire ball amd explosion. Immediately hit the main breaker to the house. I was fine... But now i take that extra precaution.
Honestly, I have been watching you for a while now and taught me a lot about electrical work. And I have done most of my electrical work at home. Most of my testers are Klein. The good stuff. Everything is bonded. I enjoy doing electrical work over plumbing. I say all this to say thank you.
How does chatGPT replace a receptacle?
Ur awesome man. Im so glad u read so many books and teach it now and blew up. So motivating. I watch all ur videos and impliment them at work (Im an apprentice) its great! I have many books to read though and i love basic/fundamental stuff like ' Electrical for dummies' types books etc. Anybody have any recommendations?? Or what he has read??
Awesome. Now I would like to request a video on removing wire from the insert holes. Most of my switches and receptacles are connected by the insert holes method and not the shepherd's book and screw method. I have tried 4 different tiny screw drivers but am unable to unlock the wire to release it.
Aka backstab
Did you mean shepherd's hook? I know electricians use their personal terminology, but jeez:p
For your issue, grab the wire close to the back and twist the receptacle while gently pulling.
Hey, i was wondering if you had a video talking about how long you would expect tasks to take for different levels of skill. (like change light fixtures, potlights , plugs, or even entering cable into a new build switch box and doing your splices.)
Ultimately I understand quality over quantity, but i find a lot of guys out there have no bar to compare to
Recently had to update all the dimmers in my house b/c they were old and not LED compatible. About 20 of them. House 25 y/o and electrical done by a 'professional.' Found wires wrapped counter-clockwise around screws, loose screws, and no ground wires to switches (though to be fair, I'm not sure if that was code back in 2000). Similar story when I upgraded breakers to DF and put in a SPD. Panel was a mess. Multiple neutrals to a slot on neutral bar. Neutral and ground not separated on a sub-panel. Even if you don't DIY, knowing something about electrical work is useful if you own a house.
Torque-ing to spec is a code requirement...
Was going to say the same.
There's nothing like jacking up over time to guarantee gud-n-tight. 💯 agree with you. Building costs are far too low.
I blew my receptacle today hanging Christmas lights- they were live and had an unfortunate contact with water.. 😭😬 So, I’m GLAD you did post this for us idiot DIYers!! Thanks👍
All live lines give off emf and that's what that pen shaped detector is picking up on. Similar to what they all use in those ghost shows on TV. Just an emf detector basically
I’m a DIYer who just started learning about electrical from basically no knowledge. I’ve used your channel almost exclusively to understand how it works and what to do. Honestly I’ve preferred your channel to DIY channels because you are a professional electrician, who else is better to learn from?
I do a limited amount of DIY work. I don't know how anyone can afford to call out a tradesman every time something small goes wrong. I didn't touch electrical for years because I was always relatively nervous about it, but after some convincing I started learning through videos like this one, and I've been able to fix some small issues with older outlets and switches. Doing these sorts of basic jobs is pretty easy (and dare I say kind of fun as one-off kind projects?). I often get the impression that I'm cleaning up messes left by previous DIYers though, so, profits aside, I see why electricians may not want to encourage this too much 😆
I have done my own electrical for years, but after watching all these videos online I figured out I have done lot of incorrect work. I'm older so lot of this bad work was from the 90's and early 2000's when read 40 page electrical paperback found at HD.
Good video. But shorting the terminals out on metal box is not gonna cause an "explosion", unless the environment is full of explosive gases.
I'm a DIY that took actual electrical classes at the community college.
A few things I'd like to add:
1. Make sure there is no insulation under the terminal screw
2. Make sure the bare wire of the hot and neutral does not extend past the device back.
3 Wiggle the device after installing the conductors and recheck for tightness.
What's your suggestion with dealing with stacons that were crimped tight in the box? Maybe 2-3" of wire. Yeah, I'd like to kick that 90's electrician in the back side for using back stabs and not leaving enough wire to change to terminal connections without adding pigtails.
Finally, Thanks for your more technical videos. They help me know what I want done when I need to hire an electrician.
A DIY’r put both the black wires on the ‘line’ side and both the whites on the ‘load’ side on a GFCI outlet. It made since to him. $100.00 fix.
Why do you say to tighten counterclockwise when it's clearly supposed to be clockwise and you are doing it clockwise? I had to watch three times to try to figure out what you were talking about. You are doing things clockwise not counterclockwise.
I am aware that it sounds like I'm nitpicking but it would become very confusing for somebody like me that doesn't know exactly what they're venturing into.
I want to thank you very much for your video!
Great video but it's plum not level. I hope I spelled plum correctly. Spelling not my strong suit. I'm kinda a DIYer but grew up doing this kinda of stuff Daddy was a Jack of all trades and had the 4 of us doing everything as well. Both of my brothers are linemen but electrical is the last thing I tackled because it can be deadly if you're not careful!
Are electrical wires supposed to be VERY stiff? I changed my first receptacle in my 30 year old house and it was very hard to push it back in and screw the outlet in.
Question: Thank you ! I have a typical receptacle outlet with two vertical plug-ins. When I looked the gold screws had 1 each black wire, the silver had one white wire each. The ground wire was on the bottom. Where are these wires re-attached when I replace?
I cringe everytime I see an '' Amatuer '' or a '' DIY '' doing electrical work of any kind because the majority of them Don't know what in the Sam Hell they are doing and they don't know the Codes !
Can GFCI receptacles share a neutral?
I have a 12/3 UF running out to a new workshop with two GFCI receptacles sharing a neutral, but only one half works at a time either the red side or black side. The other circuit trips at the receptacle when reset. Both sides work as long as the other side is tripped. Any advice?
