Replacing the sockets with your own hands

In this article we will try to tell you in detail about how to replace a typical electrical outlet in the domestic environment. Immediately we will make a reservation that the need for such a replacement arises, as a rule, in situations when a full or partial update of all electrical equipment installed in the apartment is made (sometimes, if necessary, transfer of sockets to a new position).

Also note that all operations for the replacement and installation of electrical installation products (sockets, in particular) belong to the category of electrical work, the production of which must comply with the current standards for electrical safety (PUE rules). In accordance with the provisions of these rules, before replacing the outlet with your own hands, it is necessary to partially relieve the voltage from the room where the electrical product is located.

In the most general case, the apartment can be completely de-energized by disconnecting the input automatic device (the so-called "automaton").

Tool used

For the successful implementation of the whole complex of works related to dismantling the old and installing a new electrical outlet, you will definitely need the following tool:

• typical indicator screwdriver (you can also use a multimeter measuring instrument of the type "multimeter");
• a set of conventional screwdrivers with a cross-shaped and straight working part;
• knife for stripping the ends of the wiring;
• small round nose pliers used in making the contact part of the wires.

Dismantling the old product

Immediately after removing the power supply from the working area of ​​the apartment, you can proceed to dismantling the updated outlet, which is usually performed in the following sequence:

• first of all, the decorative cover of the electrical product is removed, held on its base with one or two mounting screws;
• then it is necessary to loosen the tightening of the 2 side screw fasteners, by means of which the product case is fixed in the mounting hole (in the wall niche);
• immediately after this, you can loosen the screws on the terminals with the power supply wires and completely remove the case of the vacated outlet from the niche.

You will need to strip the bare ends of the old wires in such a way that the length of their working part is at least 2 centimeters. After a thorough stripping, the free ends are drawn up in the form of a ring, the diameter of which should correspond to the terminal mounting, and the direction of folding should coincide with the direction of rotation of the fixing screw.

Installing a new outlet

After the old outlet is completely dismantled - you can begin to install a new product. To do this, first of all, loosen the screw fastenings of the spacer legs located on the sides of the housing of the outlet to be installed. After that, it is inserted all the way into the socket, remaining in the niche from the old outlet, and fixed in it by alternately tightening each of the spacer screws. (In case of severe wear or damage to the underside, it is best to replace it with a new one).

Immediately after this, the ends of the preformed wires are connected to the terminal contacts of the newly installed socket, which are fastened to them by means of a screw connection. Upon completion of all fastening operations, be sure to check the tightness of all fasteners, as well as conduct a test check of the installed outlet. To do this, you will need to apply power to this section of the wiring and make sure that there is voltage at the terminals of the product (you can do this with the same indicator screwdriver).

At the final stage of installation work, a decorative cover is installed on the case of the outlet, after which the introductory automat is turned on. Making sure that the voltage at the terminals is present, you can safely proceed to the operation of the updated product.

Notes

In conclusion, we consider a number of special conditions that must be met when you replace the outlet with your own hands.

1. First of all, they relate to the installation of outlets in high-humidity rooms (for example, in bathrooms). In such premises should be installed products with a special waterproof performance.
2. Further, all the procedures described above assume the use of new models of sockets in the "euro" version, having an auxiliary contact, necessary for the organization of protective grounding.

The final check of the performance of the newly installed product is carried out by connecting to the network of an arbitrarily chosen home appliance. At the same time, a reliably mounted outlet should not be heated or sparted during operation.

Video

How to change the old-style sockets to new ones, see the following video: