A standard 120-volt receptacle has three connections, and the colors tell you where each wire goes.
Terminals and colors
| Wire | Terminal | Color |
|---|---|---|
| Hot | Brass (gold) screw | Black |
| Neutral | Silver screw | White |
| Ground | Green screw | Bare or green |
With power confirmed off at the breaker, the black (hot) wire lands on a brass terminal, white (neutral) on a silver terminal, and the bare/green ground on the green screw. Loop wires clockwise under the screws so tightening pulls them in, and match the receptacle’s amperage to the circuit — a 20 A circuit uses a 20 A receptacle on 12 AWG wire.
Where code gets specific
Kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoors require GFCI protection; bedrooms and many living areas require AFCI protection. These rules, box-fill limits, and tamper-resistant requirements are why this work is permitted and inspected in most areas.
Frequently asked questions
Which screw is hot? The brass (gold) screw takes the black hot wire.
Do I need GFCI? Yes in kitchens, baths, garages, and outdoors, among others.
Can I DIY this? Many places require a licensed electrician and a permit — check local rules first.