While doing so, be sure to keep the exposed wires straight, so they can be properly inserted into the terminals. Now, use the wire strippers to take that amount of insulation off. “Any more or less could be a shock hazard.” “This is important, because it tells you how much wire needs to be inserted into the outlet or switch,” says Roman. Next, using the built-in strip gauge on your Decora Edge outlet or switch, figure out how much insulation you need to strip. Then, using the side-cutting pliers, trim off about a half-inch of each wire, ideally further in toward the wall, where the exposed bit meets the outer insulation (so you’re cutting through both insulation and wire). In most cases, you’ll need to loosen each terminal screw and remove the wire wrapped around it. If paint is also sticking to the outlet, he advises placing the flathead screwdriver on the painted area and gently tapping the end to break up and remove it.Ĭourtesy of Leviton Cut and Strip the Wires Roman suggests using a sharp tool like a utility knife to gently score the edges between the wallplate and adhered paint. But you may find that it’s been painted over, which makes things trickier. With any luck, your old plate is clean and pristine, and you can simply remove the screws with your flathead screwdriver. And remove any metal jewelry before you begin: “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he says. Work gloves are a good idea too, to protect against rough edges or splinters. Roman also suggests wearing safety goggles, in case any tiny pieces go flying during the process. You’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment and safety gear: a flathead screwdriver (for removing the old wallplate and outlet or switch, as well as to tighten the new device into place), a pair of wire strippers, a pair of side-cutting pliers, and the previously mentioned voltage tester. For DIYers, Roman recommends a non-contact voltage tester, which gives you a reading without any need to touch electrical parts: You simply hold the tip of the device up to the outlet or switch, and it will beep and illuminate if there’s live voltage.Ĭourtesy of Leviton Gather the Right Tools for the Task To be completely sure you turned off the right one, use a voltage tester to determine if there’s any current flowing through the wires. “You’ll need to locate your electrical panel and shut off the corresponding circuit breaker,” Roman says. Before removing any existing outlet or switch from the wallbox, make certain that the power (not just the wall switch, but all power to the devices area) is off. This is hands-down the most important part of the process it can save you from electrocution, shock, fire, or worse. To safely install one of the new Decora Edge outlets or switches, follow these expert-approved steps. (And FYI: It’s the same process to install both outlets and switches.) The whole shebang is simpler, faster, and safer, says Roman. “Before, you needed to manually wrap the wire around a screw and tighten it into place with a screwdriver,” which, if not properly torqued, could damage the wire, says Rich Roman, a master electrician and licensed electrical inspector, and owner of Roman Electric East Coast Enterprises, a New Jersey-based electrical service company.ĭecora Edge, however, eliminates any need for screws to secure the wiring and leaves behind no risk of exposed wires or metal parts when properly installed. (The audible click means a positive connection has been made.) Each outlet lever, for example, is labeled “hot,” “neutral,” and “ground” to reduce the risk of miswiring even further. So, all a homeowner needs to do is insert a wire of a given color into the corresponding colored terminal, and then click it into place by closing the lever. The key innovation of the new line is color-coded lever terminals that match up with most outlets’ existing wires. Leviton’s new Decora Edge line of switches and a tamper-resistant outlet makes the process virtually seamless, even if you don’t know a volt from an amp. It takes intense concentration, knowing which wires go where and how tightly to wrap them, and remaining hyper-focused on safety. Installing electrical outlets and switches is neither intuitive nor angst-free.
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