How to Hook Up a GFCI Outlet
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- čas přidán 4. 10. 2019
- How to replaced a GFCI / GFI outlet correctly is today's video tutorial. The outlet we are working on today is a GFCI with 4 wires. I will show you the proper way to remove and install your GFCI properly.
Don't let the terminology fool you, GFI is the same as GFCI.
It's very important to wire the GFCI properly to insure you are getting the protection that the outlet offers. Sooo, be mindfull of what your line voltage is and where it will be connected to on the new GFCI/GFI.
Here are the links to the tools I showed in this video. If youre doing electrical home repairs, these tools are what you should have for those types of jobs.
Klein 11 in 1 Screwdriver (great for DIY projects) : amzn.to/2ANDNhm
Klein 11 in1 Screwdriver (for HVAC type projects). : amzn.to/30RIkdg
Outlet Tester : amzn.to/2Ir7mtw
RYOBI 4Volt Drill : amzn.to/31YbdWL
To get your hands some some really good Tools of the Trade follow this link for whats in my bag. www.amazon.com/shop/danjiles
DISCLAIMER
Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. You are not obligated to do so, but it does help fund these videos in hopes of bringing value to you!
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Be sure to also check out some of the other electrical based videos in this playlist
czcams.com/play/PLNqMHp9NYUwvrK5zrEsQs46SI9Cpegf6F.html
Thank you sooooo much for being so detailed. I'm a Retired single female on a limited budget and my tester button broke on my GFCI outlet, and I know I need to replace it. My house was built in 2014 and due to Power outages and several appliances plugged up, what you've stated explains why I need to change it anyway. Your tutorial is so easy to follow. I remember things by "word association"...Example: I remember "Power Line" has Electricity flowing through it (like the street Power Lines outside) and "Neutral Ground" meaning they're on the same side (meaning agreement) 😊. Thank you again.
I like how you tested the load with your fingers first, LOL.
You're a brave man to wave your hands around those live and neutral wires without getting a mule kick to launch you across the kitchen.
I'm afraid to even touch the wire with the power off.
I’ve watched a few of these videos where information is incomplete. This guy leaves nothing out. There is a difference between an expert attempting to explain something and an expert who is also a competent instructor. Thank you. I’m subscribed.
He left a few things out and glossed over a few others....
@@troybush5899 care to elaborate on what he missed?
1st thing 1st! When he started, he condemned the existing outlet without checking to see if resetting it restored power to the outlet that was the original problem. He did confirm that the proper leads went to the line side of the GFCI outlet.
Best Gfci explanation on youtube for me thank you
One of the few videos that explain how to test the wires to find out which ones are load and which are line.
great job I know now what mistakes I made in the past and how to avoid,Gracias
This is the only video that helped me fix my gfci outlet! When he explained the back of the outlet I knew exactly what to do! Thanks 🙏
You answered all my questions by watching the video thank you
Thank you!! After replacing my GFI plug exactly how the original wires were then it wouldn't work. I'm like must be defective. Put the old one back in and ready to head back to Home Depot and then thought let's check CZcams and found your video. Thanks to you pointing out the load and line inputs, I found the new one had the opposite positions of the line and load inputs.
Thank you for the info that you provided. That save me a headache.
Same here 😂 I matched the wiring exactly the same as the old defective version - taking note of the green ground screw on the bottom of both (different brands) and sure enough the load is on the bottom of this version whereas the previous brand had the line at the bottom by the ground screw - I know because I zoomed in on some pictures of it on Lowes - it's night now so tomorrow I remove and correct the error
I'm so grateful for this video! I have an outlet that failed, causing the other outlets on the circuit to lose power. I watched several CZcams videos & studied how to troubleshoot & replace the outlet. I chose to purchase a 15A Leviton Smartlockpro Audible Self-Test GFCI Outlet. Your video is the ONLY video that gave me the confidence to replace the outlet myself. I appreciate your detailed descriptions & presentation. THANK YOU!!!
On really critical repairs, such as this, I always take a photo of all components, just to make sure everything goes back together properly. Thank You, Dan!
