How to Wire GFCI

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Turn off the power to the circuit you are working on from your main fuse or breaker box.

   Unscrew the cover plate with a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver., You should have no more than 4 loose wires or 2 cables with a total of 6 wires between them.
   
   Grounding wires are not included in this total.
   
   Contact a qualified electrician to complete the work if you have identified more than 4 loose wires or more than 2 cables (grounding wires not included. , Connect the white "line" wire to the silver (white) terminal and connect the black "line" wire to the brass "hot" terminal., Needle-nose pliers may be needed to connect the wires.,,,, Ensure the wires come from the same cable.,, If the power returns, the capped lines are "load" lines, or lines that can be strung together to give GFCI protection to multiple outlets.
   
   If no power comes on, your capped lines are the "line" wires or your main power wires. , Label your "line" and "load" wires., Attach your "line" black wire to the brass "hot" terminal., You will hook your remaining wires to these terminals.,, Fold your wires into the box, making sure the grounding wires do not touch the "line" or "load" wires.
   
   Reattach the cover plate., Press the "Test" button to make the light turn off.
   
   The "Reset" button should also pop out.
   
   Test the light in the surrounding outlets if you have connected more outlets to the GFCI using the second method.
   
   The same result should occur.
   
   Press the "Reset" button to restore the power.;
2. 2

   Step 2: Identify how many cables or wires you have in your electrical box.

3. 3

   Step 3: Strip the wires with wire strippers.

4. 4

   Step 4: Attach any ground wires to the green grounding screws.

5. 5

   Step 5: Tuck the wires into the box

6. 6

   Step 6: ensuring the grounding wire does not touch the other 2 wires.

7. 7

   Step 7: Install the receptacle back into the wall.

8. 8

   Step 8: Wiring Procedure for 2 Cables (4 to 6 wires)

9. 9

   Step 9: Detach 1 white and 1 black "hot" wire from a cable of the GFCI receptacle and put a wire cap on them.

10. 10

    Step 10: Reinstall the GFCI into the electrical box and restore power at the main fuse or breaker box.

11. 11

    Step 11: Plug in a night light to determine if power is flowing into the receptacle.

12. 12

    Step 12: Turn the power off at your main panel and take out the GFCI outlet.

13. 13

    Step 13: Attach your "line" white wire to the silver terminal.

14. 14

    Step 14: Remove the yellow sticker that covers the "load" terminals on the receptacle.

15. 15

    Step 15: Connect your "load" white wire to the silver "load" terminal and your "load" black wire to the "hot" brass "load" terminal.

16. 16

    Step 16: Attach your ground wires to the green grounding screws.

17. 17

    Step 17: Turn on the power at the main panel and plug in a lamp or night light into the outlet.

Detailed Guide

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