WOW! What a clear, concise teaching with a reassuring voice... Anyone should be able to do this after watching. After reading some of the comments, I did learn that it's BEST to wrap the wires around the screws rather than taking the SHORT-CUT and inserting them into the holes that can come out and cause a fire!!!. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY and it only takes a little longer and a little more patience to install that way. Thank you so much!
I have replaced numerous outlets for alot of people. I have NEVER used the holes in the back of the receptacle. The reason being, "contact surface area". The screw has alot more surface contact area than the connections in the holes. Take one apart and look. Those little contact areas burn out from coffee pots, higher amperage vacuums, toasters. I learned this from two people. Teacher and insurance agent.
Allowed me and my step son to change the socket easily. Especially when you explained how to tell you have the correct one. The spare we had at home wouldn't accommodate the wires so we went and bought the correct one. However, the 20 amp didn't have holes, you just pushed them into slots secured by screws. Great video. Thank you so much!
I would like to share my thoughts just because I see a lot of confusion from the viewers and it worries me that there might be people that still are lost. I would also like to add that I am an Electrical Engineer (not and electrician). As this gentleman didn't show but did talk about turning off the power. Plug in a light or use a volt meter to check that the power is off, do not rely on the breakers being marked correctly. The voltage level and amperage rating can kill you. This being said, once the power is off and verified, you are safe. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THEM WHILE THEY ARE LIVE! It doesn't feel good when you are hit with 110 through the heart. I reiterate, breakers are not always marked correctly. Now this gentleman showed you all the correct steps in the video. I do however want to point out that pushing the wires into the holes on the back is not a good way to make a solid connection with the receptacle. Yes they are provided and that is a correct way to connect wires however because it is not a "solid" connection, as a plug heats and cools naturally through amperage flowing through it, these connections expand and contract. This expansion and contraction, along with moisture in the air, causes a problem that we in the electrical and physics professions call, the heat/corrosion/resistance cycle. This will actually cause your plugs to fail quicker. Contractors love to use these because it makes their job easier, just like leaving debris in your crawlspace because its easier than cleaning it up. The BEST way to connect receptacles is using the screws on the side, curling the wire around the screw in the clockwise direction just like the ground screw was done and tightening them down against the wire. If you choose not to use the screws, at the very least tighten them in to compact the profile of the duplex receptacle. Now, I saw a reference to electrical tape. Electrical tape is a good idea but is not required to be used. Electrical tape adds a margin of safety when working in the box but the covers are all that is needed to prevent the wires from being moved, or anything from touching the terminals once the cover is on. In all if you follow this gentleman's video you will have successfully replaced a duplex receptacle in your house and done it safely. Good luck
+Mark Neubauer Oh and I'd like to add ... when you use the screw terminals, make sure that the insulation is stripped back far enough. The screw should not be tightening down on the insulation, it should be tightening down on the metal conductor itself. :)
Before I retired I was an equipment installer for a large, and we government agency and we were forbidden from installing wires into the holes in the back of the receptacles. We had to wrap the wires around the screws. This was not house wiring but I think caution is a wise idea.
This is funny. i have been watching your motorcycle content for years. now I'm working in my bathroom and I find this video.... I just keep coming back.
It's a pretty good video, but not 100% correct or advisable. Don't use the backstab holes, use the screws, or better yet get a commercial spec grade receptacle in which you can back wire or side wire. More durable. You can legally put a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit, it's not inferior in any way if you use a commercial spec grade receptacle.
Even though he was installing a different style outlet I learned several very important things from watching this how-to video. Thanks for your excellent tutorial! 👍 😊
Had a bad receptacle that caused all the plugs & switches to go out and have no power in a section of my downstairs. This vid helped with the install process of a new outlet which solved that issue.
Thank you for the educational video. You saved me at least $100 I would have paid an electrician for this; AND my reputation with the Mrs. is at an all time high!
I just replaced a 30+-year-old plug. It had the push-in contacts, and I did not see the slots you were talking about to free the wires. Well, after I cut the wires and installed the new plug, (with screws, not push in), I discovered the slots were on the BACK of the plug, not the side. Lesson learned. Thanks.
Several things come to mind while watching. First it's against code to land the wires as you show two on each side that makes the receptacle carry the load through the rest of the circuit. By code the wires have to be spliced together and a single wire taken to each side unless it's a switched plug then the white wire is still spliced not the blacks. Second is the use of the push-in terminals, I have made tons of money replacing receptacles that have burnt from people using the push-in instead of landing the wires under the screw terminals. The push-in doesn't apply enough pressure to make a good connection and will sooner or later cause them to heat up and even cause a fire.
I didn't even watch the whole video, the begining was enough for me to learn and change all my power plugs at home. Very nice sir I'm glad you put this video I would of have to pay someone to do a simple and fun job, I'm proud of my self.