That's what I did and it doesn't work - sadly after zooming in really far on the images on Lowes I see my old GFCI with the green ground on the bottom is the line end whereas my old one has the line on the bottom along with green ground - tomorrow I will remove and correct it - just a warning to people solely relying on pictures - the new one may be the opposite end for load vs line 😂
It helps in most instances. Just like in this video the ground was on a different side
I am so glad I found your channel. I bought a condo that was built in 1982, and let's just say she needs some TLC, starting with the outlets. I subscribed immediately,!😊
The only video that truly guided me in replacing my GFI outlet in our bathroom. Thank you so much!
Thank you for explaining that so clearly. I’ve watched other videos and no one explained it as clear as you did. I will definitely be able to switch mine out now.
Great video, You were very lucky the client cleared off the counter before you arrived.
This described how to find the Line side very well with the meter, thanks
I’m a maintenance technician for a apartment complex. And I been watching you videos for a while now. I simple love them. Thank you.
+Vincent Mele thank you Vincent, keep watching buddy. I appreciate you.
The Apartment Maintenance industry is a great field to be in 👍
@@ApartmentMaintenance it is. You learn a lot also is a steady job with a lot of opportunities if people focus on they job. I love my job and sometimes is stress me out but is all part of it.
@@vincentmele7105 I can definitely agree on the stress part. But it can be very rewarding if the person is dedicated & willing to grow with all the growth opportunities there are at good management companies.
@@ApartmentMaintenance i been 3 years on this field on apartment maintenance. Before I was in hotel as maintenance. At the begging of this year I got a promotion from make ready to maintenance supervisor
A great video Dan. It was really helpful for my GFCI replacement project.
But I like the idea you mentioned that the white goes on the ground side
Hi Mr. Jiles, Great video! I did not know about Line/Load; thank you for your clear instructions. Best, Albert
You are a great teacher Dan!
EXCELLENT excellent video!!! Very informative and pretty much exactly what I was looking for to possibly replace a good portion of my old floor joists and a few of my rooms plywood flooring! I know it'll be a bit of work (especially by myself)...but... it's only a small 480 square foot house approx. 20' wide by 22' deep) and I think I could do a room/section at a time! And a structural engineer is a great idea as well!! Sincerely...THANK you again for the video!!! Don W., Ohio
Great instructions
Crystal clear- Thank You
Thank you so much sr , I hace to do one of those tomorow and I want to make sure to do all you did on the video ,
Thanks Dan I did and tested wires like you said and it made it easy !
Thank you for the info. I know where my mistakes were and since corrected them.
Great video👍 I learned a lot
I truly thank you sir I was able to remove and replace my outlets
Great video. Thanks!
Thank you danjiles. 👍👍👍
Thanks! Helped me replace one bypassing micro-text I couldn't see :)
Awesome... thanks for watching. Thanks for commenting on your success. Good job.
Thanks- this is great!
Thanks Dan for the gfi video
Great video!!! Thank you!!
Thank you for being so thorough in your explanation
Awesome video. Thanks
Thank you Thanos! 😊
Very helpful thank you very much
You're welcome!
Thanks for watching.
thank u soo much. subscribed
Great explanation for wiring GFI's!
Thanks Dan. First time I needed to relpace this type outlet, your guidance really helped.
Glad it helped
Thank you Dan , I just learned some very important, how to wire GFCI .line voltage always make sure.👍😂
This was so helpful
Some companies use white silver screws for white side and brass golden for live.
This was really good and informative. I was convinced that he would find no juice when he checked the load wires to confirm which the load wire from the line wires. The one problem with that check was switching the polarity from the volt meter..
How to Hook Up a GFCI Outlet
Tools and Materials Needed:
GFCI outlet
Screwdriver
Wire stripper
Voltage tester
Electrical tape
Wire nuts
Steps:
Turn Off Power: Locate the circuit breaker that controls the outlet you’re replacing and switch it off. Use a voltage tester to ensure the power is off.
Remove Old Outlet: Unscrew the cover plate and the screws holding the old outlet in place. Gently pull the outlet out of the electrical box.
Identify Wires: You should see three sets of wires: a black (hot), a white (neutral), and a bare or green (ground) wire. Use the voltage tester to ensure there is no current.
Prepare Wires: Straighten the ends of the wires using a wire stripper if necessary.
