Installing a Surge Protector Outlet

Installing a surge protector outlet in your home can help save costly electronics and appliances in the instance of a power surge. Power surges can occur without warning and can damage or alter the function of electronic devices. Power surge protectors and outlets require the use of a three-prong outlet, where the third prong acts as the ground for the device. Instead of using a separate surge protection device, you can simply install a power surge outlet into your walls and prevent the eyesore and clutter of the additional surge protection device.

Step 1 – Remove the Old Outlet

To remove the existing outlet, you must first remove the outlet cover. The outlet cover is the plate that rests over the outlets on the wall. Using your screwdriver, you can remove the screw or screws holding the cover in place. Then carefully move the outlet cover away from the wall. Next you need to carefully pull the outlets out of the wall far enough so you can work with them.

Step 2 – Access the Wires

You need to gain access to the three wires, one white, one black and one copper, from inside the outlet. Make sure the ends of each wire are straight as you prepare for the next step. You can then use the wire strippers to strip 1/2 inch of plastic tubing from the ends of the white and black wire so you have 1/2 inch of each end of the three wires exposed. Spread the ends of each wire apart from one another so you have room to work with each wire individually.

Step 3 – Connect the Outlet to the Wires

Connect the corresponding wires between the wall and the new surge protector outlet. Starting with the black wire, you need to twist the ends together of the black wire coming from the wall with the end of the black wire in the outlet. Now, using a wire nut, you can secure the connection of the two black wires together. Repeat this step with the white and copper wires. Some outlets may have a green plastic coating over the copper wire. If this is the case with your outlet, strip the end of this green coating and connect the copper wires.

Step 4 – Insert the Outlet into the Wall

Now you can place the new surge protector outlet into the hole in the wall where the previous outlet was. Without separating any of the wires or pulling them out of the wire nuts, press the surge protector outlet back into the wall.

Step 5 – Secure the Outlet Cover

Using the screws that were included with the surge protector outlet, you can now secure the new outlet cover.