How to Replace an Electrical Outlet With a GFCI
A GFCI outlet provides greater protection from electrical shock than a standard outlet. In areas where electrical appliances and water are in close proximity to each other, like bathrooms, kitchens and around pools and spas, it is especially important to replace regular electrical outlets with GFCI ones. The GFCI outlet measures the amount of current flowing through the hot wire to the appliance and through the neutral wire returning from the appliance. If there is an imbalance in the current -- indicating that electricity may be shorting through water, creating an electrocution hazard -- the GFCI trips, cutting off power to the circuit.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Turn off the power to the electrical outlet at the breaker panel or fuse box.
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2
Remove the screw holding the cover plate on the outlet with a flat screwdriver. Remove the two retaining screws holding the outlet to the gang box with a Phillips screwdriver.
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3
Pull the outlet and wires out of the gang box. Loosen the terminal screws on the sides of the outlet and pull the wires free. Remove the outlet and set it aside or discard it.
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4
Wrap the end of the black wire from the breaker panel or fuse box around the brass-colored terminal screw marked with "Line" on the GFCI. Wrap the end of the white wire from the breaker or fuse panel around the silver screw marked "Line." Tighten the screws.
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5
Wrap the bare copper wire around the green screw on the bottom of the GFCI and tighten the screw.
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6
Connect the black and white wires running from the GFCI to any other receptacles or fixtures to the brass and silver terminals marked "Load."
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7
Twist the bare copper wires together and cut one of them shorter than the other to create a "pigtail" to wrap around the ground screw, if multiple ground wires are present in the gang box. Wrap the "pigtail" around the green screw and tighten it securely.
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8
Push the GFCI and wiring into the gang box gently. Tighten the retaining screws to attach the GFCI firmly to the gang box. Place the trim cover on the GFCI, insert the retaining screw and tighten it.
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9
Turn on the power supply to the outlet.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Replace an electrical outlet with a GFCI at the beginning of a circuit to give GFCI protection to all of the downstream outlets. Test the GFCI outlet regularly to make sure it is in proper working condition.
A GFCI offers improved protection, but it does not eliminate the possibility of shock or electrocution. Be cautious whenever you're working in an area where water and electricity are close together.
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Comments
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jrichview
Oct 11, 2008
You don't discuss 15 amp vs 20 amp. When replacing an existing (NON-gfi) socket, how can one tell whether a 15 or 20 amp is needed? -
JASCOTT
Mar 16, 2008
Also determine what the wires down the line work as well, if the outlets down the line dont require GFI protection you can hook both sets of wires onto the line side of a GFI outlet.
