How to Wire an Exhaust Fan to a GFCI Outlet

GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms or on other circuits that may be exposed to water. When a short circuit occurs, the GFCI outlet interrupts the circuit, preventing possible electrocution. Adding GFCI outlets to circuits in rooms such as the bathroom can help to eliminate the danger of electricity in a wet environment---adding a GFCI into a circuit that includes an exhaust fan makes perfect sense.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• GFCI outlet
• Circuit tester

1. Turn off all power to the circuits you'll be working on at the breaker box by flipping the circuit breaker switch for your circuit to "OFF." If you have any doubts as to the correct circuit, turn off all power to the house with the main switch at the top of your circuit breaker box.

2. Remove the cover plate of your existing outlet by removing the screw in the center of the plate. Turn the screw to the left with a screwdriver to loosen.

3. Take out the screw at the top and bottom of the outlet and pull out the old outlet out of the gang box in the wall. Loosen the screws on the sides of the outlet and remove the wires attached to it.

4. 
   Testing the circuits

   Identify which wires in the gang box are going to the exhaust fan. GFCI outlets must be wired in a specific direction, so this is important to know. If you're not certain, you'll need to test the circuit to find out. Separate the wires in the gang box so that none are touching, then turn the power back on at the circuit breaker. Carefully use a circuit tester to see which leads are "hot" (have power). Turn off the circuit breaker when you're done.

5. 
   Wiring the outlet

   Attach the wires that come from the circuit breaker box to the terminals of the GFCI outlet marked "LINE." Loop the bare end of the black wire around the brass-colored screw and tighten the screw. Then loop the bare end of the white wire around the silver screw and tighten. Some circuits will have a bare copper ground wire. If it is present, attach it to the green-colored screw.

6. Attach the wires that come from the exhaust fan to the terminals of the GFCI outlet marked "LOAD." Use the method as described in Step 5.

7. Mount the outlet into the gang box and turn the power back on at the circuit breaker.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work on a live electrical circuit.

References

• Wiring 1-2-3; The Home Depot; 2005
• Installing a GFCI outlet

Resources

• GFCI Outlet
• Circuit Tester