Things You'll Need:
- Voltage tester
- Black electrical tape
- GFI receptacle & cover
- Flat head screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Linesman pliers
- Plug in receptacle tester
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Step 1
Start by turning the power off to the receptacle you are replacing. You can do this by plugging in the receptacle tester and turning off the power at the circuit breaker panel. check the plug in tester to insure the power is out.
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Step 2
Next you will remove the cover plate by removing the two small flat head screws at the top and bottom of the plate. next remove the screws at the top and bottom of the receptacle, it will now be loose. before pulling the receptacle out of the box you should test for power at the terminals with your voltage tester to make sure power is off. Next pull the receptacle out and cut the wires free make sure you cut the wires as close to the receptacle as possible.
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Step 3
Next you need to strip the white and black wires about 1/2 " to 5/8". There should be a strip gauge on the back of the new GFI to show you how long to strip the wire. Now you will connect the ground wire (bare or green wire) to the top terminal, look at the terminal and determine if it is a clamp or regular terminal. Normally they are clamp type so just insert the ground wire into the hole under the screw and tighten screw. After you tighten the terminal pull on the wire to make sure you have a good tight connection.
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Step 4
Next you want to connect your neutral on neutrals (white wire) to the silver terminal. make sure you are connecting to the terminals on the line side. If you look at the back of the GFI you will see where it says line and load and there will be lines pointing to the appropriate terminals. these terminals will have clamps so simply push the wire into the holes under the screw terminal and tighten. hold the GFI with one hand and give the wires A pull with the other hand to insure tight connection.
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Step 5
Next you will repeat step 4 using the black wires and you will connect them to the gold terminal on the line side. Once all the wires are connected wrap A couple wraps of black electrical tape around the GFI covering the terminals.
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Step 6
Next you want to pre fold the wires so it will be easier to push the GFI back into the box. Push the GFI back into the box until the ears make contact with the wall. tighten the screws that hold the GFI in the box. Do not over tighten these screws just snug them enough to hold it firmly against the sheetrock.
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Step 7
Now you can install the cover plate with the two short flat head screws.
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Step 8
Now that you are all done installing the GFI you can turn the power back on. Once power is on you may need to press the reset button on the GFI. check for correct wiring by plugging in the plug in tester and check for correct wiring lights to light up.
