Taking Electrical Outlets Out of the Walls

Just like any other electronic item, outlets can wear out and stop working. When this happens, you should remove or replace the outlet as soon as possible so it does not start a fire. If possible, replace the outlet before it has become worn to the point that it fails to work. The main sign to look for is electrical plugs that are loose in the outlet Any homeowner, regardless of prior electrical knowledge, can take an outlet out of the wall.

Circuit tester
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Plug a circuit tester into the outlet. Ask a friend to watch the tester while you go turn off the power supply to the room from the household breaker box. When your friend tells you the circuit tester is no longer lit, you will know you turned off the correct breaker switch.
- 2
  Use a small flat head screwdriver to back out the screws that hold the electrical outlet's face plate to the electrical box. Remove the face plate and set it aside. Put the screws in a safe place, such as your pocket, so they do not get lost.
- 3
  Back out the screws that hold the electrical outlet onto the electrical box with a Phillips head screwdriver. Pull the outlet about 3 inches away from the wall; the attached electrical wires will follow it.
- 4
  Loosen the screw terminals on either side of the electrical outlet. Unhook the electrical wires from around the terminals. Set the electrical outlet aside.

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