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Step 1. Remove the decorative coverplate from the receptacle. With the coverplate off, you will be able to see the receptacle and the electrical box it is attached to.

Step 2. Before you remove the old receptacle, use a voltage sensor to make sure the circuit is dead. Hold your voltage sensor’s probe within ½” of the wires on either side of the receptacle. If the sensor beeps or lights up, then the receptacle is still live, and you’ll need to trip the correct breaker to disconnect power to the receptacle. If the sensor does not beep or light up, the receptacle is dead and you can proceed safely.

Step 3. Remove the receptacle from the box by unscrewing the long screws at the top and the bottom. Once the screws are out, gently pull the receptacle away from the box. It won’t pull away easily, since the wires are still attached, so pull firmly Depending on how your receptacle has been wired, there may be two colored wires and a bare wire or four colored wires and a bare wire.

Step 4. Remove the receptacle completely by unscrewing the screws that hold the wires. Disconnect each wire by turning the screws on the sides of the receptacle just enough to free the wires.