How to independently replace the outlet in the apartment

The power outlet is the most important 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 different versions. Before you change the outlet in your apartment, it is important to understand the reasons that led to the need to update it.

In what cases is replacement necessary

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

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

Another reason for replacing the outlet is the desire to install a new model that has a ground contact. This option is very important for the user, since personal safety should be his first concern.

The procedure for dismantling an old product

Replacing the socket begins with dismantling an old product that has become unusable. Before replacing an old socket, you should pay attention to how it is fixed in place. In accordance with this characteristic, all existing models are divided into internal and overhead models. The first ones are mounted in a hole prepared in the wall in advance, into which a plastic case is previously inserted, which is used as a holder. 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 linear machine.
2. The decorative cover is removed from the product, which is attached by means of a screw.
3. The contacts securing the neutral and phase wires are loosened, and then the supply wires are pulled out of them.
4. It remains to unscrew the screws fixing the internal socket, after which it is removed from the plastic case fixed to the wall.

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

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

Installing a new socket

Before replacing the outlet, you should thoroughly prepare, stock up on the following tools and consumables:

• simple and Phillips screwdriver;
• side cutters;
• insulating tape of any type;
• mounting sleeve;
• cotton gloves to protect hands from accidental damage.

To control the absence of dangerous potentials on the supply wires, you will need a voltage indicator or an indicator screwdriver.

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

1. Remove the decorative panel from the purchased product.
2. Loosen the fastening screws on the terminals.
3. Install a mounting sleeve into the hole made in the wall and fix it. During installation, you need to carefully bring out the leading zero and phase wires.
4. Putting the conductors slightly to the side, insert the socket housing into the holder and secure it with the long spacer screws.
5. Connect the bare parts of the lead wires 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 outlet for operability by connecting any household appliance to it. It is even easier to change the new overhead product, since in this case it is enough to fix it on the socket.

Installing a dual model

You need to change double-type sockets in the same way as single ones. The differences between these two options are as follows:

• Before installing a double socket, you must choose the right place for its installation, in which it will be convenient to place two plugs with wires.
• Increased requirements are imposed on the condition and fastening of the supply wires, since the current flowing through them will double.
• Before installation, a double product should be disassembled and the reliability of power contacts should be examined, the number of which will also double.

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

Replacement of products on plasterboard surfaces

Replacing the outlets installed on drywall walls requires a special approach, since this material is fragile and quickly deteriorates. When dismantling an old product, it is necessary to very carefully remove the screws that fix it in the plastic box body.

If cracks or chips are found in the fixation zone on the sheets, it is better to transfer the installation site to the main wall, having disassembled the plasterboard first. For this, it is more convenient to use an overhead socket mounted on a socket. After that, the hole for the connection should be widened so that the plug goes there with the fingers holding it.

Safety precautions during work

The correct approach to replacing electric points is permissible only if safety measures are taken to exclude the possibility of electric shock. To do this, first of all, you should understand well how to de-energize the outlet, which must be replaced for one reason or another. However, the ability to turn off the introductory machine alone is indispensable. You will need to master the technique of checking the voltage at the terminals of the product, as well as learn how to handle an indicator screwdriver.