Thank you for this great (clear / informative) video! As well as answers to your viewer comments! I too had 6 wires & 4 screws! I took the easy route and inserted the 'extra' two wires (on appropriate sides) into the holes on the back of the new outlet! Finally... plugs stay IN! Thank You!! Lisa
I prefer to connect the hot and neutral wires to the screw terminals instead of stabbing them into the back of the receptacle, it just makes a stronger connection. Always wrap wires clockwise around terminal screws. It's also a good idea to wrap the sides of the device with a couple layers of electrical tape to keep the terminal screws from shorting out against the bare ground wire or a metal box if the outlet gets loose.
The plug is not switched...good news for me!. Thank you once again! - I can now complete this "project" with confidence and my kids room will be much safer. Wonderful video and awesome advice!
Thanks for making this video! The detail you gave on the video was extremely useful and it ended up making our job a lot easier. We don't usually leave comments on videos but we wanted to let you know that really appreciated how you explained everything so clearly.
Thanks for the video. First DIY fix-up I've actually done (LOL) tonight with a bad outlet. Helped me to relax about the whole thing, no big deal and it went off without a hitch.
Thanks! Replacing the outlet was actually a lot easier than I thought, I guess I didn’t really need this guide after all. Once I unscrewed the backplate, there wasn’t all those wires like how yours showed, it was only just a black and white wire. All I did was loop them them over the new outlet and screw everything back into place, and voila, new outlet installed!
For some people that don't know but in some jurisdictions it is against code to use the back stab connections on the back of an outlet. Use the side screws when ever possible if back stabbing is code. It is much more safe using the screws.
As an Entertainment Electrician, and dealing with high wattage power distros, you should ALWAYS connect the ground first, then neutral, and finally your hot lines. That how we do it when running three phase power to a touring rack.
here are some comments on the outlet replacement. 1. When you were talking about turning off the breaker you are supposed test the outlet with a radio lamp or a voltage meter 2. Do not use the backstab holes on back of an outlet they will get loose and cause fire hazard use the screws to keep the wires tight. 3. That outlet needs to be pigtailed with a wire nut. 4. You are using the wrong screwdriver use a #1 robertson or ecx screwdriver. 5. It's a good idea to wrap electrical tape around the terminal screws that way it does not get contact with the ground wire or the outlet box.
Critical to your safety to plug a test light, lamp or voltage tester into each socket AFTER you think the power is turned off at the breaker box; some individual outlets are switched and this box had separate hots and neutrals for each plug. Why take a chance that could end your life if you're wrong. Don't use the stab method, use the screws. It's easy to burn down your house or apartment if you make assumptions, instead of actually knowing what you are doing. Don't buy the cheapest outlets - there are reasons they are cheap, none of them good. If any of your wires are aluminum, call an electrician immediately instead of proceeding. Read and follow the advice in the long comments to this video from several electrical professionals. Otherwise, nice video, and thanks for making it.
I have been a electrician for 16 years and I don't recommend to ever push the wires into the back like this video shows it a garbage connection and 9 times out of 10 when I go to a house when a room is missing power it always end up being a loose connection because of wiring a outlet or a switch like that , take the extra 30 seconds cut the wires clean off the back of the old outlet and strip them and loop them around the screws and tight the screws up
+RH421939 Yes. With a strong electrical background, I have "Never" trusted that type of connection. Poor connection equals high resistance meaning a fire hazard. I could never understand why electrical code would allow for such an installation!! I have seen one situation where I went to resolve a problem a customer had. Tore into the wall and found where someone used an extension cord to do their own work. Talk about improper electrical practice!!
frunches if you have a 1 black 1 white and 1 bare ground wire or it could be green depending on how old the wire is or what type it is you just have the end of the circuit or the end of the way they just ran the wire, in this video they have 2 whites and 2 blacks because it has a feed coming in and the other wire continues the feed going out to other outlets or lighting , I recommend wrapping the wire around the screw instead of using the stab lock or I call it back stab connections like the video shows,, strip about 5/8 inch of insulation off the white and the black wires and loop them tight around the screws on the side of the outlet white goes to the silver color screw and black goes to the other side that is the brass colored screw and the ground goes to green screw,,just make sure you loop them in the correct direction you want your loop to wrap around the screw in the direction you tighten it so the loop gets tighter when you tighten the screw
+RH421939 omg. i need to talk to you. you seem so knowledgeable about this. can I have your email? or anywhere i could talk to you directly? this would mean so much.
Thanks a lot for the VERY informational video ! Good to know the details, would be awesome if you could also write it in the summary... White - neutral, goes with the ground Black other side
Never go by the wire gauge to determine the size of a circuit. Wire gauges are sometimes bumped up or down to allow for voltage drop. You could end up putting a 20A or 30A plug on a 15A breaker. Always verify the circuit size at the panel! I know some will say, well, the breaker should pop if you go beyond 15A anyways. Nope, not always. I've seen Federal Pioneer breakers allow the current to go WELL beyond their rating, and also fail to trip during multiple short circuits.
