Step-by-Step Pictures and Instructions To Make Your Old Two-Prong Outlets Safe

By Jeff Gordon
Protect against deadly shocks in four easy steps. Read an overview of how to make your old outlets safe.
From The Family Handyman
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Disconnect the wires from the old receptacle and straighten the bent ends. Cut 6-inch "pigtails" of white and black wires and strip 5/8 inch of insulation from both ends. Match the gauge of these wires to the amperage of the circuit: 14-gauge for 15-amp circuits and 12-gauge for 20-amp circuits. The correct amperage will be marked on the fuse or circuit breaker whose circuit you're connecting to. Splice the new white wire to the existing neutral white wires, and the black to the existing hot wires. Make sure the wire connectors you're using can safely connect the three 14- or 12-gauge wires. This information is printed on the package.
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