GFCI Plug Receptacle: How to Install GFCI Outlets
- Turn Off Power at the Main Circuit. Locate the circuit breaker or fuse that controls the outlet you plan to replace and shut off the power to the circuit.
- Remove the Old Outlet. Disconnect the wires by clipping them close to the outlet. ...
- Strip the Wires. Strip the insulation from the wires to expose the amount of wire shown on the stripping gauge located on the back of the GFCI plug receptacle.
- Connect Other Outlets. Remove the tape covering the “load” terminals and connect the wires leading to another outlet or outlets to these terminals.
- Label the Outlets
Can I add a standard receptacle on a GFCI circuit?
GFCI receptacles have much larger bodies than standard receptacles, so in some instances, the physical space within the wall box may affect your choice. With standard-size boxes, there may not be enough room to add a GFCI receptacle safely, making a GFCI circuit breaker the better choice.
How much does it cost to install a GFCI outlet?
The price of a GFCI outlet is anywhere between $12 and more than $25 and the costs to install one is anywhere between $130 and $155, bringing the total cost to around $140 to $185 per outlet for both labor and part itself.
What are GFCI outlets and where should they be installed?
- Spaces at or below grade level
- Areas where heating, AC and refrigeration equipment is installed
- Includes 120-volt lighting outlets
How do I install a GFCI?
How to Install a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI Circuit Breaker
- Before You Begin. Service panels and breakers are made by many different manufacturers, and they are not universally compatible.
- Safety Considerations. Installing a circuit breaker involves working near equipment carrying potentially deadly voltage. ...
- Standard vs. GFCI Breakers. ...
- When to Call a Professional. ...
Can I install a GFCI outlet myself?
You'll need: A new GFCI outlet and outlet plate. A flat head screwdriver, for removing the outlet plate and old electrical outlet. A Phillips screwdriver, for replacing the GFCI outlet, and tightening the connections.
How do you install a GFCI outlet in an existing circuit?
2:314:58HOW TO INSTALL A GFCI OUTLET - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut it in our little pocket here. Take our screwdriver. And then just tighten it. Down. Next we'llMorePut it in our little pocket here. Take our screwdriver. And then just tighten it. Down. Next we'll install our hot wire or our black wire which is this one.
Can you just add a GFCI outlet anywhere?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI outlets in all wet or damp locations. For your home to be up to code, working GFCI outlets must be installed in your bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
How do I wire a new GFCI outlet?
2:223:39How to Wire a GFCI Outlet - 2 wires to GFCI - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipConnect your neutral wire to the silver screw the side with the wide slat. Now you can tuck yourMoreConnect your neutral wire to the silver screw the side with the wide slat. Now you can tuck your wires into the box. And tighten down the gfci.
What happens if you wire a GFCI backwards?
If you miswired the GFCI it may not prevent personal injury or death due to a ground fault (electrical shock). If you mistakenly connect the LINE wires to the LOAD terminals, the GFCI will not reset and will not provide power to either the GFCI receptacle face or any receptacles fed from the GFCI.
Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?
Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
Can you have 2 GFCI outlets on the same circuit?
The Standard Number Of GFCI's On One Circuit You may use two or more GFCI rated outlets on one circuit if you like. However, if one trips or goes bad, all the outlets/GFCIs down the line will be affected.
Can I replace a regular outlet with a GFCI outlet?
You can replace almost any electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet. Correctly wired GFCIs will also protect other outlets on the same circuit. While it's common to find GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens, there are GFCI outlet requirements.
Can you have 2 GFCI outlets on the same line?
All GFCIs trip at a current leakage as low as 4 to 5 milliamps. There is no additional safety gained from daisy-chaining two or more GFCIs together. If your home has multiple GFCI outlets on the same circuit, and you trip a downstream GFCI, the lead GFCI will also trip.
How many wires do you need for a GFCI outlet?
Installing a GFCI receptacle can be more complicated than installing a conventional receptacle. A cable consists of 2 or 3 wires. LINE cable: Delivers power from the service panel (breaker panel or fuse box) to the GFCI.
How do you wire a GFCI outlet with 3 wires?
1:413:42Wiring a GFCI Outlet - Install a GFCI Receptacle - One Cable - ConduitYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's going to be connected to the screw terminal for the neutral side so the neutral side is goingMoreThat's going to be connected to the screw terminal for the neutral side so the neutral side is going to go to the silver screw. And I created a hook.
Will a GFCI work without a ground wire?
In short, yes. If your circuit doesn't have a ground wire, you can still install a GFCI outlet for protection. GFCI outlets without a ground wire are legal and work; however, choosing to install GFCI outlets without a ground wire does come with some disadvantages.
Step 1: Turn Off the Power
Turn the power off to the circuit supplying the outlet you will replace by switching off the circuit breaker in your home's service panel (breaker box).
Step 2: Test for Power
Confirm the power is off at the outlet using a noncontact voltage tester. Insert the tip of the tester into each of the outlet slots; it should detect no voltage in any slot. If the tester signals that there is voltage, return to the service panel, shut off the correct breaker and then test the outlet again to make sure the power is off.
Step 3: Pull Out the Old Outlet
Remove the outlet cover plate's screw using a screwdriver and pull off the cover plate. Remove the two outlet mounting screws securing the outlet to the electrical box. Grasp the mounting ears at the top and bottom of the outlet and carefully pull the outlet a few inches away from the box without touching any wires.
Step 4: Remove the Old Outlet
Unscrew each screw terminal containing a wire and pull the wire from the terminal.
Step 5: Examine the Wires
Separate and straighten all of the wires to examine them. If there is only one cable (one set of wires) in the box, this indicates that the outlet is at the end of the circuit. In this case, you must install the GFCI using the single-location configuration.
Step 6: Prepare the Wires
Inspect the bare-metal end of each wire. It should be clean and undamaged and extend about 3/4 inch beyond the wire insulation. If the bare end has nicks, burn marks or other damage, trim off the bare end using wire strippers and then strip 3/4 inch of insulation from the cut end.
Step 7: Connect the Wires to the GFCI
Connect the hot (usually black), neutral (usually white) and ground (usually bare copper or green insulated) wires to the new GFCI outlet based on the desired configuration.
Why Install a GFCI Outlet?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires GFCI outlets in all wet or damp locations. For your home to be up to code, working GFCI outlets must be installed in your bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. Plus, installing a GFCI outlet reduces the risk of electric shock, helping ensure the safety of you and your family.
Identify the Line Wires
Pull wires out of the wall box and position them so they cannot touch each other.
Connect the Wires
Make sure the amp rating of your new GFCI outlet matches the amp rating of the wiring and breaker or fuse.