Thank you very much for your help it was very helpful and got it done myself with the help of your video... never done it before because I don't mess with electricity but in this case it my outlet was sparking every time....
If your house is older and the box doesn't have a ground wire, you can still install a gfci, but the outlet should be labeled that there is no grounding wire (stickers may be included with the gfci). You also need to verify what wire is the power into the box, and which wire(s) are power out to other receptacles (line and load respectively).
Thanks. You possibly save my house from burning down or me killing myself or just not doing the repair correctly. I have 2 black and 3 white wires. I don't have 15 or 20 amp breakers. I have 30 amp fuses and know that I don't need a 30 amp outlet. I won't be doing this myself.
It's okay to use 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit, but you can't use a 20 amp receptacle on ac15 amp circuit. However, you can use a 15 amp spec grade receptacle instead of residential grade for the heavy duty aspects of a 20 amp receptacle but with a 15 amp plug pattern.
We flip the receptacle so the ground is facing up when you replace it back into 5he box. This ensures any thing that touches the plug while it’s getting inserted into the receptacle will touch the ground first.
I am not going to be rude but You are better off to hook the wires in the screw terminals, make sure all screw terminals are screwed in even if no wires are hooked on it. I have seen many shorts to the box because the screw terminal eventually touched the box. Finally maybe it Is the lighting of my phone but those wires look to be aluminum. If That Is the case You need to use antioxidant or better to buy an outlet good for Aluminum. Your Install could Be safe but not the safest. There Is a potential fire hazard. Sorry i liked your video but those are critical errors.
First of all, you didn't show testing the outlet for power though you did mention it. But what rather more unnerving is your loop for tour ground wire is too long and sticking out, plus a pro tip: wrap the terminals with an electrical tape so as to prevent having the bare ground wire accidentally touching your terminals as you push the outlet into the box or when plugging in appliances.
1. Backstabbing a receptacle 🚫 2. N.E.C permits 15 amp receptacles to be on 20 amp circuits. 3. Always pigtail and send one hot wire and one neutral to the receptacle 4. If there’s no ground wire, it needs to be gfci protected 5. Don’t ever listen to TH-cam “electricians” 6. Call an electrician. Our trade isn’t for Harry the homeowner. There’s a lot that can go wrong with something even this small that can be potentially deadly to you and your family.
+Theresa Patrie. the screws make for a more solid connection. it prevents the wires from moving from the natural thermal cycle of the outlet due to use. the pressure from the screw on the wire also makes it harder for moisture to find it's way in. heat + moisture leads to corrosion which leads to increased resistance in the connection which leads to more heat and a potential fire hazard.
@@whitechapel131 you say call an electrician? Lol I just moved to a house & previous light switch were pushed in not tied to the screws... electrician gonna do same shit lol
You can have a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit as long as it is not the only receptacle on that circuit. IBEW union journeyman here. We all do a 5 year apprenticeship (equivalent to a Masters Degree) We are the best electricians in the world.
Freeloving MGTOW Why only if it has other receptacles? All my dedicated circuits, frig, microwave and freezer are 20 amp and 15 amp receptacles. Only washer seems to be single 20 amp receptacle.
+John Moustakas Glad to help. You're right, if one doesn't do this type of thing regularly the memory fades. It has helped me in the past to remember that the ground screw is on the neutral side of the receptacle.
Thanks. The manager of my building just sent up matance who i quickly realized didnt know what he was doing. I asked him if he turned braker off and he said "no, but dont worry no juice is coming through". I went down and hit it instead of arguing. However he connected no ground and wrapped wires around screws instead of pushing it inside the back. I was going to attempt it but our building was built in the 1940's and there is only two wires. Im not sure if there is a ground but the two i saw were both copper. Maybe he was just putting copper around the screws and didnt touch the other wires and thats why i didnt see them? But it seems like the wires are short. Should i attempt to pull them gently or just call an electrician since i wont attempt splicing. Thanks again. Its easy enough but so intimidating. Your video was perfect and everything you said was clear and made sence. I only have two plugs so im a little frustrated waiting for someone to fix.
+Brandi Ericksen thanks for the comment. It is ok to wrap the wires around the screws, and then tighten the screws. The push in connector is just to speed things up. Older houses sometimes didn't have a ground circuit (all your appliances will work without the ground, it is there for safety). Good thinking turning off the breaker, it probably wouldn't be pleasant having a zappped maintenance guy.
Thank you for the information, in the comments are awesome however for myself this is one area where I cannot afford to be frugal and do it myself. I have to pay a paid professional.
