Always turn off the power to the circuit at the circuit breaker or fuse box before starting any electrical work. Use a voltage tester to confirm that the power is off.
1. Remove the cover plate: Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the cover plate over the old outlet.
2. Remove the outlet: Loosen the screws securing the outlet to the electrical box. Carefully pull the outlet out of the box. Take note of how the wires are connected to the old outlet.
1. Identify the wires: You'll typically find three wires connected to the old outlet: a black or red wire (hot), a white wire (neutral), and a green or bare wire (ground). If your wiring has different colors, label them to match the standard color code.
2. Verify the circuit type: Determine whether it's a line-side or load-side connection. Most GFCI outlets will have line and load terminals, so it's crucial to identify which wires are part of the line (incoming power) and which are part of the load (outgoing to other outlets or devices).
1. Connect the wires to the GFCI:
- Attach the black or red wire (hot) to the brass or gold screw terminal labeled "Line" or "Hot."
- Connect the white wire (neutral) to the silver screw terminal labeled "Line" or "Neutral."
- Connect the green or bare wire (ground) to the green screw terminal or the grounding screw on the GFCI.
2. If there are additional wires for load connections (wires going to other devices downstream), connect them to the corresponding "Load" terminals on the GFCI. If not, leave these terminals empty.
Gently push the GFCI outlet into the electrical box and secure it by tightening the screws on the top and bottom of the outlet.
1. Turn the power back on at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
2. Press the "Test" button on the GFCI outlet. This should trip the GFCI and cut off power to the outlet.
3. Press the "Reset" button on the GFCI outlet to restore power. This should reset the GFCI and turn the outlet back on.
Replace the cover plate over the GFCI outlet and secure it with screws.
Plug in a device or use a voltage tester to ensure the GFCI outlet is functioning correctly. Verify that it trips when you press the "Test" button and resets when you press the "Reset" button.
Congratulations! You've successfully replaced a standard outlet with a GFCI outlet. This safety upgrade helps protect against electrical shocks and is especially important in areas with water exposure, such as kitchens and bathrooms. If you're unsure about any part of the process, it's advisable to consult a professional electrician for assistance.
