Lock out the panel box, so no one can accidentally turn the power back
on while you are working.
There are basically two steps for wiring a
GFCI
1) Wire the GFCI.
2) Ground the GFCI.
NOTE: -Aluminum
Wires- If you are using aluminum wires in this situation, it is very important
that you use fixtures and/or wire connectors or wire nuts that are UL (Underwriters
Laboratories) approved for use with aluminum and copper wires.
1) Wire the GFCI.
Looking at a GFCI, it is important to note that there
are two sets of terminals. Line terminals and Load terminals. The Load
terminals normally has a yellow sticker that covers the terminals.
Notice that the terminals are different colors. One is silver and the
other is brass.
If there are only one set of wires in the box then these are to wired to
the Line terminals. The white wire connects to the WHITE terminal
(Silver). The black wire connects to the HOT terminal (Brass).
If two or more sets of wires in the box then you must first determine
which set of wires power comes into the box. These are the Line wires
and are wired in the line terminals. The other set(s) of wires are to be
wire to the Load terminals.
2) Ground the GFCI.
Attach the ground wire (bare copper wire or green wire) to the ground
screw of the GFCI. If more than one ground wire is in the box, twist
them together along with a pigtail with a wire connector (wire nut) or a
crimped connector. Next, attach the pigtail ground wire to the ground
screw on the receptacle. If you are using a metal outlet box, make sure
a pigtail ground wire is connected to the ground screw on the box.
NOTE: Before putting the cover plate on the GFCI, make sure the
receptacle is aligned straight vertically before you tighten it down (to
be visually pleasing). Also, do not over tighten the screws for the
cover plate, as it may crack.
A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is designed to
shut off the flow of current after detecting a ground fault. A
ground fault is the shorting of an electrical device or circuit
to ground. By doing so, it protects people from electric shock,
as well as prevents some electrical fires.
How the GFCI Works
A GFCI
constantly monitors electricity flowing in a circuit. It
monitors the current going to the circuit and the
current returning back from the circuit. Both should be
the same. It the GFCI detects a difference above a
preset threshold the GFCI quickly shuts off power to
that circuit.
To illustrate, suppose the hot
(ungrounded) wire inside of a toaster touches the metal casing. If
you came along later and touched the casing while
grounded, current or electricity, would now flow through
you (you are getting shocked). The GFCI would detect
that the current returning from the toaster is less than
the current going to the toaster and would trip before a
fatal shock occurred. Thus protecting your life.
All receptacles must be
GFCI protected. - 210.8(A)(1)
Unfinished Basements
All
receptacles must be
GFCI protected,
except if not readily accessible. Or a single receptacle or a duplex receptacle
for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in
normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is
cord-and-plug connected. Or a receptacle supplying only a permanently installed
fire alarm or burglar alarm system. - 210.8(A)(5)
Garages
All
receptacles must be
GFCI protected, except ones not readily accessible (such as a ceiling mount
receptacle
for
a garage door opener). Or a single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two
appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal
use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug
connected (such as a receptacle behind a fridge).
Kitchens
All receptacles 15A or 20A 125V that serve countertop surfaces or that are 6’
from the edge of sinks must be GFCI. - 210.8(A)(6) & (7)
Outside
All
receptacles must be
GFCI protected, except a dedicated branch circuit, not readily accessible for
fixed electric snow melting or deicing equipment. - 210.8(A)(3)
Crawl Spaces
All receptacles must be GFCI
protected in crawl spaces at or below grade level - 210.8(A)(4)
How to wire a GFCI or GFI
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