How to Wire a Square D GFCI

Square D by Schneider Electric is a manufacturer of electrical products for the residential contractor and DIY consumer markets. Square D products are sold in hardware and home improvement stores nationwide. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) circuit breakers are required by National Electric Code in kitchens, bathrooms, patios, unfinished basements and other areas where there are water and a potential shock hazard. All GFCI outlets follow the same procedure for wiring.

Things You'll Need

• Square D GFCI outlet
• Screwdriver
• Wire strippers
• Electrical pliers

Instructions

1. Turn off the circuit breaker that controls the circuit in which you will be installing the GFCI outlet.

2. Remove the Square D GFCI outlet from the packing box. The back of the GFCI outlet will be marked "LINE" and "LOAD." Wiring will be attached to the "LINE" side screws only. The "LOAD" side is reserved for fixtures or other outlets attached beyond this outlet in the circuit. Fixtures and other outlets are protected through the GFCI outlet.

3. Confirm the presence of hot, neutral and ground wires in the junction box where the GFCI outlet will be installed and wired. Strip the insulation on the three wires to expose 3/4" of wire.

4. Complete the initial wiring of the stand-alone outlet. Connect the neutral (white) wire to the "Line/Neutral" set screw (silver). Connect the hot (colored) wire to the "Line/Hot" set screw (gold). Connect the ground (green) wire to the ground set screw (green).

5. Connect any protected devices to the "LOAD" side before installing the GFCI in the junction box. Connect the device's neutral (white) wire to the "Load/Neutral" set screw (silver). Connect the device's hot (colored) wire to the "Load/Hot" set screw (gold). Connect the device ground (green) wire to the ground set screw (green).

6. Install the outlet to the box using the two 6/32-inch mounting screws provided, and install the cover plate.

7. Turn the breaker back on and test the GFCI outlet by pushing its "Test" button. This trips the GFCI. Reset the GFCI by pushing the "Reset" button. If devices are attached to this outlet, then they will not function when the test is successfully performed prior to Reset.

Tips & Warnings

• Always turn electricity off at the circuit breaker before starting any electrical wiring project.

References

• Safety First with Square D GFCIs
• Corner Hardware: Installing a GFCI
• Installing, Troubleshooting and Testing GFCI

Resources

• Square D Retail & Consumer Products