I just got a electric shock!!!

[AnonymousUser]

How hard is it for me to replace an outlet by myself? I consider myself a bit handy, but I know nothing about electrical systems.

[Centro]

How hard is it for me to replace an outlet by myself? I consider myself a bit handy, but I know nothing about electrical systems.

If you're a bit handy then you might be able to just copy paste it, just make sure to turn off the breaker before you start working on it.

[Crazy tools]

If you're a bit handy then you might be able to just copy paste it, just make sure to turn off the breaker before you start working on it.

+1
You'll need a wire stripper

[ckmk47]

How hard is it for me to replace an outlet by myself? I consider myself a bit handy, but I know nothing about electrical systems.

Not hard  at all. 
Have everything ready: replacement outlet. screwdriver. electric tape.  You may need a wire cutter or scraper, but usually you won't.


TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY TO THAT OUTLET.


Pay attention as you undo the old outlet and put the new one in the same way.

[username]

An electrical tester is also a must. Especially in older houses, i've come across cases where the breaker was off, but there was still power at the box from a different breaker.
The simpler the better, something like http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-90-300-Volt-Circuit-Tester-52060/203744891?keyword=ge+90-300+volt+circuit+tester can usually be under $5.

[Crazy tools]

Not hard  at all. 
Have everything ready: replacement outlet. screwdriver. electric tape.  You may need a wire cutter or scraper, but usually you won't.


TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY TO THAT OUTLET.


Pay attention as you undo the old outlet and put the new one in the same way.

Electric tape should not be needed. Maybe a wire nut if it's a multiple gang box.
Wire cutter and striper will be needed if the old outlet is connected through the quick connect slots.

[ChaimMoskowitz]

Many will tape the outlet so when you take it in/out of the box you don't short anything.

[Moishebatchy]

Wow. The amount of dangerous, life-threatening information/advice being given here is absolutely breathtaking (pardon the [grim] pun).

Even if you're a bit handy, do NOT go into an electrical job like changing an outlet without at least a little prior education!!!! Either read one of those DIY electrical books that they sell at Home Depot, or maybe look up some videos online... but do NOT try to "wing it" and "figure it out" as you go along. It's not just about the danger of getting shocked; even if you survive installation, an improperly connected wire can cause tiny sparks that can cause the whole house to catch fire, CH"V... and it can happen YEARS later.

[ckmk47]

Wow. The amount of dangerous, life-threatening information/advice being given here is absolutely breathtaking (pardon the [grim] pun).

Even if you're a bit handy, do NOT go into an electrical job like changing an outlet without at least a little prior education!!!! Either read one of those DIY electrical books that they sell at Home Depot, or maybe look up some videos online... but do NOT try to "wing it" and "figure it out" as you go along. It's not just about the danger of getting shocked; even if you survive installation, an improperly connected wire can cause tiny sparks that can cause the whole house to catch fire, CH"V... and it can happen YEARS later.

I would venture that that is an exaggeration.

[moko]

Wow. The amount of dangerous, life-threatening information/advice being given here is absolutely breathtaking (pardon the [grim] pun).

Even if you're a bit handy, do NOT go into an electrical job like changing an outlet without at least a little prior education!!!! Either read one of those DIY electrical books that they sell at Home Depot, or maybe look up some videos online... but do NOT try to "wing it" and "figure it out" as you go along. It's not just about the danger of getting shocked; even if you survive installation, an improperly connected wire can cause tiny sparks that can cause the whole house to catch fire, CH"V... and it can happen YEARS later.

I don't disagree that a youtube video can be very helpful but it ain't rocket science and that day laborer the electrician brings along isn't a rocket scientist. granted that the licensed electrician should be checking over his work but regardless your post is way overblown. Yes, you may tell me that you know someone who died connecting an outlet because he forgot to cut the circuit, and I'll counter that I know someone who's brakes failed right after he tried changing his brakes (he forgot to pump the new fluid back into the lines). You're right that if someone can't follow simple step by step instructions and use some common sense he shouldn't be doing this kind of work.

[ChaimMoskowitz]

You're right that if someone can't follow simple step by step instructions and use some common sense he shouldn't be doing this kind of work.

It is always not the simple especially in old houses. You have different types of wire and outlets that shouldn't be mixed.

[MeirS]

Keeps the idiots away. 

[AnonymousUser]

Thanks everyone for the advice and words of caution. I googled "How to change an outlet" and found a guide with pictures. Besides for figuring out which circuit breaker it was and buying the new outlet, it was pretty easy and didn't take very long. I was careful to make sure there was no power, and that I put everything back the way it was before, and b"h there were no fireworks.

[ChaimMoskowitz]

Thanks everyone for the advice and words of caution. I googled "How to change an outlet" and found a guide with pictures. Besides for figuring out which circuit breaker it was and buying the new outlet, it was pretty easy and didn't take very long. I was careful to make sure there was no power, and that I put everything back the way it was before, and b"h there were no fireworks.

Do a few more and you won't even need to turn the power off. 

[churnbabychurn]

Do a few more and you won't even need to turn the power off. 

+1

[notanonymous]

Thanks everyone for the advice and words of caution. I googled "How to change an outlet" and found a guide with pictures. Besides for figuring out which circuit breaker it was and buying the new outlet, it was pretty easy and didn't take very long. I was careful to make sure there was no power, and that I put everything back the way it was before, and b"h there were no fireworks.

Just saw the thread.  I would have been happy to help (and gotten the AJ)!

[AnonymousUser]

Just saw the thread.  I would have been happy to help (and gotten the AJ)!

Lol. I thought about texting you, but I forgot and instead asked here.