DIY Electrical Repair

An electrician might fix a problem adequately, but he or she can be costly. Many electrical devices in your home are easy to fix with the right know-how. However, if you do not fix the issue properly, it can be just as costly as hiring a professional.

Replacing a Plug

Begin by figuring out the type of plug you need, either two-pronged or three-pronged. Purchase the kind of plug you need at your local hardware store or home improvement center. Cut the plug off from the rest of the cord, and use wire strippers to strip 1/2 to 3/4 inch from each wire. Use flathead screwdriver to pry open the snap-lock system on the plug. If it does not have this type of system, you probably just need to unscrew a screw or two to open it. Connect the wires to the end of the plug prongs. Make sure if you have a grounded plug, a three-pronged unit, you attach the ground plug and the ground wire to one another.

Fixing an Outlet

Turn off all the power to your house using the circuit breaker switch. Unscrew the faceplate that covers the outlet that needs repaired. Unscrew the two screws connecting the outlet to the metal wall box. Move the outlet a few inches from the wall, and evaluate the wires connecting it. If there is nothing noticeably wrong, you should replace the outlet by unscrewing the screws and removing the outlet. If you have frayed wires, you should cut off 1/4 inch of the insulation from the wires. Loosen the two screws located on the new outlet, and connect the wire to its corresponding screw. The wires should never touch one another. Insert the wires and the metal box back into the wall, and screw the faceplate over top of the outlet. Turn the power back on.