How to Replace Wall Receptacle Wiring

Discontinue the electrical supply to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker associated with it.

Unfasten the screw at the center of the receptacle's cover plate by turning it counterclockwise with a standard screwdriver. Remove the cover plate and remove the two screws that secure the receptacle to the electrical box using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the receptacle out of the box slightly.

Detach the two to three wires connected to the receptacle using a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the lug screws where the wires are connected. Use a flashlight to help you in determining from which way the wires are originating.

Remove the cover plate for the outlet or light switch closest to the receptacle in the direction in which the wires appear to be running. If the outlet or light switch has two sets of wires connected to it, wiggle the wires slightly on the side closest to the outlet where you are replacing the wiring. If the wires you disconnected from the receptacle move then you have located the source. If not, look for another outlet or switch from where the wires may originate.

Disconnect the wires from the source receptacle or light switch using the same method as you used to disconnect the wires from the receptacle where the wiring is being replaced.

Bond the wires from the receptacle being rewired to new 14-gauge wires using electrical tape. Wrap the wires individually, black to black, white to white and ground to ground, if there is one. Ensure that the wires are securely wrapped with the electrical tape.

Pull the wires individually from the source receptacle or switch until the new wire has been pulled completely through. Unwrap the electrical tape from the pairs of wires or cut it off with wire cutters. Use wire cutters to cut the wires on each end so that only about 6 inches remains.

Strip 2 inches of insulation from both ends of each wire using wire strippers. Connect the black wire on each end to the brass-colored screw and the white wire to the silver-colored screw. If there is a ground wire, connect it to the green-colored screw on each end.

Secure the receptacle to the electrical box with the screws you removed previously and replace the cover plates on the receptacle and the receptacle or switch to which it is wired. Restore the electrical service by turning on the circuit breaker.