If you have recently bought a GFCI outlet self-testing and tamper-resistant, the next step is the installation. Here is everything you need to know about how to do it safely and turn a regular receptacle outlet into a GFCI outlet.
Turn The Outlet Off
Before you install a GFCI outlet, use an outlet tester to verify there is no electricity in the outlet. You don’t want to be replacing anything with the electricity on. You can turn it off at the circuit breaker box, with the corresponding circuit.
Remove The Old Outlet
Next, take off the electrical plate using a flathead screwdriver. Unscrew the outlet from the box. Pop it out.
Remove Old Wires
Once the outlet is out of its box and hanging there, you will need to disconnect the wires. If you have more than three wires, you’ll need an electrician to move forward. Cease the install. Schedule a professional-grade installation instead.
How To Disconnect Outlet Wires
If you do have three wires in your outlet, first disconnect the hot wire.
This will be on the far right. The hot wire is what brings electricity to the outlet. It should be black in color and connected with a screw. You can do this with a flathead screwdriver.
Next, do the same with the neutral wire on the far left side which connects the electrical circuit and sends the signal back to the box. This should be a white wire.
Lastly, remove the grounding wire which will be connected to the bottom of the outlet, typically in green or bare.
Rewire Your GFCI Outlet To The Circuit
Use your pliers or wire cutters to make sure the wires are straight in the wall and ready to be plugged into a GFCI outlet. Your GFCI outlet will have line screws and load screws. You’re exclusively rewiring the line the GFCI outlet to the line screws. The load screws are strictly for electricians. Only proceed to rewire if you know where your line screws are.
Unscrew the screws and insert the wires into the holes of the outlet. Start with the grounding wire and then tighten the screw. Next, do the neutral. Lastly, the hot wire.
Finish Up
Screw the GFCI into the outlet box carefully bending the wires so that they do not teach one another.
You will need to replace the outlet plate as the older plate is probably not going to fit. They generally don’t when switching from a standard outlet to a GFCI. Lastly, turn on the electricity and test it.
Buy a GFCI outlet today at PrimeCables.ca and do the installation yourself. It’s easy, quick, and straightforward. You’ll be happy to make the switch to GFCI outlets which are often more dynamic and of a higher quality.