GFCI Plug Receptacle: How to Install GFCI Outlets

GCFI outlets provide inexpensive insurance confronting deadly shocks.

Time

A total 24-hour interval

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

Installing a GFCI outlet doesn't accept to exist disruptive. Follow these steps and photos to install a GFCI without getting line and load connections confused.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Electrical boxes
  • Electrical cable
  • GFCI outlet
  • Wire basics
  • Wire staples

GFCI outlets reduce the danger of deadly shock from faulty plug-in cords and devices. A GFCI (ground error circuit interrupter) is a special type of outlet that detects dangerous ground faults and immediately turns off the power to stop shocks. You lot can replace almost whatsoever electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit.

While it's mutual to discover GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements. The electrical code also requires GFCIs in unfinished basements, garages, most outdoor receptacles and places where construction action occurs. Nosotros'll prove you how to supercede a standard duplex receptacle with a GFCI and wire it to protect other outlets. (For more data about wiring outlets, see Wiring Switches and Outlets).

Project step-past-step (five)

Step 1

Turn Off Power at the Master Circuit

  • Locate the circuit billow or fuse that controls the outlet you lot plan to replace and close off the power to the circuit.
  • Plug a lamp, radio or the GFCI tester into the outlet to test for ability and make certain information technology'due south off.

Footstep 2

Remove the Quondam Outlet

  • Disconnect the wires by clipping them shut to the outlet.
    • Note: Make sure yous know the divergence between line vs load GFCI, equally shown in the photo.

ground fault circuit interrupter outlet

Step 3

Strip the Wires

  • Strip the insulation from the wires to expose the amount of wire shown on the stripping judge located on the back of the GFCI plug receptacle.
  • Connect the hot and neutral wires that provide power to the "line" terminals of the GFCI plug.
    • Note: The terminal for the neutral wire volition be marked "white" or "neutral."

ground fault circuit interrupter outlet

Step 4

Connect Other Outlets

  • Remove the tape covering the "load" terminals and connect the wires leading to some other outlet or outlets to these terminals.
    • Note: The white neutral last will exist marked.
  • Fold the wires back into the box and screw on the GFCI receptacle and encompass plate.

Footstep 5

Label the Outlets

  • Adhere the "GFCI-protected outlet" label to downstream outlets.
  • Exam the downstream outlet by plugging in the GFCI tester and pressing the exam button.
    • Note: The lights on the tester should go out.
  • Press the reset button on the GFCI to reenergize the outlet.

ground fault circuit interrupter outlet

Cheque for Required Box Size

When you pull out the sometime outlet, count the number of wires in the box. Summate the minimum box size required for all of the wires plus the GFCI (see "Required Box Size," beneath). If the existing box is large enough, follow the steps above to replace the outlet with a GFCI. If information technology's as well small, buy a larger box before proceeding. (For more data on box replacement, see What You Should Do With Crowded Electric Boxes).

To figure the minimum box size required by the National Electric Code, add:

ane – for each hot and neutral wire entering the box
1 – for all of the ground wires combined
1 – for all of the cable clamps combined (if any)
2 – for each device (switch or outlet—but non lite fixtures)

Multiply the total by 2 for 14-gauge wire and 2.25 for 12-gauge wire to go the minimum box size required in cubic inches. Plastic boxes have their volume stamped inside. Steel box capacities are listed in the electrical lawmaking.

Originally Published: Oct 09, 2022