It is acceptable to use 15 amp recepticles on a 20 amp circuit. Using the push in terminals is not recommended. If you're not going to use the screw in terminals those screws should still be screwed in.
I don't understand how the ground wire, the hoop, does not touch any other wires. I see you pushed the wires into the box by folding, but won't it touch everything? That's the only part I don't get and am worried about. Can you respond or anyone here? p.s. Thank you for showing this video, you are a true professional if you ask me.
+C_ Farther The bare grounding wire can touch the other wires where they are insulated. But not on metal to metal! That would create a short circuit. :P
Thank you, I did it. Your video and talent is very appreciated. One problem, when I put a new face plate on, it didn't go flush with the plugin thingys--they are kinda' pushed in, I couldn't adjust them to come out more. Advice?
There are spacers that you can get, which should fix your issue. The spacer goes in between the outlet and the junction box, so that the outlet will sit further out, closer to the face plate.
Very simple and straightfwd video. Highly appreciate it. I wish I could learn these things at further level w/o paYing someplace for schooling and notes n' homework again. Already have no work w/ mech engr degree : ^/ Hehheee and i liked how u said "the need _preesents itself" in the beginning, or "it's just Ugly" lol
Also dont hurt to put electrical tape around sides of receptical covering screws and wire after wires attatched to sides .I agree 100 percent with artical below B.L Alley artical .Fact its also code in many places now .
hey guys , it does not matter if you place the wire around the screw or in the holes in the back they are both good options provided your plug is at approved standards. however i must say from experience pushing the wire into the holes are a much faster method and if you noticed he tugged the wires a bit to insure they were not slack when he pushed them in.
I actually finished the project for the light switch only I cant put in an actual wall outlet because the outlet doesnt have a grounding wire. I think the house was built around 1940-50. Thanks
Is the outlet controlled by a switch? If one of the outlets on the receptacle is controlled by a switch, the blacks are power in and out on the non switched outlet, and the red is the power for the switched one.
WOW! What a clear, concise teaching with a reassuring voice... Anyone should be able to do this after watching. After reading some of the comments, I did learn that it's BEST to wrap the wires around the screws rather than taking the SHORT-CUT and inserting them into the holes that can come out and cause a fire!!!. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY and it only takes a little longer and a little more patience to install that way. Thank you so much!
I have replaced numerous outlets for alot of people. I have NEVER used the holes in the back of the receptacle. The reason being, "contact surface area". The screw has alot more surface contact area than the connections in the holes. Take one apart and look. Those little contact areas burn out from coffee pots, higher amperage vacuums, toasters. I learned this from two people. Teacher and insurance agent.
Allowed me and my step son to change the socket easily. Especially when you explained how to tell you have the correct one. The spare we had at home wouldn't accommodate the wires so we went and bought the correct one. However, the 20 amp didn't have holes, you just pushed them into slots secured by screws. Great video. Thank you so much!
I would like to share my thoughts just because I see a lot of confusion from the viewers and it worries me that there might be people that still are lost. I would also like to add that I am an Electrical Engineer (not and electrician).
As this gentleman didn't show but did talk about turning off the power. Plug in a light or use a volt meter to check that the power is off, do not rely on the breakers being marked correctly. The voltage level and amperage rating can kill you. This being said, once the power is off and verified, you are safe. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THEM WHILE THEY ARE LIVE! It doesn't feel good when you are hit with 110 through the heart. I reiterate, breakers are not always marked correctly.
Now this gentleman showed you all the correct steps in the video. I do however want to point out that pushing the wires into the holes on the back is not a good way to make a solid connection with the receptacle. Yes they are provided and that is a correct way to connect wires however because it is not a "solid" connection, as a plug heats and cools naturally through amperage flowing through it, these connections expand and contract. This expansion and contraction, along with moisture in the air, causes a problem that we in the electrical and physics professions call, the heat/corrosion/resistance cycle. This will actually cause your plugs to fail quicker. Contractors love to use these because it makes their job easier, just like leaving debris in your crawlspace because its easier than cleaning it up.
The BEST way to connect receptacles is using the screws on the side, curling the wire around the screw in the clockwise direction just like the ground screw was done and tightening them down against the wire. If you choose not to use the screws, at the very least tighten them in to compact the profile of the duplex receptacle.
Now, I saw a reference to electrical tape. Electrical tape is a good idea but is not required to be used. Electrical tape adds a margin of safety when working in the box but the covers are all that is needed to prevent the wires from being moved, or anything from touching the terminals once the cover is on.
In all if you follow this gentleman's video you will have successfully replaced a duplex receptacle in your house and done it safely.
