Installing electrical outlets and switches is neither intuitive nor angst-free. It takes intense concentration, knowing which wires go where and how tightly to wrap them, and remaining hyper-focused on safety. It’s a task most leave to the pros.
That is, until now. 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.
The key innovation of the new line is color-coded lever terminals that match up with most outlets’ existing wires. 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 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.
“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.
Decora 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 whole shebang is simpler, faster, and safer, says Roman. (And FYI: It’s the same process to install both outlets and switches.)
To safely install one of the new Decora Edge outlets or switches, follow these expert-approved steps.
Make Sure the Power Is Off
This is hands-down the most important part of the process; it can save you from electrocution, shock, fire, or worse. 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. “You’ll need to locate your electrical panel and shut off the corresponding circuit breaker,” Roman says. 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. 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.
Gather the Right Tools for the Task
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.
Roman also suggests wearing safety goggles, in case any tiny pieces go flying during the process. Work gloves are a good idea too, to protect against rough edges or splinters. And remove any metal jewelry before you begin: “It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he says.
Remove the Existing Wallplate
With any luck, your old plate is clean and pristine, and you can simply remove the screws with your flathead screwdriver. But you may find that it’s been painted over, which makes things trickier. Roman suggests using a sharp tool like a utility knife to gently score the edges between the wallplate and adhered paint. 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.
Cut and Strip the Wires
In most cases, you’ll need to loosen each terminal screw and remove the wire wrapped around it. 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). Next, using the built-in strip gauge on your Decora Edge outlet or switch, figure out how much insulation you need to strip. “This is important, because it tells you how much wire needs to be inserted into the outlet or switch,” says Roman. “Any more or less could be a shock hazard.”
Now, use the wire strippers to take that amount of insulation off. While doing so, be sure to keep the exposed wires straight, so they can be properly inserted into the terminals. If they do get bent, just straighten them with your needle-nose pliers.
Insert the Wires and Remount
Once you've figured out how much exposed wire you need, it's time to insert. Luckily, the Decora Edge is designed with color-coded levers that allow you to simply open the levers, push the correct wires into their openings, and snap the levers shut. The Decora Edge also offers an audible click once the wire has been pushed in correctly, so there are no surprises.
All that’s left now is to install the Decora Edge back inside the wall. It’s designed to fit seamlessly with any standard wallplate (just remove the break-off tabs) and also integrates with the Decora Plus Screwless Wallplate. To simplify the process when installing multiple outlets or switches side by side, the Decora Edge features tongue-and-groove alignment edges, which fit together seamlessly, like puzzle pieces. There’s also the aforementioned breakaway tab at both ends of the mounting strap: The longer straps are intended to sit on drywall, while the strap ends can be removed to pair the Decora Edge switch or outlet with a standard-size wallplate.
If You Run Into Trouble, Call in a Pro
First off, if there are any burn marks on the outlet surface, definitely don’t touch it—you could seriously hurt yourself. And should you remove the old wallplates and find the wires aren’t color-coded, or they don’t match the colors on the new device, or the inside of your wall box is just generally a hot mess, Roman advises calling Leviton technical support or consulting an electrician. When wiring is dated or damaged, someone experienced should fix the underlying issue before you install a new outlet or do anything else with it.
Decora Edge is available here.