Connect Wires to GFCI Outlet:
Line Terminals: Connect the black (hot) wire to the brass “Line” terminal and the white (neutral) wire to the silver “Line” terminal.
Load Terminals: If protecting additional outlets downstream, connect the black and white wires going to those outlets to the “Load” terminals.
Ground Wire: Attach the ground wire to the green screw.
Secure the GFCI Outlet: Gently fold the wires back into the electrical box and screw the GFCI outlet in place. Attach the cover plate.
Restore Power: Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the GFCI outlet by pressing the “Test” and “Reset” buttons to ensure it functions properly.
Summary of Excellent Result for the Customer
After completing the installation of the GFCI outlet, the customer can expect an excellent result characterized by improved electrical safety and functionality. The GFCI outlet will provide crucial protection against electrical shocks by immediately shutting off power if it detects an imbalance in the current flow, which can happen if there’s a ground fault. This is particularly important in areas where water and electricity might come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor locations.
Furthermore, the new GFCI outlet installation ensures compliance with current electrical codes, adding an extra layer of safety and potentially increasing the property’s value. The customer can confidently use their electrical appliances, knowing that the risk of electric shock is significantly reduced. The professional and neat installation also enhances the appearance and reliability of the home’s electrical system.
Thanks. This helped
Good review..thanks
+GREEN ARROW23 thank you and thank you for watching
Love your detailed explanations! You the man!
Thank you, glad it helped you out. Thanks for watching
Good video! I'll have to use it for reference when I change the GFCI in the bathroom here.
One thing though.... NO BUENO on the recording while driving!
Make and Restore Thank you bro!! Appreciated the comment. Checkout the description area for the proper tools.
Thank you MR Dan
THANK YOU
This really helped- I was able to a do a nice and clean replacement that works great for less than 20 bucks. Thank you!
Good job.
Great video Dan! You ARE a CZcams sensation :)
Thanks, I appreciate that more than you know.
Thank you
Thank you for this video. I just successfully changed out a broken one in the kitchen.
A great and detailed video thank you for this Dan!!!
thanks man.
Thank you so much for such a thorough video! I am having to replace one in my kitchen. Now I feel confident I won't #$@% it up!🤣Thanks again!!
Hi Dan. So I rewired my outlet and switch for my disposal. It used to be hard wired. In order to protect my disposal. I use the load side for the disposal and the line side from the switch?
Great GFI video. I actually think I can do this myself!
Thanks for the comment . Take your time and you got this. Be safe. Dan.
Is there a way to tell which is the line vs load white/ line vs load black wires to tell if someone may have accidentally switched them? For example, I saw in your video that you rotated the GFCI after you secured everything (with the ground on the bottom) and I'm thinking when my son replaced the GFCI that stopped working, he may have alternated them, forgetting about the rotation of the outlet itself because the new one still isn't working.
Thank You for explanation where to connect the power and where to connect the load and how , YOU ARE GREAT.
Hi Dan I have an older home with knob & tube wiring these only have 2 wires no ground can I still use these ? Thank you
I think I may have wired mine upside down with the line loads switched. When I turned the power back on the light on the outlet was green but the outlet didn't work. Does this mean I've wrecked the new outlet I just bought?
What if you tested both line wires for a charge but one of them was a load wire. Would you still get a reading? Example, 1 black line mixed with a white load line, would it still read on the meter?
Great video...how about if I reverse the line ?.. because the gfci doesn't work but when I check internally there is current...so do I need to check by pairs to know load and line wire...thank you have a blessed day and be blessed
yes, you will need to find the power legs. the other set is powering another outlet in the circuit.
Thank u sir
You are very much welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting.
I have a comment for you. Is there a way to find out how we could know really if the GFCI outlet that is not working anymore is going to need to be replaced or just to find the reason? Thanks in advance. Paul
I have a GFI that runs the hall lights and bathroom, do all outlets and switches need to be connected exactly right. Also I do not see a ground on the GFI in the bathroom. There is a pig tail besides the line and load wires, is this the ground?
You're the man Dan! 👍
Great video. Helped me out alot. Thanks
Should we connect the ground cable first?
Issue...I connected white and black line wires and lights go on normally but connecting a lamp to it doesn't power it..?, the other white wire has a load and not sure if it connects to the load connector on the GFCI or?
