Can I Change My Own Outlet?

Ready to unleash your inner DIY electrician and take on the challenge of changing an electrical outlet? With the right tools, some basic knowledge, and a can-do attitude, changing an outlet is a task that many homeowners are eager to take on themselves.

However, before you break out the screwdriver and wire cutters, it’s important to know that the rules and regulations around electrical work vary from state to state. I’ve researched which states allow you to change an outlet and which require an electrician. All you have to do is find your state in the table below.

While some states allow homeowners who own and reside on the property to change their own outlets, others require a licensed electrician to perform even such minor electrical work. Some states will allow it but require permits and inspections.

Contents show table of contents

All States Covered

The following info comes from government documents/guides.

Where possible I tried to link to the specific point in the document where possible. Where applicable I also noted the section or page in the notes.

State	DIY outlet replacement	Notes
Alabama	No	Chapter 19, Sec 19-2
Alaska	Yes	Page 3 Only if broken or damaged Replace like for like No permit required Professionals are recommended even if not required
Arizona	Yes	Only if broken or damaged Replace like for like Permit required when updating for cosmetic reasons or if the outlet has a GFCI
Arkansas	Yes	Section 11.04.09A You must obtain a permit
California	Yes	You must obtain a permit
Colorado	Yes	Must own and reside on the property Permit is required
Connecticut	No	You must have a license to do any electrical work
Delaware	Yes	You must obtain a homeowners permit first, § 1419(5) and § 1417
Florida	Yes	You must own and reside on the property. 489.503 (6)(a)
Hawaii	No	You need a license to install or replace electric outlets and switches
Georgia	Yes	Only if broken or damaged Replace like for like
Idaho	Yes	Must own and reside on the property No permit required Government puts the onus on the homeowner to have the knowledge and skills to do the work correctly
Illinois	Yes	Must own and reside in a single-family dwelling No permit required as long as the wiring is not altered
Indiana	No	Homeowners must use an electrician licensed with the City for any electrical work
Iowa	Yes	Must be an existing dwelling Must own and reside on the property
Kansas	Yes	Permit required Only if it’s a single family dwelling that you own and reside in Replace like for like, with no alteration or extension of the circuit
Kentucky	Yes	2(a) Need to be your own premises Permit required
Louisiana	Yes	Sec. 5:103 (b) Must own and live in the dwelling Must be a single family dwelling Owner must do all the work Must be able to demonstrate skill and ability to inspector
Maine	Yes	Must own and live in the building
Maryland	Yes	Must be an existing, broken outlet
Massachusetts	Yes	Must own and reside on the property Must be a residence only You need approval from the Wiring Inspector
Michigan	Yes	You must own and live on the property You will need a permit
Minnesota	No	Must be done by a licensed contractor
Mississippi	No	Must be done by a qualified electrical contractor
Missouri	Yes	Section 80.3.1 under Amendments Like for like
Montana	Yes	Must own and reside on the property.
Nebraska	Yes	Must own and reside on the property. Section 81-2121
Nevada	Yes	Must be broken or damaged Replace like for like
New Hampshire	Yes	Section RSA 155-A:3-c (V.) Must be a single-family dwelling
New Jersey	Yes	Must be replaced with a similar item
New Mexico	Yes	You must apply for a Homeowner’s electrical permit and pass an electrical exam for homeowners
New York	No	You will need a Master electrician and a permit.
North Carolina	Yes	Section 153A-357 Permits Permit is required
North Dakota	Yes	Must own and reside on the property Permit required
Ohio	Yes	You must own and live on the property You must do the work yourself You will need a permit
Oklahoma	No	Chapter 18-36 You will need a licensed electrician and a permit
Oregon	Yes	Only if broken or damaged Replace like with like
Pennsylvania	Yes	403.42.2.i Must own and live on the property Replace like with like Permit required
Rhode Island	Yes	Must own and live on the property Only for single-family dwellings Replace like with like Permit required
South Carolina	Yes	Section 4-25-30 Must be done by the person who owns and resides on the property or an employee thereof
South Dakota	Yes	You must own and live on the property, you must do the work yourself
Tennessee	Yes	Chapter 0780-02-01-.05 2 (a) You will need to apply for a permit and have an inspection done
Texas	Yes	Must own and live in the house
Utah	Yes	You may perform minor electrical work, which includes changing your own outlet 1(n)
Vermont	Yes	Page 3, Section 2.(6) Only applies to single-family dwellings
Virginia	Yes	You will need a permit
Washington	Yes	Must replace with like for like
West Virginia	Yes	Must own and live in the house Permit required
Wisconsin	Yes	Point 9. Must be rated 20 amps or less
Wyoming	Yes	Must own and live in the house

