by Francis Jock

Created on: April 21, 2009   Last Updated: April 27, 2012

If your electrical plugs and cords are sagging, or you've discovered that an electrical outlet is cracked, chipped or broken in any way, it's time to replace it. Installing a new electrical outlet is not a difficult job, and can be accomplished by anyone with a basic understanding of household wiring.

The first step is to remind ourselves that working with electricity always begins with two important safety reminders.

1. Always treat electricity with respect. A 110-volt jolt can be nasty and even fatal under wet or damp conditions.

2. Always be sure to turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker or fuse box, and then double check the outlet for the presence of stray voltage.

Now, it's time to gather the tools you'll need to complete the job. You will only need a few common tools to complete the job. A respectable electrician's tool box will include a straight slot screw driver, needle-nosed pliers, a wire stripper, and an electrical circuit tester.

Electrical circuit testers are very important to have on hand as they are used to test for the presence of electricity. Typically, these are two-prong plug in devices that light up when one end of a probe is inserted into an outlet or connected to a wire and the other end is connected to electrical ground. Some electricians prefer to use hand-held multimeters or electronic induction testers to perform this task. An electronic induction tester doesn't require inserting a probe into the outlet, as it sounds a distinctive chirping sound whenever the plastic tip is positioned near anything that is "hot", or carrying household voltage.

If these devices are not available to you, try plugging in a lamp or a radio to perform the same test. Be cautious, as lamps and radios will not provide an indication of any stray voltage present at the outlet. This sometimes happens if an outlet is incorrectly wired or there is a wiring problem elsewhere in the home. Troubleshooting the reason for the presence of stray voltages can be a difficult task and should be left to a professional if at all possible.

Steps for replacing a faulty outlet

Once you are satisfied that the electricity is properly turned off, the faulty outlet is safe to remove and replace. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1. Remove the outlet's cover plate.

Step 2. Remove the outlet by backing out the top and bottom screws that hold it in place.

Step 3. Note the position of the black and white wires. The black wire should be held in place with a brass colored screw. The

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