WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet

GFCI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter. These devices are used to protect you from shock. They are required by the National Electric Code to be installed in Kitchens, Bathrooms, Garages, Outdoor outlets, and anywhere within six feet of water. If water or moisture gets into an outlet the gfci will trip, turning the power off at that location. Over time, your GFCI may wear down and need to be replaced. This is a relatively easy thing to do. The biggest part people get hung up on is hooking the right wires to the line and load terminals. If you buy a GFCI from one supplier but your existing GFCI was bought from a different supplier then you may not be able to just hook the electrical wires up to the GFCI exactly how they are now.

For some GFCIs, the line terminals are on the top of the outlet. For other GFCIs, the line terminals are on the bottom of the outlet. The good news is the GFCI will be marked. This is located on the back of the device. Then all you have to do is figure of which set of electrical wires are the line wires and which are the load wires. You can easily do this by using your voltage detector. Remove the wires from the GFCI. Turn the breaker on and test to see which wire beeps when you touch it. The electrical wire that makes your presence tester beep is the line electrical wires. Make sure you mark this by putting a wire nut over the wire. Then turn off the breaker so you can safely hook up the new GFCI. After you complete this, turn back on the breaker and test your work!