How to Wire a GFI Switch
GFI or GFCI switches, known as ground fault interrupt and ground fault circuit interrupt respectively, are circuit breakers which are indicated in electrical circuits that are installed in damp or outdoor conditions. GFI breakers are significantly different than standard circuit breakers, however, their installation is able to be performed with proper safety and planning considerations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Put your safety glasses and electrical gloves on.
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2
Open the front access door to the breaker box you wish to install the GFI breaker into.
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3
Locate the power "Main" switch. This switch is usually at the top of the breaker box and is signified on its handle with a Amperage rating higher than all other breakers within the breaker box. Set this switch to the "OFF" or "OPEN" position. Ensure all power is severed from the box by attempting to turn on appliances that are powered through the breaker box. If you are unable to ascertain the "Main" switch or it fails to sever power to the rest of the circuits within the box, discontinue any further action and contact an electrician.
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4
Locate an open breaker socket in which to install the GFI breaker into.
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5
Snap the breaker into the open socket. This breaker will only fit in one orientation and may take some force to install if the breaker socket is new.
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6
Locate the white wire coming off of the GFI breaker switch. This wire will be curled and is often referred to as a "pigtail" wire.
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7
Locate an open mounting point on the breaker box's buss bar. This bar will be a thin piece of metal with other white wires mounted to it.
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8
Loosen a screw on the buss bar enough to place the end of the white wire underneath it and into the buss bar's mounting hole.
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Place the exposed end of the white wire into the mounting hole and tighten the screw over the wire to mount it securely into place.
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10
Locate the black wire of the circuit which you intend to connect the GFI breaker to.
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11
Locate the "Load" screw at the end of the GFI breaker and loosen it enough to accommodate the exposed portion of the black wire.
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12
Wrap the exposed portion of the black wire around the GFI mounting screw and tighten the screw until the black wire is securely mounted in place. Do not overly tighten this screw so much that the wire is forced out from beneath the screw head.
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13
Turn the GFI breaker to the "ON" or "CLOSED" position.
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Turn the "MAIN" power back on. This also will be turned to the "ON" or "CLOSED" position.
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Close the breaker box.
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Tips & Warnings
Though home electrical work can be performed by a non-professional, if there is any time where you feel unsure of your safety or course of action concerning the work, it is highly advised you seek the aid of a professional electrician.
