How do you wire a plug socket?

To wire a plug socket, wrap the ground wire around the top screw, the neutral wire around the middle or silver screw, and the hot wire around the bottom or brass screw. Install the outlet with the ground wire on top, and attach the cover.

1. Turn off the power

   Locate the switch on the main breaker that powers the outlet, and turn it off.

2. Cut the main wire

   Locate the building wire emerging from the outlet. Use a utility knife to make a 6-inch long cut in the middle of the wire that starts at the end. Only cut through the outer sheathing.

3. Strip away the outer sheathing

   Use side-cutting pliers to cut around the sheathing at the inside end of the original cut. Use the pliers to strip away the outer sheathing and filler paper.

4. Strip away the insulation

   Grip 3/4 of an inch of the end of the wire with wire strippers using the gauge that matches the wire type, and strip away the insulation.

5. Connect the ground wire

   Loosen the top screw on the outlet. Use the wire strippers to bend the bare copper ground wire around the right side of the screw in a half-moon shape. Tighten the screw.

6. Connect the neutral wire

   Connect the white neutral wire to the middle screw on the outlet in the same way the ground wire was connected. If there is no middle screw, connect the neutral wire to the silver terminal.

7. Connect the hot wire

   Connect the black hot wire to the last screw or brass terminal.

8. Install the outlet in the wall

   Insert the outlet into the wall with the ground wire facing up. Insert the screws, and tighten them.