How to Make Your Own GFCI Extension Cord Part 2

In Part 1 of this How-To, you learned how to fit the extension cord to the electrical box to which the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter would be fitted, thereby making a GFCI extension cord. In this next part, you will need to know how to place the GFCI unit into the electrical box to prevent your items from short circuiting. The GFCI extension cord is vital in protecting you from electrical damage, and you can use it with whatever devices you choose, including fans, humidity devices and other systems that could be dangerous if a short-circuit occurs. In this installment, you will learn how to strip and install each wire, how to ground the unit and how to attach the cover plate.

Step 1 - Strip the Cable

Once you are ready, you can begin to take the insulation off of the cable. Pull down the cable through the electrical box, and then remove the wires inside using the wire strippers. Make sure that you take off enough to be inserted into the circuit breaker, but not enough that there is a risk of getting wires crossed inside the electrical box, which increases the risk of electrical discharge. This is the opposite of what you want, so if you have too much exposed wire, cut off some using a wire cutter or the edge of your long-nosed pliers.

Step 2 - Add the Wires

Take the black wire from your cable, and add it to the GFCI unit. There will be an area which is named as Line or Line In, and in this area there is a connection terminal which is named Hot. This is the place to put the black wire. Insert a wire connector onto the wires, and then push it into place.

Pick up the white wires. These will go into the place labeled White on the back of the Line In area. Do not put either of these wires into the area named as Load, as this is for other connections. Placing the power lines into the Load section may damage the GFCI unit and will certainly impair the operation of your GFCI extension cord.

Step 3 - Add Grounding

Next, you will need to ensure that the cable is correctly grounded. Do this by taking the copper wires from your cable, and placing them directly into the GFCI unit, rather than adding a connector. The copper wires should be wrapped tightly around a green screw shape. This is your grounding screw.

Step 4 - Install Plate

Once you have placed the GFCI unit into the electrical box, you will then need to close the box by placing the electrical plate over the outside. To do this, you will need to buy a special plate which will fit around the unit, rather than over the top. Push the plate down on top of your GFCI unit, so that it fits around tightly. Use your screwdriver to screw the plate into place.