Installing Gfi Outlets

In many homes necessary circuit breakers and gfcis are already installed but they can stop working unexpectedly so it is important to know how to replace gfci outlets when this happens.

Installing gfi outlets. 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. Installing a gfci outlet doesn t have to be confusing. Connect the bare wire to the grounding screw. Press the test button.

Wiring a gfci receptacle is a little more complicated than hooking up a regular outlet but easily learned once explained. It s important to. It also detects ground faults and disrupts the flow of current but should not be used to replace a fuse as it does not offer protection against short circuits and overloading. Install the new ground fault circuit interrupter outlet by attaching both the black and white wires to the line side of the outlet.

Wiring a gfci outlet with combo switch outlet receptacle light switch. Disconnect the wires by clipping them close to the outlet. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker box. Closeup photos show how to install a gfci without getting line and load connections confused.

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. Gfci combo switch and outlet wiring circuit diagrams and installation. If you are replacing an existing gfci outlet with a new one we suggest that you read our page about replacing a gfci outlet. Plus installing a gfci outlet reduces the risk of electric shock helping ensure the safety of you and your family.

Gfci receptacles are easier to install. The gfci outlet protects electrical wiring and receptacles from overheating and possible fire greatly minimizing the risk of shock injuries and fatal burns. Turn off the power at the main circuit panel and remove the old outlet. The outlet should go dead.

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. Replace the cover plate then check to make sure the gfci is operating properly. For example if you need gfci protection for just one or two receptacles say for a bathroom or laundry room it probably makes the most sense to simply install gfci receptacles at those locations. Reset to resume current flow.