How to Replace a Regular Receptacle With GFCI
Many older homes have regular electrical receptacles in kitchens and bathrooms. In order to prevent accidental electrocution, in rooms such as these where water is present, the National Electric Code requires that these receptacles be ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). When remodeling or upgrading, homeowners may need to exchange the regular outlets with GFCI receptacles. Check local codes or ask a qualified electrician to determine which specific outlets should be changed out. The task of changing them out, once they are properly identified, is easily within a typical home handyman's skill. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Turn off the power to the circuit you will be working on at the circuit breaker. If you have a lock on the breaker panel, lock it to prevent anyone accidentally turning it back on. Check the receptacle with a voltage detector or multimeter to ensure no current is flowing.
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2
Unscrew and remove the faceplate from the outlet you will be changing out. Remove the mounting screws holding the receptacle in place and pull the receptacle out of the box. If it is the last receptacle in the circuit, it should only have one set of wires. If more receptacles are in the circuit down the line, there should be at least two sets.
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3
Disconnect the wires from the old receptacle. If more than one set is attached, determine which set comes from the circuit breaker. If you cannot see it directly, you may have to test the wires. Separate the wires and turn the breaker back on. Check each hot wire, which will usually be black or red, with a voltage detector or multimeter. The one with current is the one from the breaker. Repeat Step 1 to ensure the power is turned back off.
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4
Hook the hot wire from the circuit breaker to the brass screw labeled "Line" on the GFCI receptacle. Similarly, attach the corresponding white neutral wire to the silver "Line" screw. If this is the last receptacle in a circuit, the connections are done.
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5
Determine whether any receptacles down the line from the new GFCI receptacle need to be GFCI-protected. This is not very common as too many protected receptacles can cause problems for the GFCI. If they are to be protected, attach the hot and neutral wires leading to them to the brass and silver "Load" screws, respectively, on the GFCI. If they are not to be protected, then you will need to splice the wires to the receptacle into their counterparts coming from the circuit breaker to the GFCI.
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Tips & Warnings
Ground wires, which are either bare copper or green insulated, should remain attached to the box if it is metallic. If it is not metallic, you should connect them to the green ground screws on the GFCI receptacle.
