Installation Of Gfci Outlet
Single location protection offers gfci protection only at one receptacle.
Installation of gfci outlet. A diyer with basic knowledge of electrical wiring may be able to replace an existing outlet with a gfci outlet instructions below but only when swapping out a three prong outlet two plugin. If you are replacing an existing gfci outlet with a new one we suggest that you read our page about replacing a gfci outlet. If the circuit breakers aren t labeled you can locate the proper switch by plugging a radio into the outlet you plan to change. Gfci combo switch and outlet wiring circuit diagrams and installation.
Plus installing a gfci outlet reduces the risk of electric shock helping ensure the safety of you and your family. Gfci receptacles are generally used instead of a standard outlet receptacle to offer protection to a single outlet location. You can also learn about wiring gfci outlets in the following 7 steps. Installing a gfci outlet doesn t have to be confusing.
As discussed before gfci also known as ground fault circuit interrupter is a protection device against electric shock which detects the ground faults and leakage currents especially in outdoor and watery areas such as bathroom kitchen laundry etc. Disconnect the wires by clipping them close to the outlet. Reset to resume current flow. If the existing electrical box is too small to accommodate a gfci outlet or if the house wiring is aluminum instead of copper you may need to hire a qualified electrician to do this job.
Replace the cover plate then check to make sure the gfci is operating properly. Wiring a gfci receptacle is a little more complicated than hooking up a regular outlet but easily learned once explained. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker box. Turn off the power at the main circuit panel and remove the old outlet.
Closeup photos show how to install a gfci without getting line and load connections confused. Press the test button. It is recommended that gfci outlet should be tested every month and replaced every decade. In this gfci outlet wiring and installation diagram the combo switch outlet spst single way switch and ordinary outlet is connected to the load side of gfci.
The outlet should go dead. If the gfci outlet is tripping often it probably needs further investigation by a certified electrician as it could also be a result of worn out insulation accumulated dust or deteriorated wiring. Install the new ground fault circuit interrupter outlet by attaching both the black and white wires to the line side of the outlet. However gfci receptacles can be wired in two different ways to offer two different levels of protection.
It s important to. Self testing your ground fault circuit interrupter.