Good luck
+Mark Neubauer Oh and I'd like to add ... when you use the screw terminals, make sure that the insulation is stripped back far enough. The screw should not be tightening down on the insulation, it should be tightening down on the metal conductor itself. :)
yes he did
u explained that perfect thank u
Mark Neubauer 😁😁😆😁
Before I retired I was an equipment installer for a large, and we government agency and we were forbidden from installing wires into the holes in the back of the receptacles. We had to wrap the wires around the screws. This was not house wiring but I think caution is a wise idea.
You all are a bunch of haters.... I didn’t know where to even put my screwdriver on this thing before I watched this! Thanks man!!
Don't use the back hole (called Backstabbing)!
It can be a fire hazard.
Curl the wire around the screw in the same direction as you tighten the screw.
I agree completely!! This video saved me from possibly burning my house down
This is funny. i have been watching your motorcycle content for years. now I'm working in my bathroom and I find this video.... I just keep coming back.
July 21 2024 I needed this information today. Thank you for keeping this video in your collection.
It's a pretty good video, but not 100% correct or advisable. Don't use the backstab holes, use the screws, or better yet get a commercial spec grade receptacle in which you can back wire or side wire. More durable. You can legally put a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit, it's not inferior in any way if you use a commercial spec grade receptacle.
Even though he was installing a different style outlet I learned several very important things from watching this how-to video. Thanks for your excellent tutorial! 👍 😊
Thank you so much for the lesson. You just saved me $2.00 for each one to place, now I can do it myself!
Had a bad receptacle that caused all the plugs & switches to go out and have no power in a section of my downstairs. This vid helped with the install process of a new outlet which solved that issue.
Thank you for the educational video. You saved me at least $100 I would have paid an electrician for this; AND my reputation with the Mrs. is at an all time high!
Great video. Thank you. I wasn’t sure which wire was hot. I thought it was white. Thanks man. I appreciate it.
I just replaced a 30+-year-old plug. It had the push-in contacts, and I did not see the slots you were talking about to free the wires. Well, after I cut the wires and installed the new plug, (with screws, not push in), I discovered the slots were on the BACK of the plug, not the side. Lesson learned. Thanks.
The screw terminals are better. The push in connections are less reliable.
Several things come to mind while watching. First it's against code to land the wires as you show two on each side that makes the receptacle carry the load through the rest of the circuit. By code the wires have to be spliced together and a single wire taken to each side unless it's a switched plug then the white wire is still spliced not the blacks. Second is the use of the push-in terminals, I have made tons of money replacing receptacles that have burnt from people using the push-in instead of landing the wires under the screw terminals. The push-in doesn't apply enough pressure to make a good connection and will sooner or later cause them to heat up and even cause a fire.
I didn't even watch the whole video, the begining was enough for me to learn and change all my power plugs at home. Very nice sir I'm glad you put this video I would of have to pay someone to do a simple and fun job, I'm proud of my self.
Thank you for this great (clear / informative) video! As well as answers to your viewer comments! I too had 6 wires & 4 screws! I took the easy route and inserted the 'extra' two wires (on appropriate sides) into the holes on the back of the new outlet! Finally... plugs stay IN! Thank You!! Lisa
I prefer to connect the hot and neutral wires to the screw terminals instead of stabbing them into the back of the receptacle, it just makes a stronger connection. Always wrap wires clockwise around terminal screws. It's also a good idea to wrap the sides of the device with a couple layers of electrical tape to keep the terminal screws from shorting out against the bare ground wire or a metal box if the outlet gets loose.
My question was about the black & white thing. You answered that very sufficiently. Thank you, sir!
Thank you! - Best video I have seen for replacing an older electrical outlet!
Thank you so much for making this video. Waiting since 1988 for this wall receptacle to be replaced has worn out my patience.
The plug is not switched...good news for me!. Thank you once again! - I can now complete this "project" with confidence and my kids room will be much safer. Wonderful video and awesome advice!
Thanks for making this video! The detail you gave on the video was extremely useful and it ended up making our job a lot easier. We don't usually leave comments on videos but we wanted to let you know that really appreciated how you explained everything so clearly.
+Joe Gonzalez Thanks so much I'm glad you liked the video.
Thanks for the video. First DIY fix-up I've actually done (LOL) tonight with a bad outlet. Helped me to relax about the whole thing, no big deal and it went off without a hitch.
Great to hear it all went smoothly!
Thanks! Replacing the outlet was actually a lot easier than I thought, I guess I didn’t really need this guide after all. Once I unscrewed the backplate, there wasn’t all those wires like how yours showed, it was only just a black and white wire. All I did was loop them them over the new outlet and screw everything back into place, and voila, new outlet installed!
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Nicely done! It's good to have these reminders for stuff you don't do very often and which are very simple.
For some people that don't know but in some jurisdictions it is against code to use the back stab connections on the back of an outlet. Use the side screws when ever possible if back stabbing is code. It is much more safe using the screws.
Thank you for completely explaining which wire goes in the exact port.
