How to change it out.
First we must find out what the problem is and this is were the meter comes in handy.
It could be one of several problems.
First check the breaker and see if it is off or tripped some go the half way and show tripped and others just flip completely off when tripped.
Find out why it is tripped.
Does it keep tripping?
If it is not tripped find other receptacles on the same circuit and see if they work.
How do I find other receptacles?
You can do this many ways.
For right now lets just say you know what breaker it is and you know or think the receptacle or switch is bad.
Go to the store and get a new one if it is bad.
Now turn the breaker off and take the wall plate off.
Now without touching any of the wires pull that thing out so you can put your meter on it and check between hot Black and white neutral.
No volts good got to work no stop.
Now check both white and hot to ground no volts now you can go to work no stop.
Make sure the wires are not touching anything the cat or pets and kids aren't around and turn the breaker back on.'
Now go back and repeat.
You should have 110-120 from black hot to white and black hot to ground.
If not check that white to ground if it shows 110-120 then the idiots used white for hot.
Been there seen it.
DO NOT assume anything.
What is it is red or blue?
Black red and blue are all used for the hot white is always for neutral and Green or bare copper is always ground.
Normally black red and blue are in a three phase panel.
The code for this is on one of each side wired Black Red Blue over and over.
Don't worry about it you shouldn't find it in your house but if you do consider the red and blue hot also.
Now where were we?
You now know your receptacle or switch is bad.
Look at the instructions that came with it and wire it up.
Follow theses instructions.
Stab in VS under the screw.
I prefer under the screw it is harder to do but in my opinion a better connection if done right.
If not done right stab in is better.
How to do it right.
Strip the wire and make a bend in it with your pliers and get it under the screw.
Make sure it is under it good and pointing so when you tighten it up it get tighter.
In other words the bend should go clockwise with the end to the right.
Practice with some scrap wire.
I have two hot wires what to do?
That is where the second screw comes in and where the outlet wire goes.
How do I know which is out and in?
Your going to have to take a pictuer and hope they did it right the first time.
Why is it important?
It isn't unless it is a GFCI and you want the rest to be protected on the circuit.
Look at the instructions.
Don't feel stupid looking at instructions I have seen plenty of journeyman look at instructions the good ones always do.
The idiots dont.
How to check if you dont know?
Get that meter out turn the breaker on and check with the wires undone follow safety precautions.
See why you need that meter?
Get everything wired up and back in order.
I like to use a flat head for finale tightening because they get things tighter.
Make sure you use the right size.
Don't forget to turn the breaker back off.
After it is all back now check the receptacle or switch it should work.
If it does congratulations you have now saved a ton of money and a job well done.
But what about all those darn tools I just bought?
With the money you spend to call out a good reputable electrician you have bought the tools.
Why do the good ones cost so much?
Insurance licensing good wages good people hopefully and bonding.
The fly by night guys charge less and you never know what you will get.
Worth