How to Install a GFCI Outlet for Whirlpool Tubs

A GFCI outlet will keep you safe while using your hot tub.

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is a necessary component of any whirlpool. This device is designed to prevent electric shock. It will cut off the power if there is any interruption or imbalance in the electrical current running to and from your whirlpool. Using a GFCI receptacle outlet is an alternative choice to installing a GFCI circuit breaker. Some experience in electrical device installation may be helpful in this process.

Things You'll Need

• Needle-nose pliers
• No-contact voltage tester
• Screwdriver
• Wire cutters
• Razor knife
• Utility knife
• Wire strippers
• GFCI receptacle
• Electrical tape

Instructions

1. Turn off the circuit breaker and remove the fuse.

2. Remove the protective faceplate from the outlet of the whirlpool by using a screwdriver to remove any screws holding it in place.

3. Turn on your voltage tester. By keeping your voltage tester within a few inches of the outlet, it will be able to pick up any electric current. Listen to your voltage tester. It will beep if there is any electrical current still running through the system. If it does beep, there may be more circuit breakers that need to be shut off. You may also have to remove more fuses.

4. Pull the Romex cable from the electrical box. This will be a thick wire.

5. Slice down the length of the Romex cable's protective coating with a utility knife. Peel off the coating to expose the individual, thinner wires. Cut off the coating completely from around these wires with the utility knife. Do not remove the coating of the individual wires themselves.

6. Strip 3/4" of the coating from the end of each of the individual wires with wire strippers.

7. Twist the end of each individual wire to form a loop. Hold the wire in a pair of needle-nose pliers and turn the wire around the pliers. This will created a good size loop to fit the terminal screws.

8. Find the orange wires marked "Line" and the wires covered in yellow tape marked "Load" on the back of the GFCI device.

9. Make a connection between the Romex wires and the GFCI unit. Attach the black wires of the Romex cable to the GFCI wires marked "Line." Connect the white wires of the Romex cable to the silver screw on the GFCI unit. Connect the ground wire (bare copper) to the octagonal screw on the GFCI unit. Wrap the loops on the Romex wires clockwise several times around their GFCI connection points. Cover each connection with electrical tape.

10. Tuck the GFCI into the electrical box of the whirlpool. Reinstall all removed fuses. Replace the faceplate and secure it in place with screws. Turn on the circuit breakers.

References

• Ask-the-Electrician.com: How To Do Single GFI Wiring
• Ask-the-Electrician.com: GFCI Wiring Diagram Feed Through Method