As an Entertainment Electrician, and dealing with high wattage power distros, you should ALWAYS connect the ground first, then neutral, and finally your hot lines. That how we do it when running three phase power to a touring rack.
Thanks for posting!! Now I know how to change a wall outlet. God bless brother
I am about to changed an old outlets in my house, and your video is very helpful thank you for sharing.
Thanks, you made it clear and easy. I have a lot of uglys that I can now replace !
here are some comments on the outlet replacement.
1. When you were talking about turning off the breaker you are supposed test the outlet with a radio lamp or a voltage meter
2. Do not use the backstab holes on back of an outlet they will get loose and cause fire hazard use the screws to keep the wires tight.
3. That outlet needs to be pigtailed with a wire nut.
4. You are using the wrong screwdriver use a #1 robertson or ecx screwdriver.
5. It's a good idea to wrap electrical tape around the terminal screws that way it does not get contact with the ground wire or the outlet box.
Critical to your safety to plug a test light, lamp or voltage tester into each socket AFTER you think the power is turned off at the breaker box; some individual outlets are switched and this box had separate hots and neutrals for each plug. Why take a chance that could end your life if you're wrong. Don't use the stab method, use the screws. It's easy to burn down your house or apartment if you make assumptions, instead of actually knowing what you are doing. Don't buy the cheapest outlets - there are reasons they are cheap, none of them good. If any of your wires are aluminum, call an electrician immediately instead of proceeding. Read and follow the advice in the long comments to this video from several electrical professionals.
Otherwise, nice video, and thanks for making it.
Thanks for making this very clear. I've shocked myself before (on a capacitor) and was nervous to replace a wall plug receptacle. I got this now.
Turn off the entire breaker box
Great video. I just replaced my first outlets! Thanks!
I have been a electrician for 16 years and I don't recommend to ever push the wires into the back like this video shows it a garbage connection and 9 times out of 10 when I go to a house when a room is missing power it always end up being a loose connection because of wiring a outlet or a switch like that , take the extra 30 seconds cut the wires clean off the back of the old outlet and strip them and loop them around the screws and tight the screws up
+RH421939 Yes. With a strong electrical background, I have "Never" trusted that type of connection. Poor connection equals high resistance meaning a fire hazard. I could never understand why electrical code would allow for such an installation!! I have seen one situation where I went to resolve a problem a customer had. Tore into the wall and found where someone used an extension cord to do their own work. Talk about improper electrical practice!!
hi there I need tips one fixing my socket. in this video there are 3 wires. when i tried to change ours, it only had 2 wwires please help ty.
frunches if you have a 1 black 1 white and 1 bare ground wire or it could be green depending on how old the wire is or what type it is you just have the end of the circuit or the end of the way they just ran the wire, in this video they have 2 whites and 2 blacks because it has a feed coming in and the other wire continues the feed going out to other outlets or lighting , I recommend wrapping the wire around the screw instead of using the stab lock or I call it back stab connections like the video shows,, strip about 5/8 inch of insulation off the white and the black wires and loop them tight around the screws on the side of the outlet white goes to the silver color screw and black goes to the other side that is the brass colored screw and the ground goes to green screw,,just make sure you loop them in the correct direction you want your loop to wrap around the screw in the direction you tighten it so the loop gets tighter when you tighten the screw
frunches or if you just have a white and a black your are supposed to put in a 2 prong outlet or a gfi outlet if you need that 3rd ground prong
+RH421939 omg. i need to talk to you. you seem so knowledgeable about this. can I have your email? or anywhere i could talk to you directly? this would mean so much.
Thanks for getting to it! I hate when I look up videos an they want to give you a long speech like their a broadcaster lol thanks bro
All things considered sir, I found your video most helpful. Thanks for your content, it is much appreciated.
HEY BRO.YUR VIDEO IS MORE CLEAR THAN THE OTHERS I WAS WATCHING. So you deserve a like and my subscription thank you so muchfor the imformation
Thanks a lot for the VERY informational video ! Good to know the details, would be awesome if you could also write it in the summary...
White - neutral, goes with the ground
Black other side
Thank you. In 2019 still works.
Great video. You explained very well where the wires went. Thanks.
I'm glad the video was useful for you. Thanks!
THANKS!!! You saved me $180 bucks
Thank you for the video. Being my 1st replacement, I had no idea the back had a release for the wires.
Miku Ivalice Happy to help, thanks!
Never go by the wire gauge to determine the size of a circuit. Wire gauges are sometimes bumped up or down to allow for voltage drop. You could end up putting a 20A or 30A plug on a 15A breaker. Always verify the circuit size at the panel! I know some will say, well, the breaker should pop if you go beyond 15A anyways. Nope, not always. I've seen Federal Pioneer breakers allow the current to go WELL beyond their rating, and also fail to trip during multiple short circuits.
