How to change a receptacles to a GFCI.

This will cover how to remove the old receptacle and replace with a GFCI receptacle

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• needle nose pliers
• wire strippers
• GFCI Receptacle
• GFCI Receptacle Cover
• screw driver - flat and phillips might be necessary.

1. 

   The first and probably the most important step is to turn the power off to the receptacle. This can be done 2 ways. The first way is to find out which of the breakers in your breaker box controls the outlet in question. If you are unsure, then turn all the power to the house off to ensure your safety.

2. 

   The next step is to remove the old receptacle out from the wall. The way you do this is by first removing the wall plate. Once the plate is removed, then you will remove the upper and lower screws. Once the screws are out, pull the receptacle out. Do not yank it as wires are attached. You should have at least 3 wires attached. A copper ground wire that should be attached to a green screw. There are at least 2 more wires; one white and one black. It is possible that there will be 4; 2 white and 2 black. If so, keep them identified as to up and down. One the back where the wires are insert you will see a small hole that has a clip inside. Push the clip in with a letter opener and it will release the wire.

3. 

   Take the GFCI receptacle and and the instructions out of the box. On the back there will be a marked spot for "line in" and "load". Also you should see "white" and "black" indicators. On the instructions it will advise for you to connect the copper wire to the green ground screw. Then you will connect both the white and black "line in" wires. If there are 2 more wires, these will be "load" wires and need to be connected per instructions.

4. 

   Once all wires are connect, it is best to test the receptacle. I like to plug in a night light and turn it to the "on" position prior to turning power back on. Once you have something plugged in, turn the power on long enough to check for current. If all works, turn it back off and then place all equipment into outlet box and screw in tight. Once bracketed in, then add the face plate and restore power.

Tips & Warnings

• TURN OFF POWER
• TURN OFF POWER

[Danniboi33]

on 6/17/2008 Chris, I believe that you can.

[chrisfisher]

on 6/17/2008 Good article. You make me believe I could actually do this. : )