How to Wire a Gfi Outlet
The National Electric Code requires a GFCI outlet to be installed in any wet location around the home, and any outlet within 6 inches of a sink must also be protected. Wiring a GFCI outlet is a straightforward job that is not much different from wiring a regular duplex outlet. However, there are certain steps you should take to ensure that the job is performed safely and correctly. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Voltage tester
- Screwdrivers
- Wire strippers
- Wire connectors
- Electrical tape
Instructions
-
-
1
Turn the power off to the circuit before wiring the GFCI outlet. If you wire it with the line hot, you may not only get accidentally shocked, but you may also damage the outlet.
-
2
Look at the wiring terminals on the GFCI outlet. The top two terminals are labeled "Line," and the bottom terminals (these usually have a strip of yellow tape on them) are labeled "Load." If you have more than one set of wires in the wall box, it's important to know which set is the feed circuit and which set is traveling to the next outlet in the line.
-
-
3
Loosen the terminal screws on the Line side of the GFCI outlet.
-
4
Use the wire strippers to remove about 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of each insulated wire in the box that will be getting connected to the outlet.
-
5
Wrap the ground wire in the box around the ground screw on the outlet and tighten it down. If there is more than one ground wire in the box, connect them all together with a wire connector and use a pigtail (a wire that branches off from the group of wires) to connect to the outlet's ground screw.
-
6
Slide the white wall wire from the feed circuit into the slot on the back of the GFCI outlet that's on the same side as the silver terminal screw. Tighten down the silver screw to secure the wire in place. Give it a slight tug to ensure it is connected tightly. This should be on the "Line" side of the outlet.
-
7
Slide the black wall wire from the feed circuit into the slot on the back of the GFCI outlet that's on the same side as the bronze terminal screw. Tighten down the bronze screw to secure the wire in place. Give it a slight tug to ensure it is connected tightly. This should be on the "Line" side of the outlet.
-
8
If there is a traveler line in the wall box, those wires will get installed the same way, but on the "Load" side of the GFCI outlet.
-
9
Wrap electrical tape around the terminal screws and secure the GFCI outlet to the wall box. Then, install the cover plate and turn on the circuit.
-
10
Press the "Reset" button on the front of the outlet to turn it on. All GFCIs are packaged in the tripped position, so they need to be reset after installation.
-
11
Push the "Trip" button on the front of the outlet to make sure the trip mechanism works and that it is wired correctly. After the outlet trips, push the "Reset" button once again.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Never wire a GFCI outlet to a live circuit.
If you have any questions about your ability to perform this type of electrical work, please call a licensed electrician.
