Electrical work is considered to be quite dangerous, which is why it requires a lot of care and caution, especially if you are not used to doing it on your own. However, there are some things that you can very easily manage on your own, like changing light bulbs, replacing dimmers, replacing fuses, and many others.

You might have noticed that an electrical outlet or two in your home doesn’t hold the electric plug properly anymore, i.e. the plugs fit loosely into the socket, or you have to fiddle with them so they would power up your appliance or device. In most cases, you may also hear a crackling sound when you plug anything into the socket.

If this is happening in your home, then it is high time that you call an electrician in Vancouver to replace the faulty power outlet with a new one. Alternatively, you can even do it yourself, as it can be done in a few easy steps without any hassle.

This article covers everything you need to know about replacing electrical outlets, as well as noticeable signs that it is time to replace one in your house.

When and Why Should I Replace an Electrical Outlet?

The question is, how do you determine whether it is time to replace a power outlet or not? As mentioned above, one of the most common signs is when the plug starts falling out or fitting loosely into the socket. This happens because the metal sockets inside the outlet wear out over time, causing them to deform a little.

Let’s have a look at some further reasons why you should think about replacing an outlet in your home.

The Outlet Feels Hot when you touch it

Another major indication to change your outlet is when you can feel it heating up when you put in a plug or touch it. Due to the current running through the wires and the metal components of your electrical outlet, they do heat up a little, but if they are considerably hotter, then this is not a good sign. Moreover, it can also cause a fire hazard that can be dangerous for you.

Mostly, hot outlets tend to melt or deform the plastic or material that their faceplate is made of, and you can notice the black or burn marks around the edges of their sockets. If you notice these signs, stop using that outlet immediately and make sure to replace it as soon as possible.

Sparks, Crackling, or Burning Smell

If you plug an appliance into the power outlet and you notice sparks in the socket, this is a strong indication that something may be wrong with your power outlet. Also, you may hear a crackling sound, which is the sound made when the metal pins of the electric plug come in contact with the metal socket inside the outlet. Moreover, there may also be a burning smell, or smoke coming out of the sockets.

If you notice any of these signs, immediately remove the appliance you have plugged in, and discontinue using the outlet until you can replace it. It can be very dangerous for you to keep using it like this. Moreover, it can also cause a short circuit and if your home’s electrical system isn’t properly grounded, you may get electrocuted by touching the metallic surface of your appliances.

You Have Old Outlets

If you live in a home that hasn’t been renovated for a while, you may have outdated or old outlets as well. Although there is no harm in using them, old electrical outlets become weaker over time and fail to provide their maximum efficiency when it comes to supplying power to your appliances. Since most new appliances and devices require more power or an uninterrupted supply, your old outlets might not be able to fulfill the requirement.

Plus, old outlets often have loose wiring or components that can cause a short circuit, as they have been installed for a good many years. Therefore, make sure to replace all of the outlets in your house, so that you can stay safe from any electrical hazard.

Your Outlets are Ungrounded

One of the most dangerous things in an electrical system is ungrounded power outlets, which pose a major fire hazard. Most ungrounded outlets only have two-pin sockets instead of three, so you won’t be able to plug in most appliances in them. Even if there are three-pin outlets, using them would put you at risk of frying your appliances’ circuitry, or even causing an electrical fire.

If this is the case in your home, then not only do you need to get your outlets replaced, but also hire an electrician in Vancouver to take care of the grounding.

You have Damaged Outlets

If there is any crack or damage on the faceplate of your electrical outlet, you might disregard it and keep using the outlet. However, the cracks may allow dirt and debris to enter and damage the electrical components, which can cause a loss of power or failure to provide full current. Therefore, leaving your electrical outlets as is can prove to be harmful in the long run.

If you experience any one of the aforementioned problems with your power outlets, it is high time that they should be replaced to avoid any problems with your electrical system or your home appliances. It is best to get your faulty outlets replaced as soon as possible so that there is no room for any hazard or damage.

It is also possible to replace your electrical outlet even if there is no issue with it. One of the main reasons for this is that you have recently bought a large and high-powered appliance and you need it to get full power without any interruptions. In such cases, most people go for high-quality power outlets that can bear the load easily.

You may also upgrade all of the electrical outlets in your home as a safety measure, or to add more utility. As mentioned above, most homes only have two-pin sockets, which makes it difficult for you to plug in three-pin electric plugs. Also, when you replace your old outlets with new ones, it also enables you to get all of the wirings inspected, and this can greatly help in fixing any underlying issues that wouldn’t have been detected otherwise.

How Many Different Types of Electrical Outlets are there?

When you are replacing an electrical outlet in your home, you will be faced with a decision to choose the right one, and there are many different types of outlets that you can find out there. Let’s have a look at some of the most common power outlets that are often found in homes.

• 15A, 120V Outlets

15A, 120V outlets are power outlets that run on 120 volts and provide a maximum current of 15 amperes. They are considered to be the cheapest among all of the outlets, and they come in both two and three-pronged variants. They are best for normal and moderate home usage and can be used for light appliances that don’t have a high voltage or current requirement.

• 20A, 125V Outlets

This type of outlet provides more current than the previous one, making it suitable for devices and appliances that need up to 20 amperes of current to run efficiently. They are more suitable for kitchen appliances, washing machines, heaters, etc.

