Replace an outlet
Replacing an outlet is a common first electrical job, and the safety comes first. Turn off the breaker, then confirm the power is off with a tester, because breakers are sometimes mislabeled. The video here shows testing, wiring and mounting a receptacle step by step.
Take a photo of the wiring before you disconnect anything. Match each wire to the same terminal on the new device, keep the bare ground wire connected, and check the box is not overfilled. If the outlet is near water, it needs GFCI protection; our GFCI guide explains where. Aluminum wiring, scorched boxes, or wires you can’t identify are a reason to stop and call an electrician. See when to call a licensed pro.
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