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Very few home improvement projects offer as much potential, both functional and practical, as upgrading or adding new electrical outlets. It may not sound that significant, but adding DIY home electrical outlets (or electrical receptacles) can offer many advantages, from increasing power accessibility to enhancing the actual operating system within your house. Whether you’re adding outlets to a newly created space or updating outdated ones or troubleshooting a faulty outlet, knowing how to correctly install or replace them can help you save time and money.
At the end of the article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to give you an overview of how to do it while providing detailed information on the types of outlets you might need, what tools you’ll need, safety tips, and the above details will help you get it done quickly and safely.
Reason to Upgrade or Add New Home Center Outlets
Before jumping into the process, it is helpful to know the reasons a new or upgraded outlet may be needed. An efficient home outlet system eliminates cramped power occupancy in an outlet. Here are a few reasons you should consider adding or upgrading your outlets:
- Enhanced Convenience: Installing additional outlets in areas where you often use electronics (like your living room, kitchen or home office) helps to minimize the use of extension cords and power strips, leaving your spaces clean and organized.
- Enhanced Safety: Aging or damaged outlets can pose a fire risk. Whether replacing old, 2-prong outlets with the new grounded outlets or updating wet areas to GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets to prevent electrical shocks or fires;}
- Increased Functionality: You might have to add outlets for new rooms like a garage, basement, or shed where electricity was not an original feature. Outlets with greater power (for example, 20-amp outlets versus 15-amp outlets) can handle the demands placed on them by more powerful appliances and tools.
- Meeting Codes: When it’s time to renovate or remodel, be sure that you’re upgrading your outlets to current building codes. Local codes typically call for certain types of outlets — such as GFCI in kitchens or bathrooms — to safeguard against potential electrical hazards.
Types of Home Center Outlets
So before you get started with your DIY outlet project, it’s worth having a look at some the different types of outlets, so you can be sure to pick the correct one for the job. Some common outlet types are:
- Standard 120-Volt Outlets (15-Amp): This is nearly the most common outlet type in the average home. They’re generally meant for low-power appliances, like lights, TVs and small kitchen gadgets.
- 20-Amp Outlets: Designed to accommodate more power than the standard 15-amp outlets. They’re usually found in rooms where higher-powered appliances are in use, like space heaters, DIY tools and large kitchen appliances.
- GFCI Outlets — These ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets are required in wet rooms, such as bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. These detect electrical faults (like a short circuit or moisture) and cut the power immediately, preventing electrical shocks.
- USB Outlets: These contemporary outlets have built-in USB ports that enable observation other individuals, with or without devices. These have also become more common in home offices, bedrooms and living rooms.
- Tamper-Resistant Outlet: These outlets come with built-in shutters that guard the slots from itself getting plugged by foreign objects and are recommended for use in homes with toddlers.
- Switched Outlets: These outlets allow you to control them with a wall switch.Via. This is especially useful for lamps or appliances you use often, but want the ability to shut off easily.
Tools You’ll Need for the Job
Once you have decided to install or upgrade the home center outlets, you need to make sure that you already have the right tools and the right equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Voltage Tester — You need a voltage tester to see if the outlet on which you’re working is still live or the power has been turned off.
- Screwdriver Set — You will need a set of screwdrivers with flathead and Phillips head tips to unscrew and reattach the outlet covers and wires.
- Wire Strippers: You must use wire strippers to gently remove the insulation from the electric wires so that they easily connect to the outlet.
- Needle-nose pliers: Useful for bending wires into position to connect them to the outlet terminals.
- Wire Cutters: To cut the wires to size.
- Outlet tester: An outlet tester is handy for checking whether your new outlet is correctly wired and grounded.
- Tape or Marker — Label any wires to be disconnected (this makes it easier to re-connect to the new outlet).
- Wire Connections: Not only do they ensure safety, they also serve other purposes on certain equipment.
Safety Precautions
Making a mistake when working with electricity can be deadly if safety precautions are not taken. Always make sure you’re put in a safe environment and take the necessary steps to prepare yourself.
- Shut Off Electricity: Before doing any work, go to your home’s electrical panel and turn off the circuit breaker that feeds the outlet you’re working on. Confirm that no electrical current is running through the wires with a voltage tester.
- Safety Tips: Use the right tools: Always use insulated tools to minimize the risk of electric shock. Additionally, wear rubber-soled shoes and work on a dry surface to reduce electrical hazards.
- Follow Local Codes: Make sure to adhere to your local electrical codes to confirm that your installation is up to standard and won’t create a safety problem down the line. If you don’t know the codes, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional.
- Don’t Overload Circuits: Consider the number of outlets you’re adding to one circuit; overloading can lead to overheating — and possible fires. If in doubt, ask an electrician to help you calculate the load capacity of your circuit.
How to Install or Upgrade Outlets: Step-by-Step Guide
So here’s a quick overview of how to install or upgrade your home center outlets.
Step 1: Shut off power to the circuit
The most basic step, and the most important, is to disengage the power at the circuit breaker. Determine which breaker powers the circuit you are working on, and turn it off. Use a voltage tester to verify that the outlet has no power.
Step 2: Take off the outlet cover
Use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws that hold the outlet cover. Put the cover aside for later use. If you’re replacing an old outlet, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the outlet in place.
Step 3: Disconnect the Wires
After exposing the outlet, use a voltage tester to double-check if there’s no current is passing through the outlet. Next, gently unscrew the outlet and pull the wires away. Make a note of how that the wires are connected (use tape or markers to label them) to help you out when you’re reconnecting.
Step 4: Install the New Outlet
If you are replacing an outlet with a new one, attach the wires to the new outlet in the same way as the old one. Generally, black or red wires would go to the brass screws (hot), white wires would go to the silver screws (neutral) and the green or bare wire would go to the green screw (ground). Tighten the screws securely.
Step 5: Mount the Outlet
Once all the wires are in place, slowly and carefully shove the outlet in the electrical box. Turn the outlet around and fix it to the box with screws to get the outlet tightly attached to the box.
Step 6: Install the Outlet Cover
After installation, put the outlet cover back on and screw it back in.
Step 7: Replace the Fuses and Restore Power
Go back to your circuit breaker and switch the power back on. Check that everything is wired correctly and that the outlet works with your outlet tester.
Step 8: Test the Outlet
Finally, plug a device into the outlet to test it and ensure it’s functional. If you have a GFCI outlet, press the “test” button to make sure it’s working properly.
Conclusion
This is a simple changing in the DIY home center outlets solution for improving your home. For any potential outlet installation or upgrades, knowing the proper processes, and using the right tools while following guidelines will allow you to DIY the installation drive. Whether you’re adding more outlets for convenience, upgrading to modern outlets for better safety, or meeting code requirements during a renovation, this DIY project is tackling an essential home upgrade. If you ever feel lost on how to do this, please consult an electrician for help and recommendations.
