GFCI outlet comes with two terminal sets on two sides. The line side is connected to the line voltage, load side is connected to other outlets that also provide the same protection. Here we will make practical wiring diagrams of the GFCI outlet and discuss working. So let’s get started with How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
What is a GFCI?
- The full form of GFCI is a ground fault cirucit interrupter and protection device that detects ground faults or leakage currents and trip cirucit while protecting against electrocution.
- GFCI with a combination of circuit breakers automatically trips the power supply in a very short milliseconds to avoid shock effect.
- The main uses of GFCI is at locations where water or moisture exists such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, swimming pools, etc.
- It is best for using cord-connected devices and devices close to water.
- Outlet comes with different combinations such as GFCI switch outlet combination, portable GFCI, and GFCI breaker.
Basic Wiring Diagram of GFCI Outlet
Here we have made a basic wiring diagram of the GFCI outlet where you can see line terminal comes with a narrow blade and a neutral terminal comes with wide blades.
GFCI outlet does not come with a breakway fin between upper and lower terminals as a conventional outlet has.
In a normal outlet, one side terminal has a connection with the incoming phase wire.
GFCI comes with marking for load and lin terminals that is confirmed through the nameplate.
The wiring of GFCI that we made comes with a load not connected to GFCI, switches, and does not have protection for external load with outlet.
Rules for gfci Wiring
- Make a connection of a single GFCI or AFCI in one circuit if you connect more than one outlet cirucit will trip. If you have a GFCI circuit breaker it will protect the cirucit without the use of a GFCI outlet.
- GFCI breaker provides protection for complete cirucit and GFCI outlet has protection for outlet and it also protects downstream outlets, and switches.
- The cirucit where GFCI is installed must be for ground and have accurate polarity. If there is no accurate grounding GFCI will take time for tripping in case of fault or can cause any serious injury.
- For checking the accurate working of GFCI wiring perform frequent testing and for this purpose testing and resetting buttons are used.
- For 15A and 20A circuit breakers use 14 and 12-gauge wires.
- 15A and 20A GFCI can connected on 15 to 20 ampere and 20 ampere with a circuit breaker
GFCI outlet vs ordinary outlet
- The live side comes narrow blade, and the neutral wire comes with a blade-like a normal outlet.
- There is no breakaway fin exists since all 4 screws of GFCI do not depend on each other.
- GFCI outlet comes with two sets of screws as a conventional outlet has.
- The 4 GFCI screws are independent.
- There are line screws and load screws on the back side of GFCI outlets.
- Load screws come with yellow screws and load screws.
- Hot and neutral wire of break box connected with line screw. Any device connected with GFCI outlet has protection from fault.
 GFCI Outlet Wiring with Light Switch
- Here we have made wiring of one way switch and light bulb with GFCI load connection. So GFCI protecting switch and light bulb
GFCI Line and Load Wiring
- In this wiring diagram GFCI outlet with a combination of two standard outlets connected with load. Power is provided to the GFCI line side. Protected outlet connected with GFCI load side.
- There is a difference for line and load terminals for GFCI or AFCI outlet brands.
GFCI Outlet wiring with Normal Outlet
- Here we have made another wiring diagram of the GFCI outlet where the normal outlet is connected with the load points of the GFCI. As a result, the GFCI outlet and normal outlet connected with load points of GFCI have protection from earth leakage current and ground faults
GFCI Load Wiring Diagram Diagram
Is it Possible to Install a GFCI without a Ground Wire?
- Yes, it will work if there is no ground point. The plug tester has a GFCI test button not trip GFCI since the tester causes leakage current from line to ground.
How To Wire A GFCI Outlet
Tools and materials required
- Flashlight
- GFCI Outlet
- Outlet Cover
- Wire Nuts
- Roll Of Electrical Tape
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Slotted Screwdriver
- Wire strippers
- Voltage Tester
Follow these steps for wiring of GFCI outlet
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- First of all, turn off the power supply through the main fuse or breaker installed at the service panel. With use of a non-contact voltage tester make sure that the power is completely off.
- Now remove the outer cover plate and disconnect the cover plate. With the use of a tester again check that there is no current flow. Remove the screw holding the outlet in the electrical box and remove the outlet from the box without damaging connected wires.
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Check that there is no hindrance to the connection of the GFCI outlet in the box. For testing and fitting of GFCI push wires in the box is easily fit in the box and can connect.
- Now connect the outlet for this purpose make the connection of black wire with brass colored line terminal and tight the screw. The white wire connected with silver color line terminals screw and tight it strongly.
- Put a cover plate on the outlet and connect screws. On the power supply to the circuit through switching on the breaker in the service panel. Make sure that the RESET button of GFCI is pushed in, after that click the test button reset button.
 GFCI Outlet Wiring with a Light Switch and Protected Receptacle
- In this wiring process, GFCI protects the standard duplex receptacle that is connected with load terminals. The switch connected connecting light fixtures on separate electrical supplies.
- The supply of outlet connected with LINE point. LOAD terminal connected with standard receptacle through 2 wire cables. that protect the outlet.
- There is a switch look runs from the light to the built-in switch. In this combination source to light can control but the light will be on if there is GFCI tripped as the result of a short circuit
 GFCI wiring with Switch and Bathroom Exhaust Fan
FAQs
What is the difference between line and load on a GFCI?
- The live wires have incoming power from the breaker box and the load wire comes with power flow to the next outlet.
What is the proper way to wire a GFCI outlet?
- For the connection of the outlet make the connection of black wire with brass colored line terminal and tight it properly. Make a connection of white wire with silver colored line screw, and tight is strong.
Do GFCI outlets need a ground wire?
- Either ungrounded GFCI outlet provides protection but does not protect connected devices from ground faults. There is a need for ground wire and surge protectors for the protection of devices from any damage
How to identify line and load wires?
- Line wire connected with brass colored screws on outlets and switches and load wire connected with a silver screw. Must follow accurate color coding, the black or red wire is line wire white is used for neutral, and green is ground
Can you put a GFCI anywhere?
- GFCI connects in areas there is damp or have moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry, rooms, garages etc
How to wire a GFCI line load?
- The live wire is black and connected with brass-colored points. The neutral, white wire connected with silver-colored terminals.
How many wires are needed for a GFCI outlet?
- The load connection needed two cables in the GFCI electrical box. One is a line cable that connected with the GFCI line point. The other cable connected with load terminals for providing power to more outlets and other connected devices
How To Connect The Line Side Of A GFCI Outlet?
- The line points of GFCI are connected with the power source that is connected at the breaker. The line conductor is an incoming live wire. Most applications use Romex cable having ground neutral and live conductors.
- GFCI outlet requires that the line point be defined with color needing a white line conductor connected with the silver line point and a black line conductor connected with the brass terminal.
How To Connect the Load Side Of A GFCI Outlet?
- The load side of GFCI is connected with more outlets through the same power protection. Load terminals are defined with color needing a white load conductor connected with a silver load point and a black load conductor with a brass load point.
What is the voltage for GFCI?
- The nominal voltage system for GFCI is 120 volts
What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI wiring?
- GFCi is used for protection from electrocution, in wet areas. AFCI is used to protect from electrical fires through the detection of any faults in circuits. Read our Engineering Blogs
Read also
- How to Wire a GFCI Outlet: Wiring Diagram
- What is a GFCI Outlet? How does a GFCI Outlet work?
- Introduction to Wire Connectors, Types, Features, & Applications
- How to Wire and Install an Electrical Outlet Receptacle?
- What is Fluorescent Light Ballasts: How do they work?
- How to Wire a Switch and Outlet Combo
