How to Install an Outdoor GFI Outlet
The National Electric Code (NEC) requires most outdoor outlets be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, which is sometimes shortened to GFI. These safety devices help prevent shock or electrocution by "tripping," or cutting off the electricity, to the outlet when the electricity finds an alternate path to ground. GFCI outlets have two buttons that standard outlets do not have. One tests the GFCI by creating an internal ground fault and the other resets the GFCI after is has been tripped. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Turn the power off at the circuit breaker. Use the voltage detector or multimeter to ensure no power is flowing through the wires at the receptacle box.
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2
Separate all the wires in the box. If you have more than one set of wires in your outlet box, then you will need to determine which is coming from the breaker and which is going to the rest of the circuit. Turn the circuit breaker back on and use the voltage detector or multimeter on each set of wires. The one with current is the one coming from the box. If you only have one set of wires, this step is not necessary. This step is dangerous since you are working with live current. Wear electrician's gloves or similar protective equipment to prevent shock or electrocution.
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3
Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and test again to ensure you have no current. Strip about 1/2 to 3/4 inch of insulation off each of the wires. Leave enough bare to wrap once around the screws.
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4
Attach the neutral wire (white) from the circuit breaker to the silver screw marked "line" on the GFCI receptacle. Wrap the wire clockwise to help prevent slipping when you tighten the screw. Attach the hot wire (usually black or red) to the brass screw marked line using the same technique.
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5
Attach the neutral wire going to the rest of the circuit to the silver screw marked "load" and the corresponding hot wire to the brass screw marked "load."
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6
Cut a small piece--about 6 inches--of ground wire (green or bare copper) matching the ones already there and strip the ends to match the others, if necessary. Twist the ends of the three pieces together and secure with a green wire nut. Attach the other end of the short piece to the green ground screw on the receptacle.
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Fold the wires back into the box and secure the receptacle with its mounting screws. Put the waterproof gasket in place and attach the cover to the box. Designs may vary, so contact the manufacturer of your box or a licensed electrician if you are unsure.
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