Electical Outlet Replacement Blues

Peter H · 2005-12-04T16:14:41+00:00

Hi Group:I offered to update my g/friend's kitchen electrical outlets to the newer,square white ones, but am having trouble figuring out the wiring. The homeis a 1985 vintage greater Toronto Area home.The problems started when I was trying to find the breakers for the outlets.These are just your standard wall, backsplash outlets. I expected to findthem on a single 15-amp breaker, but to my surprise they were on a doublebreaker, like a heavy-duty appliance.When I pulled one of the outlets off the wall to have a look I noticed thatit was grounded, but also had a red, black and white line feeding them.I'm assuming that this means the upper and lower sockets are on differentcircuits and also assuming that this means that I'll need somethingdifferent than your standard outlet.The relationship with the g/f's pretty solid, but I think I'd be pushingthings a bit if I burnt her place down. Any suggestions on the best way toproceed would be appreciated.tiaPeter H