This one was easy. The ones where the conductors are too short to work with are the real challenging change outs.
Great demonstration! Very good explanations.
Great to hear, thanks
Jennies Garage 👍🏾👍🏾
This sure made my life easier! Thank you💖
This was a perfect video for me :) Got it replaced perfectly. Thank you so much for posting.
You should always do the ground wire first for safety reasons .
Watched all videos on the topic. Yous was the most helpful. Thank you sir
Thank you very much for your help it was very helpful and got it done myself with the help of your video... never done it before because I don't mess with electricity but in this case it my outlet was sparking every time....
Thank you is an understatement
😘
Thanks for helping me not get electrocuted
Thank you very much for such a useful video and clear and easy explanation!
i would always recommend using the screw terminals instead of the holes on the back. Think long term
Your video simply described this process! Thank you!
If your house is older and the box doesn't have a ground wire, you can still install a gfci, but the outlet should be labeled that there is no grounding wire (stickers may be included with the gfci). You also need to verify what wire is the power into the box, and which wire(s) are power out to other receptacles (line and load respectively).
Thanks. You possibly save my house from burning down or me killing myself or just not doing the repair correctly. I have 2 black and 3 white wires. I don't have 15 or 20 amp breakers. I have 30 amp fuses and know that I don't need a 30 amp outlet. I won't be doing this myself.
Great video! Perfect step by step instructions.Thank you. 😊
It's okay to use 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit, but you can't use a 20 amp receptacle on ac15 amp circuit. However, you can use a 15 amp spec grade receptacle instead of residential grade for the heavy duty aspects of a 20 amp receptacle but with a 15 amp plug pattern.
Very helpful video, easy to follow. Thanks.
We flip the receptacle so the ground is facing up when you replace it back into 5he box. This ensures any thing that touches the plug while it’s getting inserted into the receptacle will touch the ground first.
Thanks so much. Now with TH-cam I can figure out how to do a lot of this stuff myself!
maewoo333 haha, power to the people!!
Easily one of the best tutorials on he subject! Thank You!
I am not going to be rude but You are better off to hook the wires in the screw terminals, make sure all screw terminals are screwed in even if no wires are hooked on it. I have seen many shorts to the box because the screw terminal eventually touched the box. Finally maybe it Is the lighting of my phone but those wires look to be aluminum. If That Is the case You need to use antioxidant or better to buy an outlet good for Aluminum. Your Install could Be safe but not the safest. There Is a potential fire hazard. Sorry i liked your video but those are critical errors.
I thought it's better to wrap the neutral and hot wires around the screws and tighten… Because pushing it in might loosen
It is the best to use the screws.
Yes, using the screws *is* better.
First of all, you didn't show testing the outlet for power though you did mention it. But what rather more unnerving is your loop for tour ground wire is too long and sticking out, plus a pro tip: wrap the terminals with an electrical tape so as to prevent having the bare ground wire accidentally touching your terminals as you push the outlet into the box or when plugging in appliances.
Nice and easy video! thanks!
ALTN8NRG Glad to help!
Thank you for the great instructions!
The 3rd prong is a ground installed for safety. The plug will still work without it, but won't be as safe.
1. Backstabbing a receptacle 🚫
2. N.E.C permits 15 amp receptacles to be on 20 amp circuits.
3. Always pigtail and send one hot wire and one neutral to the receptacle
4. If there’s no ground wire, it needs to be gfci protected
5. Don’t ever listen to TH-cam “electricians”
6. Call an electrician. Our trade isn’t for Harry the homeowner. There’s a lot that can go wrong with something even this small that can be potentially deadly to you and your family.
I would highly recommend not to use the push in style, but rather use the side screws.
why? Often with replacement wiring, the wires are tight and really hard to wrap around the screws...
Theresa Patrie that's why you pay an electrician
+Theresa Patrie. the screws make for a more solid connection. it prevents the wires from moving from the natural thermal cycle of the outlet due to use. the pressure from the screw on the wire also makes it harder for moisture to find it's way in. heat + moisture leads to corrosion which leads to increased resistance in the connection which leads to more heat and a potential fire hazard.
@@whitechapel131 you say call an electrician? Lol I just moved to a house & previous light switch were pushed in not tied to the screws... electrician gonna do same shit lol
Solowarrior1221 dumbass
NEVER use the stab-in always use the screws!! The stab in comes loose and the outlet won't work.
You can have a 15 amp receptacle on a 20 amp circuit as long as it is not the only receptacle on that circuit.
IBEW union journeyman here. We all do a 5 year apprenticeship (equivalent to a Masters Degree) We are the best electricians in the world.
Freeloving MGTOW
Why only if it has other receptacles? All my dedicated circuits, frig, microwave and freezer are 20 amp and 15 amp receptacles. Only washer seems to be single 20 amp receptacle.
