What do I need before replacing an outlet?
You need a replacement outlet rated for the circuit, a non-contact voltage tester, a screwdriver, and a phone to photograph the wires. Know which breaker feeds the outlet and label it before you start. Gather everything first so you are not hunting for tools near an open box.
Most household outlets are rated for 15 or 20 amps. Look at the breaker and the existing outlet to match the rating, and never put a higher-rated device on a lower-rated setup without checking.
Work in good light and have a flashlight. Rushing around a dim box is how people miss a second circuit sharing the same space.
How do I know the power is really off?
Flipping the breaker is not enough proof. Test the outlet with a non-contact voltage tester or plug-in tester, and test again after removing the cover plate. Some boxes carry wires from more than one circuit. Verify with a tester every time before touching any wire.
If the tester still indicates power, stop and find the second breaker, or call an electrician. Never assume a labeled panel is accurate.
Keep other people in the house informed so nobody flips the breaker back on while you are working.
What are the signs that I should stop and call an electrician?
Stop if you see aluminum wire, cloth-covered insulation, burnt or discolored wire, no ground wire, a crowded box, or loose connections. Any outlet that is warm, sparks, or smells hot should not be used until a licensed electrician inspects it.
These conditions point to deeper wiring problems that a new outlet will not fix. Older homes in Sun City and Glendale may have wiring of various ages behind the walls.
A burning smell, sparking or a warm cover plate is a stop-and-call situation. Turn off the breaker if it is safe to do so and keep the circuit unused.
When do I need a GFCI outlet?
Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, laundry areas and outdoor outlets generally require ground fault circuit interrupter protection, which cuts power fast when it detects current leaking to ground. A GFCI is a different device from a standard outlet. Replacing one with a standard outlet in those places is not code compliant.
A GFCI can protect other outlets downstream on the same circuit, so the wiring order matters. Connect the line and load terminals correctly or protection will not work.
Press the test and reset buttons monthly. A GFCI that will not reset, or trips constantly, needs to be checked or replaced.
Should I hire an electrician instead?
Hire a licensed electrician if the wiring is old, the outlet is damaged, you are unsure about the circuit, or you want several outlets changed or added. Correct wiring is a safety issue, and mistakes can stay hidden for years.
Adding new outlets, moving them or replacing a run of old ones also involves code requirements that a professional knows.
Vortech Air-Conditioning & Electrical handles outlet, switch and rewiring work in the West Valley. Use the call button on this page to describe what you need.
More questions: Rewiring, Outlets and Switches: 12 Most Asked Questions