The Home Depot>Know-How Centre>Basement>Installing a New GFCI
Space
BasementBathKitchenLiving & BedroomOutdoors
Category
Decking, Fencing & RailingElectricalFlooringFurniture & Decorative ProjectsGardening, Lawn Care & LandscapingLighting & FansOutdoor Living

Paint & WallpaperPatios, Walkways & DrivewaysPlumbingStorage & OrganizationWalls, Ceiling & StairsWindows & Doors
Create & Build
Renovate & Decorate
Maintain & Repair
DreamBook
Eco Options
Small Projects

Projects

Installing a New GFCI

Project Overview

Installing a New GFCI

What's a GFCI and why do you need one? Ground-fault circuit-interrupter receptacles are safety devices that protect you from electrical shock in the event of a short in an appliance, extension cord or plug. When they detect even small current variations, they shut off power to the circuit in as little as 1/40th of a second. We'll show you how to install a "single location" GFCI at the end of a circuit. Although you also could install one in the middle of a circuit to protect additional receptacles down the line, be aware that the more receptacles any one GFCI protects, the more susceptible it is to "phantom tripping" - shutting off the power because of tiny, normal fluctuation in current flow.

3 Steps

  1. Turn off power
  2. Pigtail Black Hot Wires
  3. Connect Grounding Wire to Terminal
Turn off power

Step 1

Turn off power

Turn off the power at the main service panel, and test the circuit to be sure it's off. Remove the old receptacle. Pigtail all the white neutral wires together, and connect the pigtail to the terminal marked WHITE LINE on the GFCI.

Pigtail Black Hot Wires

Step 2

Pigtail Black Hot Wires

Pigtail all the black hot wires together, and connect them to the terminal marked HOT LINE on the GFCI.

Connect Grounding Wire to Terminal

Step 3

Connect Grounding Wire to Terminal

Connect the grounding wire to the green grounding screw terminal on the GFCI. Mount the GFCI in the receptacle box, and reattach the cover plate. Restore power at the service panel, and test the GFCI according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Write a Review
QUICK RATE:

You have rated

 out of 5 stars.

Do you want to submit this quick rating?

Yes No

Thank you!
Your quick rate has been submitted.

Please note it may take up to 8 hours for your quick rating to appear.

Sorry we are currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try and resubmit your Quick Rating.

Thank you, you have already quick rated this product.  out of 5

Project Details

Skill Level: Beginner

Time: 1 hour

Before you start, read this »

Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, The Home Depot® assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of attempting to replicate any of the home improvement ideas portrayed in this website Before beginning any home improvement project, review it thoroughly to ensure you or your contractor can finish the project and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by any tool or equipment manufacturer, and follow all accepted safety procedures.

Materials

Print project details

Related Resources

Projects