My kitchen out put have three wires Black,White and Red and only one ground wire is connected from out put direct to J box.so what can I do with a Red wire.Thanks
Gfci on old house? Most plugs are two prong no grounding prong. I know its possible just want to verify procedure and i like your explination when teaching us.
Great video - thank you
thank you for the very clear instructions on replacing a GFCI outlet; I feel a little more confident in replacing one; is it unusual to have 2 GFCI OUTLETS IN A ROW- ONE IN THE KITCHEN FOLLOWED DOWN THE LINE TO THE BATHROOM- 1 GFCI IN THE KITCHEN SINK AREA --FOLLOWED BY A SECOND GFCI IN THE BATHROOM??- JUST CURIOUS?? THANK,S AGAIN Patrick.p
Cool
Anybody else can't stop staring at the bug?
Looks like the house is infested with Pharaoh ants. They are attracted to outlets. Yeah, it was very distracting!
Does it matter where the line black wire goes in the brass hole ( as there two )
does it make any sense to install a GFCI somewhere other than close to a kitchen or bathroom sink? i have an older house that
still has quite a few 2 prong outlets, am i better off replacing all the 2 prong outlets with 3 prong or should i also use GFCI's in
some of the outlets?
Yes. A good strategy would be to replace some of your most commonly used outlets to GFCI's where appliances with 3 prong plugs will be used, and leave the others as is, or replace them with new 2 prong receptacles. Keep in mind that many appliances have 2 prong polarized plugs anyway, so you should be fine. Don't use regular 3 prong receptacles as a substitute for 2 prong.
Appliances with 3 prong cords are relying on the ground connection to be there for safety. Appliances or tools with 2 prong cords are double insulated and have a plastic non conductive case, so they are safe as is.
I have two outlets like you that are next to the sink but they aren’t gfi. How do I know if they are on the same circuit or not? Trying to see if I need to install one or two gfci outlets
Turn off your breakers one at a time until you find out.
Can I get that type of screwdriver for electricians in amszon
It simple, hook it up to a metcury breaker in panel and use a neutral to carry half of the load back on all ac circits then also have a earth ground rod wired into panel on a earth grounf terminal thst is seperate osilated . Then wire to to nf breaker of the shortage tripping breaker. If not have the eatth ground rod isolated bar, you must make one, all usa panels are built wrong. Seperate the neutral from a earth ground terminal.
Also, I would like to see a video on rely switches. Like 2 switches that control 1 light
I think I spelled rely right but oh well I think you get what I’m saying and thanks for the videos
@@tomcaviar7651 should be relay
It's easier just to tell him that the hot side goes on the small plug or the right side gold side
My gfi comes with a tiny green light build on it. But still not working. Even though the green light is lit. What could be wrong?
Pull one line out and put one on the new one. And so on.
Louie F. If it works for you doing it that way... go for it. As long as it’s safe, proceed.
@@danjiles you're a good guy. Service is King !
Does the LED green light stays on ?
Hey you are close to me to Holden beach
well Hello neighbor.
How are you getting line voltage when the breaker is off?
He said turn the breaker back on to test.
I replaced my outlet in my bathroom but I did not turn the power off in the circuit panel,Is that really necessary ? I was wearing a rubber gloves and never touch the wire,Using an insulated long nose plier.I did it successfully without interrupting the power supply.Thank you.
I would never suggest leaving the power “ON” when doing any type of electrical work. PERIOD. Thanks for watching.
Only 2 wires to my gfi outlet. But then both on load and it doesn’t work. Any ideas?
I always test, (whatever I'm installing), before screwing it into the box.
Over here you can set down electricity like that but in strange place don't because IDE can activate on power down or and up and so don't
What I'm not understanding is, I have outlets (standard, AKA old) and the top and the bottom are on different circuits, I just eliminated one of the lines to connect the new GFI, but I guess I'm not totally understand how a GFI works, as far as the wiring part. I need more explanation how I would put two different circuits on a GFI?
You cannot put 2 different circuits on one gfci. It's probably going to be impractical to run one circuit somewhere down the line if your wall is already in tact, but you may be able to install a quad box with 2 gfci's, each on their own circuit which you have available there. Connect to the Line side only in each gfci.