How to Install Ground Fault Circuit Interruption Receptacles
- 1). Turn off the CB or remove the fuse controlling the circuit where you want to install the GFCI receptacle. Verify that the circuit is safe to work on, using the non-contact voltage tester. Remove the receptacle cover plate and the two screws securing the device strap to the box. Pull the receptacle from the box and disconnect the conductors.
- 2). Carefully separate all the wires and inspect them for damaged insulation. Position the conductors so that none touch the metal device box. Turn the CB back on or replace the fuse for a moment and use the non-contact tester to ascertain which set of conductors is bringing power to the box. Carefully tag these conductors with pieces of electrical tape and then turn the CB off or remove the fuse.
- 3). Use 6-inch pigtail leads to splice the black "hot" wires and the white "neutral" wires feeding downstream receptacles together. You will need to use pigtail splices if more than one set of wires leaves the box. "Downstream" refers to any receptacles on the same branch circuit beyond the point where you are installing the GFCI receptacle.
- 4). Connect the black "hot" wire and the white "neutral" conductors bringing power to the device box to the GFCI receptacle screws marked "Line." Connect the black wire to the brass-colored screw and the white wire to the silver-colored screw. Connect the wires feeding downstream receptacles to the screw marked "Load", using the same color scheme. Connect the bare copper grounding conductor pigtail to the black octagonal screw. Double-check your connections and wrap the device with electrical tape.
- 5). Carefully push the GFCI receptacle into the box and secure with the two screws. Depending on the type of device box you are working with and how it's installed, you may have to shorten the screws. Install the new cover plate.
- 6). Turn on the CB or replace the fuse. Plug in the GFCI receptacle tester. If the lights don't illuminate indicating that power is available, then press the "Reset" button on the device.Press the "Test" button on the tester and the "Reset" button should pop out into the "tripped" position. Press the "Reset" button to restore power to the receptacle. Use the GFCI receptacle tester on all downstream receptacles to make sure that they are wired properly and function as GFCI protected receptacles.