1. Turns off the circuit breaker that controls the outlet.
If you are not sure which breaker turns it off,
then you may want to turn off the main breaker.
2. When you turn off a breaker,
post a message at the service panel
notifying others
so they don't try to restore power
while you're working.
3. Use a voltage tester to make sure that the circuit not alive, inserting the tip of it into the outlet smaller slot.
4. Unscrew and remove the cover plate.
5. Unscrew the outlet from the electrical box
and carefully pull it out with the wires.
Just to be safe, test the circuit again.
This time, touch the probe to the screw terminals
on both sides.
Of course, the circuit should not be alive.
7. The "hot" (usually black or red) wires should be connected to
the side
that the shorter plug slot is on and generally have gold
colored screws.
The "neutral" white wires should be connected to
the side that the taller plug slot
is on and generally have silver
screws. The bare-copper or green wire will connect
to the green
ground screw attached to one of the outlet mounting brackets.
8. Remove the wires.
9. Attach the wires to the same terminals of the new outlet.
10. Install the new outlet into the box and replace the cover plate.
11. Turn the breaker on and check the receptacle for operation - use any device (lamp).