Thank you for sharing that video.Help me out alot.👍👍
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. That's a long time! It will probably take some time to get used to the "new" outlet!
that outlet will get loose because you are not supposed to push the wires on back of the outlet
Thanks..believe it or not this helped with any doubts I had on doing something this simple
😊
The trick to doing this is making it look good. Having a outlet flush and plum on an uneven wall can be a chore
Thank you very much for a good video. I needed a little refresher. Hot on brass. Thanks
+John Moustakas Glad to help. You're right, if one doesn't do this type of thing
regularly the memory fades. It has helped me in the past to remember
that the ground screw is on the neutral side of the receptacle.
+Jennies Garage You should not be making how-to electrical videos. Multiple errors in this.
Excellent, helpful video. Informative. Nice voice.
Thanks. The manager of my building just sent up matance who i quickly realized didnt know what he was doing. I asked him if he turned braker off and he said "no, but dont worry no juice is coming through". I went down and hit it instead of arguing. However he connected no ground and wrapped wires around screws instead of pushing it inside the back. I was going to attempt it but our building was built in the 1940's and there is only two wires. Im not sure if there is a ground but the two i saw were both copper. Maybe he was just putting copper around the screws and didnt touch the other wires and thats why i didnt see them? But it seems like the wires are short. Should i attempt to pull them gently or just call an electrician since i wont attempt splicing. Thanks again. Its easy enough but so intimidating. Your video was perfect and everything you said was clear and made sence. I only have two plugs so im a little frustrated waiting for someone to fix.
+Brandi Ericksen thanks for the comment. It is ok to wrap the wires around the screws, and then tighten the screws. The push in connector is just to speed things up. Older houses sometimes didn't have a ground circuit (all your appliances will work without the ground, it is there for safety). Good thinking turning off the breaker, it probably wouldn't be pleasant having a zappped maintenance guy.
Thank you for the clear instructions!
Thanks you for sharing this Exelent class with good explanation. Good work.
Thank you for the information, in the comments are awesome however for myself this is one area where I cannot afford to be frugal and do it myself. I have to pay a paid professional.
It is acceptable to use 15 amp recepticles on a 20 amp circuit.
Using the push in terminals is not recommended.
If you're not going to use the screw in terminals those screws should still be screwed in.
thanks so much man your work is amazing slowly but nicely shown way ,,,
His work isn't amazing. Nothing he did in this video is right
I don't understand how the ground wire, the hoop, does not touch any other wires. I see you pushed the wires into the box by folding, but won't it touch everything? That's the only part I don't get and am worried about. Can you respond or anyone here?
p.s. Thank you for showing this video, you are a true professional if you ask me.
+C_ Farther
The bare grounding wire can touch the other wires where they are insulated. But not on metal to metal! That would create a short circuit. :P
Thank you, I did it. Your video and talent is very appreciated. One problem, when I put a new face plate on, it didn't go flush with the plugin thingys--they are kinda' pushed in, I couldn't adjust them to come out more. Advice?
There are spacers that you can get, which should fix your issue.
The spacer goes in between the outlet and the junction box, so that the outlet will sit further out, closer to the face plate.
Who knew? God love you, thanks for answering. I'll go bug the Home Depot guy about those spacers.
Always tug on the wires after inserting them, occasionally they don't grab the first time. Those outlets are call EZ wire,,
Very simple and straightfwd video. Highly appreciate it. I wish I could learn these things at further level w/o paYing someplace for schooling and notes n' homework again. Already have no work w/ mech engr degree : ^/ Hehheee and i liked how u said "the need _preesents itself" in the beginning, or "it's just Ugly" lol
Thank you. That's Clear !
Happy to help, thanks!
use the screws, not the quick connect push in, as they WILL heat up under load
Really good information and how to.
Gave a lot of detail... thank you
Thanks, was wondering how to release the wires.
Also dont hurt to put electrical tape around sides of receptical covering screws and wire after wires attatched to sides .I agree 100 percent with artical below B.L Alley artical .Fact its also code in many places now .
Thank you I appreciate your video very helpful
thanks for the info it was a big help if i hadent looked it up id probably of done it rong and blew a fuse of worse bernt my house down so thanks man.
haha, whoa that was a close one! Happy to help.
hey guys , it does not matter if you place the wire around the screw or in the holes in the back they are both good options provided your plug is at approved standards. however i must say from experience pushing the wire into the holes are a much faster method and if you noticed he tugged the wires a bit to insure they were not slack when he pushed them in.
I actually finished the project for the light switch only I cant put in an actual wall outlet because the outlet doesnt have a grounding wire. I think the house was built around 1940-50. Thanks
Is the outlet controlled by a switch? If one of the outlets on the receptacle is controlled by a switch, the blacks are power in and out on the non switched outlet, and the red is the power for the switched one.