How to replace the outlet in the apartment yourself

A power outlet is an essential element of the power supply system, without which the normal connection of most consumers is impossible. Depending on the characteristics of the supply voltage, as well as the installation method, the installation product has various designs. Before changing the outlet in your apartment, it is important to understand the reasons that led to the need to update it.

When is a replacement necessary?

The need to change a faulty outlet in the apartment itself arises in the following situations:

• mechanical damage to the protective housing;
• the unreliability of fixing the plug in the sockets of the installation product (it constantly falls out of them);
• the socket sparkles for no reason, heats up very much, traces of melting are visible on it;
• the contact group got loose.

Another argument in favor of replacing the outlet is the desire to install a new model in which there is a grounding contact. This option is very important for the user, as personal safety should concern him first.

Procedure for dismantling an old product

Replacing the outlet begins with the dismantling of the old product, which has become unusable. Before replacing an old outlet, you should pay attention to the way it is fixed at the installation site. In accordance with this feature, all existing models are divided into internal and overhead. The first are mounted in a hole pre-prepared in the wall, where a plastic case used as a holder is pre-inserted. When dismantling them, you will need to do the following operations:

1. First of all, you need to de-energize the line in which this outlet is mounted. To do this, turn off the corresponding line breaker.
2. The decorative cover is removed from the product, which is fastened with a screw.
3. The contacts securing the zero and phase wires are loosened, and then the lead wires are pulled out of them.
4. It remains to unscrew the screws securing the internal outlet, after which it is removed from the plastic casing fixed to the wall.

If the case is in satisfactory condition, it is not necessary to replace this part of the kit.

To change the product in an open (external) design, the first three operations are performed in the sequence described above. In this case, the housing of the outlet is fixed with screws on a special socket, from which it will need to be removed.

Install a new outlet

Before replacing the outlet, you should thoroughly prepare, stock up with the following tool and supplies:

• a simple and cross-shaped screwdriver;
• side cutters;
• insulating tape of any type;
• mounting cup;
• cotton gloves that protect your hands from accidental damage.

To control the absence of dangerous potentials on the supply wires, a voltage indicator or indicator screwdriver will be needed.

After preparing all the tools, you can proceed to installing a new product. If it is intended for indoor installation, you will need to perform the following operations:

1. Remove the decorative panel from the purchased product.
2. Loosen the fixing bolts on the terminals.
3. Install the mounting cup in the hole made in the wall and fix it. During installation, it is necessary to carefully bring out the lead-in zero and the phase of the wire.
4. Leaving the conductors a little to the side, insert the socket housing into the holder and fix it with the help of long expansion screws.
5. Connect the bare parts of the supply leads to the terminals without regard to polarity.

At the final stage, it remains to replace the decorative cover, turn on the machine and check the socket for proper operation by connecting any household appliance to it. The new overhead product changes even easier, since in this case it is enough to fix it on the socket.

Dual Model Installation

Changing sockets of a double type is necessary in the same way as single ones. The differences between these two options are as follows:

• Before installing a double outlet, it is necessary to choose the right place for its installation, in which it will be convenient to place two plugs with wires.
• Increased demands are made on the condition and mounting of the supply wires, since the current flowing through them will double.
• Before installation, a double product should be disassembled and the reliability of the power contacts should be examined, the number of which will also double.

The use of such products to connect a powerful electric stove, for example, is strictly prohibited. The currents consumed by it are significant, for which double sockets are not designed.

Replacing products on drywall surfaces

The replacement of outlets installed on drywall walls requires a special approach, since this material is fragile and quickly collapses. When dismantling an old product, it is necessary to very carefully remove the screws securing it to the case of the plastic box.

If cracks or chips are found in the fixation zone on the sheets, it is better to transfer the installation location to the main wall, having previously disassembled the drywall coating. To do this, it is more convenient to use an overhead outlet mounted on a socket. After this, the connection hole should be widened so that the plug enters there together with the fingers holding it.

Work safety

The correct approach to replacing electric points is permissible only if safety measures are taken that preclude the possibility of electric shock. To do this, first of all, you should well understand how to disconnect the power outlet, which must be replaced for one reason or another. However, one skill to turn off the opening automaton is not enough. You will need to master the technique of checking the voltage at the product terminals, as well as learn how to handle an indicator screwdriver.