Why Certain Conditions Exist

Must Be Owner-Occupant

Most states require individuals to own and live in a residence in order to perform minor electrical work. This means that only homeowners who live on the property can legally do basic electrical tasks such as replacing an outlet, installing a light fixture, or changing a switch.

The rule is in place to promote safety and ensure that electrical work is performed correctly. Electrical work can be dangerous, and improper installation or repair can result in fires, electrical shock, and other hazards.

Requiring individuals to be homeowners and residents helps to ensure that they have a vested interest in the safety of their property and are more likely to take the necessary precautions when doing electrical work.

Additionally, homeowners who live on the property are more likely to have a greater familiarity with the electrical system and the layout of the property, making it less likely for mistakes to be made during installation or repair.

Technician removing the screws on an outlet

It also keeps liability contained and prevents people from hiring themselves out as inexpensive pseudo-electricians or owners from hiring such people.

Only Replace With Like Outlet

Many of the states that allow you to change your own outlet stipulate that you can only do so if you are replacing like for like, meaning that it is the same type and rating as the outlet being replaced.

Different types of outlets have different voltage and current ratings, and using an outlet with a lower rating than the one being replaced can create a safety hazard.

For example, if a 20-amp outlet is replaced with a 15-amp outlet, it may not be able to handle the electrical load and could overheat, leading to a fire.

Different types of outlets have different shapes and sizes, and using an outlet that is not compatible with the wiring or box can create installation problems or safety hazards.

For example, if an outlet is wired for a 240-volt appliance and a 120-volt outlet is installed, it may not be able to handle the electrical load and could overheat, leading to a fire.

It can also turn replacing the outlet into a much more involved electrical project, which is beyond the parameters of what the owner is allowed to do.

The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies the types and ratings of outlets that are allowed in different locations and for different applications. Using an outlet that is not in compliance with the NEC can result in code violations and may pose a safety hazard.

Not if Change Is for Decorative Purposes

When you change an outlet for decorative purposes, you are essentially changing the faceplate or cover of the outlet receptacle, which is the visible part that covers the wiring and outlet. The faceplate is attached to the outlet by a few screws and can be easily removed and replaced.

By changing the faceplate, you are not directly working with the wiring or the electrical currents in the outlet.

This means that you do not need to disconnect the electrical wires or handle any electrical currents directly. Instead, you can simply remove the faceplate, replace it with a new one, and screw it back into place.

This is why changing an outlet faceplate for decorative purposes is generally considered a low-risk task.

As long as you follow basic safety precautions, such as turning off the power to the outlet before removing the faceplate, there is little risk of electrical shock or other hazards.

In addition, if you are changing the whole outlet and it is not damaged, then you are needlessly tampering with the electrical system, which is not permitted.

Receptacle, Not Outlet

In the electrical field, the terms “receptacle” and “outlet” are often used interchangeably, but they do have slightly different meanings.

A receptacle is an electrical fixture that receives a plug, such as an electrical outlet or a wall socket. In other words, a receptacle is a container that holds the prongs of a plug to make an electrical connection.

An outlet, on the other hand, is a device that is installed in the wall or other surface that contains one or more receptacles. An outlet is a complete unit that includes the electrical box, wiring, and receptacle.

In some cases, regulations may allow homeowners or unlicensed individuals to change a receptacle (i.e., the electrical fixture that receives a plug) but not the outlet (i.e., the complete unit that includes the electrical box, wiring, and receptacle).

This is because changing a receptacle involves only replacing the electrical fixture, while changing an outlet involves working with electrical wiring and electrical currents, which can be hazardous.

Is It Easy to Change an Outlet?

Changing an electrical outlet can be a relatively easy and low-cost DIY project, especially if you have some basic knowledge of electrical wiring and the right tools. A new outlet will cost between $3 to $5, whereas hiring an electrician to do the same job will cost between $125 and $175

Here are ten basic steps to changing your outlet.