Electrical and Lighting: DIY first-timer

Forum: Electrical and Lighting Replies: 1, Views: 35 Print -

Author Content stansangelxxx East Elmhurst, NY August 11, 2007 1:27 PM Post #3844711 Whilst probably a small feat for most people on this forum, I replaced an outlet today in my house that hadn't been working. It was really, really old and when I opened it up it was full of dust and concrete and the paper around the black and white cord was just crumbling. Now it is replaced and working! Horay! But just to make sure I didn't burn the house down... I know I have the correct wires attached to the correct screws... but why are there 2 silver screws and 2 gold screws when there is only one white and one black wire? That means two of the screws aren't used? Also, there was no ground wire to be found... hope that's okay? Lastly, I cleaned out all the dust and debris... but is that crumbling paper a problem? I removed what I could... Thanks! paulgrow Allen Park, MI (Zone 6a) August 12, 2007 7:09 PM Post #3849444 You're correct 2 brass and 2 silver colored screws. The extra screws are for more than one romex terminating in that box. Older homes didn't use ground wires. If you're plugging a computer or HDTV into the outlet you should run a ground to it. Paul

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