I found this video so helpful however i was wondering if you could make a special video of a project that a friend and i want to make using a thick extension cord installed into a junction boxed with a wall outlet on it and then next to it a little bit of thick extension cord into another junction box to install a circuit breaker into the junction box and then will put a switch plate that is fully covered up with 2 screws that you have to unscrew to reset the circuit breaker if ever tripped. I wanted to know how to wire that so we can install a 15 amp circuit breaker to a 15 amp wall outlet receptacle. Could you please make a video on that?
I found nothing wrong with your video. We all have to learn someday. The safe way!
Maybe suggest to viewers they should verify the device has a U.L. listing???
Since you're talking to DIYers, this would be mostly residential. so you should have shown this in a residential environment.
If they burn their house down it’ll be rewired and THEN they’ll call me the professional! Lol seriously though DIYers should know the basics so I agree with this
Don't understand the DIY hate. I am a DIY'er and I watch your channel to learn how to do things right. Certainly the average person that wants to learn can change out a receptacle or switch without subjecting themselves to any more danger than using a ladder or saw. Anyway, thanks for what you do!
There should be some discussion about AFCI protection and Tamper Resistance.
I am a first year apprentice and have seen many of my journeymen backstab the plug instead of wrapping it around the screw. It’s not the backstab with only the crappy metal pin but the clamp-on version of backstabbing the plug. Is this a valid way to install a plug?
I'm not there, but from what you wrote it sounds like they're using back wiring, which is very different from back STABBING. Back wiring, where the wire is clamped down is becoming more and more common, and it holds the wire very securely as long as you tighten the screw down properly (which you have to do anyway even if you use traditional wiring, wrapping your hook around the screw).
Back stabbing refers to receptacles that have little holes in the back that are just big enough for the wires to fit into. I doubt your journeymen are using those.
yep 👍 back stab = handyman, back wire = professional. back wiring is when the receptacle has a plate that clamps against the wire when you tighten the screw down.
The funny thing is is no one is explaining to people on here that backstabbing is a UL listed method of wiring a 15 amp duplex receptacle when using 14 gauge solid conductors. While it is NOT UL listed to backstab with 12 gauge conductors. Everyone is just saying not to do it. Which I totally agree with. I never do it and would never recommend it. Although I’ve rewired many houses that all the receptacles and switches where all backstabbed and had been that way for 40 plus years. Even done so with #12. So yes it’s UL listed to do it with 14 but not 12 and never recommended. Hell , even in residential when there’s more than two wires in a box I make pigtails for the receptacles.
@@saberx08 that’s precisely what I mean. I just didn’t know that there were different names for these methods. I appreciate the feedback
Don't use resdintal grade usually poorly made compared to commercial grade in my opinon residential outlets😮 (recipticals) should probably not even be allowed on the market.
Found one with the green screw on the same side as brass screw live side I have a video of it on my you tube
What is different about brown outlet - notice the green screw is on live side
could you do a video explaining why power in a residential place is 120 volts and not 110 volts like half the people think it is or even a hundred like some weird people think it is.
maybe something along the line so that 12 times 3 is 36 and that's what a circle is and how power comes into your home...
something like that but you are the expert so you have to figure out how to explain it to humans.
After watching your video I believe I could do this job myself God bless you and thank you for your videos ❤
Thank you for this video! I'm about to replace my TR outlet with the british ones, a much superior alternative to this abomination.
I use a multimeter to test power. Those other testers are great, also.
Also what’s the reason commercial environments use metal electrical boxes and residential use plastic? I have metal one in my house that was built in the 70’s. I’m replacing it with a plastic box, now.
If the panel is not marked - Plug a lamp into the receptacle, turn it on, open breakers until it goes out. I do check the receptacle with my Fluke 117 after I get it out of the box.
For the life of me, I'll never understand the contempt tradespeople have towards diyers. I would bet my last dollar that *every single one of them* started life as a diyer but after going to school and working a couple years, now they're just so much better than the rest of us mere mortals.
Neat trick ….with the Klein plug tester. If the ground sucks in the dwelling , one way to tell is to push the gfci button on the tester (on a non gfci cct) . One of the lights on the tester will dim more then the other (I haven’t tried in a awhile so I forget which light actually goes dimmer) .
I think if you make a proper video that shows people how it’s professionally done, it will help them to understand if something is over their head and make them more likely to call a professional if they don’t think they’re capable.
I’ve always used the NCV tester to simply see if something is hot/live or not. It surely isn’t a measuring device. Are you saying it isn’t good for that? Is that not what it is for?
Nice video. You suggest that tape may not be required in residential apps. I have come across numerous times that ground wire is bare. In those cases you definitely want tape on outlet, residential or not.
Thank you great video without a bunch of senseless droning on n on about common sense stuff. Love it, very informative good info. Thanks so much
Is it illegal for me to change a bunch of receptacles for my landlord if I've attended a residential wiring class and have an iet degree but no actual field experience w residential? I've done industrial wiring on machines and installed a ton of receptacles during the residential course but its been a few years so I'm watching this video and figured someone in the comments might know the answer.
Great video..Why do you use those cheap receptacles? I've gotten so I only use commercial or hospital grade.
the beeper i was told it jus good to know if power is on/off basically it. and like u said it doesnt detect120/240
Thats an awesome idea my house is set up like zones instead of individual roons and large appliances
It seems you put a 20A receptacle in a 15A branch circuit, which is a code violation.
Use comercial grade outlets (Recipticals) p&s make good ones they clame their tamerper restant ones are easer to insert plugs in to than their competers plus the shutters are black instead of white; in my opinon look estically better.
no tape destroys temp rating of device, bad advice, if your going to try n teach know ur stuff, tape destroys temp rating of device is straigt from manufacturer, know ur stuff or stfu
Love your videos keep them coming
You forgot the most important part the screws go up and down that sideways real electrician should know lol ❤ love your videos man