How to replace an electrical outlet

Replacing an outlet is a pretty simple, straightforward process. It's also one of the few electrical jobs that, in most cases, does not require you to obtain a permit. However, before proceeding, be sure you know some basics of house wiring.
Observe all safety precautions. Electricity can be lethal. Make sure the area you are working in is dry and be 100% sure the electricity has been turned off before you start. To be safe use a current tester to verify there is no residual electricity left in the wires.
 
Step 1: Turn off both the branch circuit and the main power at the service panel. Use a flashlight and the natural sunlight to see what you are doing.

 

 



Step 2: Remove the plate and the outlet mounting screws.
Step 3: Pull the outlet with wires still attached out of the junction box.
Step 4: Note the color of the wires and identify the hot, neutral ground and device ground. Generally white is neutral and black is the hot. Look at the wiring connected to the electrical outlet. The wire connected to the smaller side of the socket should always be the hot wire. The wire connecting to the larger rectangular side of the socket should correspond to neutral.
Step 5: Unscrew the terminal screws that attach the wires to the outlet and remove the wire. Start with the hot, then the neutral and lastly the ground.
Step 6: Look at the new outlet. Identify which wire connects to which terminal. It does not matter which set of vertical screws you attach the wire to. If the outlet does not have markings indicating the polarity, then remember: The bright brass screw connects to your hot wire.
Step 7: Use needle nose pliers to connect the ground to the green terminal on the bottom of the outlet. Next connect the white wire to the neutral terminal and finally the hot wire. The wire should be wrapped completely around the terminal screws.
Step 8: Finally, tuck the wires back in the junction box and mount the outlet and the outlet plate.

NOTE: Make sure the outlet is rated for the amperage of the circuit. Do not use an outlet rated at 15 amps on a 20 amp circuit.

 

 

It is possible to change an outlet with the electricity still on but I would HIGHLY recommend against this.  The only reason to do this would be if you don't have access to your electrical box and cant shut off the electricity.  IF YOU DO THIS NEVER EVER LET THE EXPOSED PART OF THE LIVE WIRES TOUCH YOU MAY DIE! There are also other precautions you must take inquire with an electrician (although they will most likely tell you do not attempt to change outlet with live wires)  before attempting this.