I don't know the difference in brands either. I just buy whatever they sell at the big box store. And yes, a diy-er can replace these items. Just remember to shut off the breakers first and match the colors of wires.

If you want to do anything more than the basics, find a good electrical supply store where the clerks are retired electricians. They helped me install a new 220V circuit. Piece of cake with the right advice.

Sounds good, thank you

Also, do your future self a favor--Before you put the faceplate on each outlet or light switch, take a permanent marker and write the number of the circuit breaker that controls it on the back. And take this chance to properly label your circuit breaker box. Next time you need to work on a switch/outlet, just take off the faceplate and there's your circuit number.

Great idea, thanks

Oh ya, that was the first step, figuring out which is on which circuit and making a diagram to label the circuits. Only problem with labeling the inside cover is they have to be put back right. i only had one critical one labeled. When we went to tile the kitchen backsplash the person mixed them up and wasnt put back on in the right position because the person doing it didn’t know.. Now that’s probably more dangerous.