Shut off power to the box at the electrical service panel and confirm that the circuit is off using a circuit tester.

Remove the cover plate and unscrew the mounting screws. Without touching wires or terminals, pull out the receptacle.

Hold a new and identical receptacle near the old one to see how the wires should be installed on the replacement. Some use terminal screws on the side while others have slots on the back for inserting bare wires. Many replacement receptacles have both.

If necessary, strip the last 1/4-inch of insulation from the end of the wires.

Attach each wire to the new receptacle in the same way it was attached to the old receptacle. The white wire typically is connected to a silver terminal and the black or color wire is connected to a brass terminal. Use electrician's tape as needed to cover all terminals and bare wires.

Make sure all wires are correctly installed before inserting the new receptacle into the box.

Gently push the outlet into the box. Tighten the mounting screws, and check that the receptacle is straight.

Replace the cover plate, restore power, and test with a receptacle analyzer.