I'm back; breaking pledge -- electric problem...sosumi

It depends on how many wires are in the existing outlet house. BTW, need to measure the box dimensions as my 1960s era house has smaller boxes that the new fangled outlets won't mount.

Electrically, you need:

• White - typically neutral (less bad to touch if hot)
• Black - one of two HOT lines, the ones that tend to be dangerous
• Green - the safety ground

Does the existing outlet have just two plug or two plugs and a ground pin (i.e., 3 prong.) You may be lucky IF the old socket has the ground plug.

Start with the Wiki technical description: NEMA connector - Wikipedia

The NEMA 1 section has the technical detail. I don't cut-and-paste technical detail but refer you to that section.​

I recommend sharing a photo of the existing outlet. Then with the power off that circuit, remove the outlet and take a photo of the wires inside. Include the dimensions of the outlet box as the replacement has to fit inside OR you'll have to replace the box which can be a challenge. Then put the socket back in and screw in the box cover:

I have a ground fault outlet that won't fit in the wall outlet box.

Certainly share the photos with us but you'll really need them at your hardware store. Try to chat with 'the old guy' not the 'my first job clerk.' Measure the width of the socket to make sure it will fit in the box.

There are several 'pre-code' ways to wire in a socket. The video shows one that is "less bad" but the really ugly ones have the power line come in, stripped in the middle and out. That is why photos of the existing one let's us know what you are dealing with.

I get the impression that the outlet is not where you would want it to be 'over the sink.' A more difficult but satisfying job might be to plan where you want the new outlet to be and then use the old outlet as a covered junction box to a lateral feed to the next box. Perhaps a double-box with four 120 VAC outlets.

This is not rocket science except for the first one you do. <GRINS>

Bob Wilson

ps. Old school, I use a VOM instead of those fancy ($) outlet testers. The VOM can test other things like batteries and car circuits.

pps. A quick hack, you might put a small bend in the curling iron prongs to get a better electrical fit. IF SO, first use make sure the plug does not get hot. You're bending the plugs to more firmly meet the worn electrodes in the socket. They are too weak and will only come back to cause grief in the future. Fix it right so you'll not have to worry about it again,

​