How to Install a GFCI Outlet
GFCI outlets shut off in milliseconds if they sense a ground fault, which is exactly what you want anywhere near water — kitchens, baths, garages, and outdoors. Wiring one is the same as a regular outlet plus one extra step.
Safety firstGFCIs have two sets of terminals: LINE (power coming in) and LOAD (power going out to other outlets). Getting them backwards is the most common mistake.
What You'll Need
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Screwdrivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Wire strippers
- GFCI receptacle
Step-by-Step
- Kill the powerSwitch off the breaker and confirm with a tester that all wires in the box are dead.
- Remove the old outletTake off the faceplate and the screws holding the receptacle, and pull it out of the box.
- Identify LINE vs LOADWith power off, separate the wires. The pair that feeds the outlet from the panel is LINE. Any wires that continue to other outlets are LOAD.
- Connect LINE wiresAttach the incoming hot (black) and neutral (white) to the LINE terminals on the GFCI.
- Connect LOAD wires if anyAttach any downstream hot and neutral to the LOAD terminals to protect outlets further down the run.
- Connect the groundAttach the bare or green wire to the green screw on the receptacle.
- Mount and coverFold the wires into the box, screw the GFCI in place, and add the faceplate.
- Test the GFCIRestore power, press TEST — the outlet should kill itself. Press RESET to bring it back. Check with a plug-in tester.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.