How to Install a GFI Circuit Breaker

GFI stands for Ground Fault Interrupt, and GFI circuit breakers are also known as GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt) breakers. They work the same way regular circuit breakers do--cutting off the power to a portion of your home in the event of an electrical surge--but they also prevent shocks caused by leaking water and similar hazards. In that sense, they are much safer than regular circuit breakers. Installing a GFI circuit breaker is just as easy as installing a regular one--there is just one additional wire involved in the process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber mat or rubber shoes GFI circuit breaker Screwdriver Voltmeter

1. Open your circuit box and cut the power to your house by throwing the main switch. Disconnect the metal frame surrounding the circuit box with a screwdriver, then set it and the screws aside.

2. Locate the breaker you wish to replace and turn it off. Then remove it from its housing, either by unscrewing it or popping it out.

3. Unscrew the wiring connected to the terminals on the old circuit breaker and slide the wires free.

4. Turn the new GFI circuit breaker off and connect the white pigtail wire to the matching terminal on the grounding bar--it should be on the left or right side of the box. Tighten the terminal with a screwdriver once the wire is in place.

5. Fit the GFI breaker into the vacant spot on the breaker frame, then snap or screw it firmly into position.

6. Connect the black ("hot") wire that was attached to the old breaker to the terminal marked "power" or "load power" on the GFI breaker. Connect the white ("neutral") wire to the terminal marked "neutral" or "load neutral" on the GFI breaker.

7. Turn the main power switch on, then turn the GFI breaker switch on.

8. Push the "test" button on the GFI circuit breaker. The breaker should trip and shut off the power.

9. Turn the GFI circuit breaker back on. Place one prong from a voltmeter on the hot terminal and the other prong on the grounded terminal to test the circuit. If it checks out, then replace the metal frame and screw it back into place before closing the breaker box.

Tips & Warnings

• Retest the GFI breaker every 30 days by pushing the "test" button again. If it trips the circuit, you know it's still working.
• Put on a pair of rubber shoes or place a rubber mat directly beneath the area where you're standing. As long as you're in contact with them, you'll stay grounded and won't run the risk of a shock.