• 20A, 250V Outlets

20A, 250V outlets are specially designed for large appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and many others. Their installation is a bit more complicated than others, as they require the installation of a double-pole circuit breaker in the main panel, for which you would need an electrician in Vancouver to do it properly.

• Tamper-Resistant Receptacles

Tamper-resistant receptacles refer to electrical outlets that are designed for maximum safety. They have a physical barrier inside them, which restricts the entry of any other object except an electric plug. This makes it particularly safe for homes that have children.

• GFCI Outlets

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter or GFCI outlets are becoming quite popular nowadays, and they are mostly used in places that are close to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, crawl spaces, laundry rooms, and even outdoors. These outlets keep monitoring the current flow in your electrical system and as soon as there is a spike or drop in the current, its interrupter circuit kicks in immediately.

GFCI outlets are particularly suitable for high-moisture environments. For instance, if your hair dryer or hair straightener drops into the sink and gets wet, the circuit to the outlet will instantly trip to prevent any electrical hazard.

• Switched Outlets

These power outlets are just like any other outlet you see, but they are equipped with a light switch, which enables you to turn the power on and off, rather than having to remove the electric plug every time you want to disconnect a device or appliance. These are also very easy to install in place of your existing outlets.

• USB Outlets

USB Outlets are the latest trend in electrical outlets, and they feature one or two USB ports along with a standard power socket. These outlets allow you to charge your smartphone and other devices without the use of a charging plug. Moreover, you can also plug in your USB-powered devices into these outlets.

• Smart Outlets

Last but not least, you can also replace your old and outdated power outlets with smart outlets, which not only monitor the energy consumption but can also be programmed to turn the power on and off as per schedule. These are particularly useful for appliances that are used at a certain time, such as coffee makers, lawn sprinklers, etc. Moreover, you can also use them to charge your phone and turn it off after a specified duration, so that you don’t overcharge it.

The type of electrical outlet you choose depends on your electricity requirements, as well as the space you have. You also have to keep the dimensions of the outlet in consideration, as you need to replace your old one with a newer type.

Steps to Replace a Power Outlet in Your Home

Now that you have an idea of the reasons why you would need to replace an outlet, as well as the different types of outlets you can find, let’s move on to how you can actually replace one in your home. Before you get on with it, make sure that you know the circuit rating of your current outlet, so that you can get one that matches it. Otherwise, you may have to install additional electrical components if you get a high-powered outlet.

1. Turn the Power Off

First and foremost, you have to turn the power off in your home, especially if you have never replaced a power outlet before. Most electricians would be able to do it without turning off the electricity, but it is an ill-advised move. If you know which circuit breaker powers up the room in which you have to replace the outlet, then simply flip it off. Otherwise, you can turn off the main breaker to cut off the electrical supply completely for a few minutes.

2. Test for Zero Power

This is a precautionary measure, but it can prevent any accidents or injuries caused by electrocution or a fire hazard. Once you have turned the circuit breaker off, you can take a voltage tester and insert its probe tips into each port of the receptacle. The voltage tester should have a reading of zero volts and if it doesn’t, this means that something is definitely wrong with your outlet or electrical system.

3. Remove the Face Plate

The next step involves removing the faceplate of your electrical outlet, which refers to the white plastic or ABS cover that hides all of the metal components and wiring behind it, giving your outlets a neat look. To remove the plate, you need a screwdriver and remove all of the screws that attach it to the wall. This will allow you to remove the faceplate easily. It would be wise to check for power once again with the voltage tester by connecting the probe tips to each wire inside the electrical box.

4. Inspect the Wiring

In most cases, the outlet will have a receptacle strap that is mounted to the electrical box with screws. You have to remove the mounting screws with a screwdriver and pull out the receptacle, holding it by its top and bottom corners. Now, you can inspect the wiring to see which color is used for what purpose. Normally, black wires are used as live or hot wires, and they are connected to the brass-colored screw terminals on the receptacle.

The neutral wire should be white or blue, and it will be connected to the silver-colored screw terminals on your receptacle. Ideally, there should also be a bare or green coated copper wire, which serves as the grounding wire. This is connected to the receptacle through a green grounding screw. If your current outlet has only two wires, this means that the electrical system isn’t grounded and you need to take care of it before replacing any outlets.

5. Remove the Outlet

Once you pull out the electrical outlet, you will expose its wiring. Behind your outlet, there will be screws in which each wire is placed securely. Unscrew these wires and now your outlet has been successfully removed. You can just throw it out, as it isn’t of any use.

6. Connect the new Outlet

Next, connect the wiring in the correct order to your new outlet and screw them in place securely, so that they aren’t loose. Make sure to check the grounding wire and attach it properly as well. Once you have done this perfectly, you can push the new power outlet into the electrical box and if you did your research properly, it would be a perfect fit.

7. Put the Screws

Now that your outlet is connected to the power supply, all you need to do is to put the new screws and mount your outlet to the wall. Last but not least, just screw the faceplate in its place, and you are done.

8. Turn the Power On

Once you are satisfied with the installation, you can turn the power back on. Make sure to check the power once again with your voltage tester, so that you know the outlet is working at its maximum capacity.

This brings us to the end of our guide on replacing an electrical outlet. As you can see in the steps above, replacing a power outlet is quite easy, but you have to be extra careful and follow all of the steps to the letter so that you are safe from any electrical hazards that can endanger your life. Make sure to choose the right electrical outlet to replace your current one and if you think you can’t pull it off on your own, you can always hire an electrician in Vancouver to do it for you.