Introduction
USB outlets eliminate the need for bulky charger adapters by building USB-A or USB-C ports directly into your wall outlet. They are one of the most practical upgrades for any NYC apartment, where outlet space is often limited. Replacing a standard outlet with a USB combo outlet is straightforward if you are comfortable working with electrical wiring, but it demands respect for safety. This guide walks you through the process step by step. If you have any hesitation about electrical work, call a professional.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1 Turn Off Power and Verify
Go to your electrical panel and switch off the breaker for the outlet you are replacing. In older NYC apartments, breaker labels may be inaccurate or missing — always verify with a voltage tester. Plug a lamp into the outlet and confirm it does not turn on after flipping the breaker. Then use a non-contact voltage tester at the outlet to double-check. Never rely solely on the breaker label, especially in pre-war NYC buildings where electrical panels have been modified over the decades. Safety with electricity is non-negotiable.
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Step 2 Remove the Existing Outlet
Remove the outlet cover plate and the two screws securing the outlet to the electrical box. Gently pull the outlet out of the box. Before touching any wires, test each one with your non-contact voltage tester to confirm there is no power. Take a photo of the existing wiring with your phone so you have a reference for reconnecting. Note the wire colors — typically black is hot, white is neutral, and bare or green is ground. If you see aluminum wiring, which exists in some NYC buildings from the 1960s-70s, stop and call a licensed electrician.
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Step 3 Check Box Depth and Wire Count
USB outlets are deeper than standard outlets because they contain charging circuitry. Measure the depth of your electrical box — you need at least two inches of depth for most USB outlets. In many NYC pre-war apartments, boxes can be shallow, especially in plaster walls. Also count the wires — if there are more than one set of wires in the box meaning the outlet is in the middle of a circuit rather than the end, confirm your USB outlet supports pass-through wiring with sufficient terminals for all connections.
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Step 4 Connect the New USB Outlet
Connect wires to the new USB outlet following the manufacturer's instructions and matching your photo reference. Attach the black hot wire to the brass-colored screw terminal, the white neutral wire to the silver screw terminal, and the ground wire to the green screw terminal. Wrap each wire clockwise around the screw so it tightens with the screw. Some USB outlets use push-in connectors — these are convenient but screw terminals provide a more reliable long-term connection. Tug each wire gently to confirm it is secure.
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Step 5 Secure and Test the Installation
Carefully fold the wires back into the box — USB outlets fit tighter due to their depth, so take your time to avoid pinching wires. Screw the outlet into the box and attach the cover plate. Turn the breaker back on. Test both standard outlets with a plug-in outlet tester to verify correct wiring — it should show two amber lights for proper wiring. Test the USB ports by plugging in a device. If anything does not work or the outlet tester shows a wiring fault, turn off the breaker immediately and recheck your connections.
When to Call a Professional
Call HandyMen NYC if you have aluminum wiring, knob-and-tube wiring, or no ground wire — all common in older NYC buildings and all requiring a licensed electrician. If the electrical box is too shallow for the USB outlet, we can install a box extender or replace the box. NYC building codes require electrical work to be performed by licensed electricians for permit-required jobs — while a simple outlet swap typically does not need a permit, anything beyond a like-for-like replacement in a co-op may require board approval.
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