This was great! I've been waiting on my husband to repair that electrical outlet for at least a year (no kidding), but I did it myself! Thank you!

I need to replace an outlet, which I’ve done before, but for this outlet is hooked up to the light switch and I can’t figure out how to get the switch to work the outlet. I’ve got the two white wires, the two black wires, the ground wire and a sixth brown or burgundy wire. I’m guessing this last wire goes to the light switch, but I can’t figure out how to get it to work. Can you help?

Generally it will be the outlet that is the problem. Wires are continous except obviously at a splice. If the outlet is new then there may be a problem with a splice along the line back to the panel. If that's the case I would suggest you call an electrician. As for an outlet being wired incorrectly that is a definite possibility. I know as an electrician myself and having to put in several outlets during the day a person can make a mistake and wire one wrong. Just make sure if you are looking at an outlet to turn off the power and just make sure that the white wire (neutral) is on the silver screw and the black, red, or blue wire is on the brass screw.

yeah. very good thing

every thing pluged in AND the sockets... good thing the town paid for the damage...

Hahah, yeah. pretty much EVERY socket in your house. or atleast everytihng plugged in.

:P i havent blown any! besides the electrical urge that went... i could have used it then

I've blown 2 electric outlets in my room. i need to fx them. this should help >.> Thanks. great video.

try the breaker box to see if it is labeled. if not go to each breaker, until it turns off the outlet you are trying to replace,and label the breaker panel(door)..if you do not wish to go that way,turn everything off. the job is a short one. but now you will add to your tool list(flash light)

Hmm yes that does help, I appreciate the quick response. Soooo one more question, I'm probably the only person in the world who doesn't know how to do this... but I've never had to turn off the electricity to my house. Do I have to turn it off to the whole house or just that room? Do you have a video on how to do that? :oops: Guess its a good thing to know in general...

Good question, Heres the scoop...in the begining of the video I showed you how to use an electrical indicator before you turn off the breaker to the outlet, which inturn indicates that there is an electrical current (i.e not bad wiring) so it would then indicate that the .35 cent outlet would be your first and cheapest solution. The chances the outlet was wired wrong is just that a chance but not likely. Follow my video and you will know if it were wired wrong. Hope this helps. Jason

I'm just wondering how you tell if its the wires that are the problem or if its the actual outlet? I don't want to buy a new outlet if its the wires that are my problem. Also what is the likelihood that it was just wired incorrectly?