How to Replace a 2 Prong Receptacle

Tools & Materials:Wire Cutters
Screw DriverElectrical TapeReceptacleNeon Tester
Additional tools maybe needed

Time to Complete:15 Minutes



Safety is very important when working with electricity. If you are not comfortable or do not possess the proper knowledge please consult a professional electrician to complete your project.

Important!!! When replacing 2 prong receptacles with 3 prong receptacles make sure there is a ground in the outlet box. If there is no ground wire available and you need a 3 prong outlet. You can use a GFCI receptacle in place of a standard 3 prong receptacle. The GFCI will act as if you have a ground wire attached. It will not act as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.

Step 1:

The first step is to make sure power is disconnected to the receptacle. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse and turn it off. The best tool for this is a neon tester. There are a variety of other voltage testers that are widely available

Step 2:

After power is off remove existing receptacle from electrical outlet box. This usually requires unscrewing the receptacle cover and unscrewing 2 screws holding the receptacle in place.

Step 3:

Again double check to make sure the power is off. Take a careful look at the wiring before disconnecting the wiring. In a standard 2 prong device you will have several wiring configurations. I will go over two simple configurations.

The first one is simple. (Box will have only 2 or 3 wires in it )
You will have 2 wires (1 - Black = Hot, 1 - White = Neutral ). There may be a Ground as a third wire ( Usually connected to the box by a screw or ground clamp). The white wire should be connected to the silver screw. The black wire should be connected to the brass screw. If there is a green or bare copper wire pigtail it, you can continue from this point as if you are replacing a 3 prong receptacle. Ground wire should be connected to the green screw and the metal outlet box. If no ground wire continue to step 4.

The Second one is also simple. (Box will have only 4 wires in it )
You will have 4 wires (2 - Black = Hot, 2 - White = Neutral ). There may be Ground wires ( Usually connected to the box by a screw or ground clamp).The white wires should be connected to the silver screws. The black wire should be connected to the brass screws. If there are green or bare copper wires pigtail it, you can continue from this point as if you are replacing a 3 prong receptacle. Ground wire should be connected to the green screw and the metal outlet box. If no ground wire continue to step 4.

Step 4:

If the wires are connected as described above. Disconnect them from the existing receptacle. The wires may need to be unscrewed or twisted out of the stab tabs on the rear of the receptacle.

Step 5:

Inspect the wires to make sure there are no kinks or nicks. If the wires are damaged you will need to cut and strip the wire to make a proper connection.

Step 6:

Connect the white wire(s) to the silver screw(s). Connect the black wire(s) to the brass screw(s). Connect the ground wire to the ground screw.

Step 7:

Put the receptacle back in the outlet box being careful not to kink the wires. Screw the receptacle in and replace the receptacle cover.

Step 8:

Turn power on and test for proper voltage.

**Please Remember to be careful and read all installation instructions supplied with materials when tackling your project. Please find a professional to install or help with your project if you are unsure of your abilities.

Good Luck and have fun with your upcoming project.

The Contraxtor.com ™ Team