How Install a New GFCI Receptacle

GFCI outlets have built-in circuit breakers.

Since 2010, the National Electric Code, or NEC, requires that a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, be installed in areas where water is present. GFCI receptacles have built-in circuit breakers that will trip the circuit, as well as any other down-stream outlets, to protect you from electrical shock. These receptacles are simple and straightforward to install. Seek professional help if you have any doubts about completing this task.

Things You'll Need

• Slotted screwdriver
• Circuit tester
• Pliers

Instructions

1. Turn the switch that controls the room you're working in to the OFF position in the breaker box.

2. Remove the cover plate, and the two screws that secure the old outlet to the junction box with a slotted screwdriver. Pull the outlet out of the junction box. Untie all the wires from the outlet with a slotted screwdriver. If there are six wires, the outlet is in the middle of a "run" -- down-stream outlets will be controlled by the GFCI once it is installed. If there are only three wires, it's at the end of a run; move to step 4.

3. 

   Find the live wires with a circuit tester.

   Separate the wires into black and white pairs, but don't allow them to touch. Turn the power to the outlet on, in the breaker box. Test all of the wires with a circuit tester to determine which pair is live. Make a note of the live pair. Turn the power to the outlet off in the breaker box.

4. Attach the live black and white wires to the terminals on the GFCI marked LINE. Push the wires into the quick-connect holes at the back of the GFCI, and tighten the screws with a slotted screwdriver; the white wire connects on the silver screw side, and the black wire to the brass screw side. Attach the other black and white wires to the terminals marked LOAD, in the same way. Attach the bare ground wire to the green screw at the bottom of the GFCI; loop the wire around the screw with a pair of pliers, then tighten the screw with a slotted screwdriver.

5. Push the GFCI receptacle into the junction box, and secure the screws at the top and bottom with a slotted screwdriver. Install the cover and tighten the screws.

6. Turn the power on in the breaker box. Test the GFCI by pushing the TEST button on the front; if it's operating correctly, it will trip the GFCI and any outlets further down the line. Press the RESET button to restore power.

References

• Corner Hardware: Installing a GFCI