How do you change or install an electrical wall socket outlet and does it need to have a ground wire?

Answer 1

== == It depends on the local wiring codes or regulations where the outlet box is - or is to be - installed.

Usually an outlet box fitted in a room or other area where there is a supply of piped water or which is subject to damp or humid conditions - such as a kitchen, bathroom, shower room, sauna, on an outside wall in the garden, etc. - needs to have a secure Ground wire fitted in addition to the Neutral wire. In some localities any such outlet must be protected by a GFCI or RCD too.

It is best to check with the electrical wiring safety authority in your town or locality if you are not familiar with these matters. It is not wise to attempt to do this work if you have not been trained how to install electrical fixtures and fittings safely.

Please see the answers to the Related Questions listed below. <><><> As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power

at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work

AND

always use an electricians test meter having metal-tipped probes

(not a simple proximity voltage indicator)

to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 2

To change or install an electrical wall socket outlet, first turn off the power to the circuit at the breaker box, then remove the old outlet and disconnect the wires. Connect the new outlet's wires following the manufacturer's instructions. If available, connect the ground wire to the green screw on the outlet - grounding is a safety feature that helps protect against electrical shock.