How to Wire a 220 GFCI Outlet

A GFCI outlet will help protect you from electrical shocks, especially where water is present.

A GFCI, or ground fault circuit interrupter, outlet has a built-in circuit breaker to avoid potential shocks or short-outs. It works by measuring the amount of current coming in through the positive terminal and out through the neutral terminal. If there is a net difference in the two loads, it indicates that electricity is being lost, and causes the circuit to trip, shutting off electricity to the outlet. GFCI outlets typically come in the 125-volt variety, although 220-volt types are sometimes installed for use with hot tubs.

Things You'll Need

• 220 volt GFCI outlet
• Circuit tester
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Electrical tape
• A lamp or other small electrical appliance

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Instructions

Preparation

1. Shut off the circuit for the outlet you intend to replace or install. Always shut off the power before doing electrical work.

2. Connect the black probe of the circuit tester to the right-hand slot in the outlet and the red probe to the left-hand slot in the outlet. If the tester light glows, there is still power running through the outlet.

3. Repeat Step 1, and double-check with the circuit tester that you have shut off the correct circuit.

Installation

1. Remove the faceplate from the current outlet with the screwdriver.

2. Remove the old outlet from the workbox. The outlet will still be attached by black and white wires. Note which wire is connected to each screw on the sides of the outlet and remove the wires using the screwdriver.

3. Attach the black and white wires to the new GFCI outlet in the same way they were attached to the old outlet. Wrap the bare wire around each screw in a clockwise direction several times. Connect the green wire (the ground) to the GFCI outlet casing. The grounding terminal should be a screw on the bottom of the outlet casing. Wrap a small section of electrical tape around the casing of the GFCI outlet so that it covers each of the screws or terminals.

4. Insert the new GFCI outlet into the workbox. Adjust the wires so that they fit comfortably inside the box and do not stick out. Attach the outlet to the box with the screws that held the old outlet in place.

5. Reattach the outlet plate in place over the outlet.

Testing

1. Switch on the power to the outlet.

2. Plug a lamp or other small electrical appliance into the outlet. If the light comes on, the power is running to the outlet.

3. Press the "Test" button on the outlet. This should trip the outlet's internal circuit breaker, shutting off power to the outlet. If the light goes off, the outlet is working.

4. Press the "Reset" button to reset the circuit breaker in the outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use the utmost care when working with electrical systems. Shut off the power to the area you are working on by turning off or removing the circuit breaker or fuse corresponding to that area.

• Always use a circuit tester to ensure that electricity is not running through the wires.

References

• Wire it yourself.com: How to wire a GFCI electrical outlet
• Mike Holt's Forum: 220V GFCI Receptacles Availability