How to Wire a 240 GFI Breaker
Electrical safety in the home is of the up-most importance, and installing a GFI/GFCI circuit breaker is the perfect way to protect you and your family. The GFCI, which stands for, ground fault circuit interrupter, is designed to monitor the constant level of current flowing in a circuit, and the slightest variation will trip the circuit to the off position to prevent a short, fire, or electrocution. The GFCI breaker is installed in the main circuit panel much like a traditional circuit breaker, and following a few steps will help you know how to wire a 240 GFI breaker and make your home safer for everyone. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flashlight
- Screwdriver (Phillips/flat head)
- New GFI circuit breaker (220/240)
Instructions
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1
Turn the power off at the circuit breaker by turning the MAIN switch (usually located at the top of the panel) to the OFF position.
Some newer homes may have the main off switch located next to the meter on the side of the home where the power comes in off the street.NOTE: The two wires coming into to the main switch will STILL BE HOT, so do not touch them. By turning the switch off you will disable all power to the circuits below the switch where you will be working.
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From this step on, use the flashlight to see and work clearly on the circuit panel till power is able to be restored.
It may be helpful to allow an assistant to hold the flashlight to free you up to work with both hands on the circuit breaker.
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3
Using the screwdriver, carefully un-screw the screws that are holding the cover of the circuit panel to the wall and remove the cover and set aside.
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4
Locate the breaker to be replaced with the GFI breaker. Disconnect the black wire from the screw on the breaker using the screwdriver. (Let this wire hang free, as you will use it again).
Again using the screwdriver, pry one end of the circuit breaker until it pops off the U shape clamp that is holding it in place. Remove and discard the old breaker. -
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Install in the GFI breaker in the same manner. Line up the new GFI/GFCI breaker in position and press the U shaped clamps onto the pin, until it snaps into place.
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6
Connect the black wire from the old circuit breaker to the screw on the GFI/GFCI circuit breaker that is labeled "Line In" or "Main Line". This screw may also be black to help identify it.
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7
Now trace the black wire you just connected until you find the end of the cable that it comes out of with the other wires. Locate the white wire that is coming out of the same cable and trace it down to the main neutral buss located on the panel (usually in the center of the two rows of circuit breakers).
Disconnect this white wire from the neutral strip and connect it to the screw on the GFI circuit breaker that is labeled "neutral" or "load neutral".
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Now take the white wire that is coming off the circuit breaker (pre-installed by the factory) and connect it to the neutral buss using the included screw (or use the screw and location of the white wire previously removed).
Make sure the GFI breaker switch is in the OFF position.
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9
Reattach the panel cover using the screws and screwdriver.
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10
Turn the power on at the main switch at the power panel.
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Test the breaker. Plug a radio into the outlet that is connected to the GFI circuit just installed and make sure the volume is turned up.
Flip the GFI circuit breaker switch to the on position. The radio will come on. To test the GFI, press the test button on the breaker and it should trip the switch and the radio will cut off as power is lost. To reset the breaker, flip the breaker switch fully to the off position, and back fully to the on position. Power is restored.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to test any GFI/GFCI breaker or outlet about once every month or so to make sure it is functioning properly.
Never attempt to work on any electrical lines or breakers without first consulting a licensed electrician.
Be sure that all electrical work meets all building codes in your local area.
