How to Wire a GFCI Circuit Breaker

Installing a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) circuit breaker is a good idea for situations that could pose an electrical safety risk. For example, where electricity supply could be contaminated with water or the use of heavy electrical equipment might cause an overload.

A GFCI circuit breaker is an individual unit used as an electrical socket for plugging in electrical appliances. The wiring to a GFCI circuit breaker is relatively simple. To install a GFCI circuit breaker as a replacement for a standard socket is a comparatively easy task, provided you wire the unit properly.

Step 1: Take Precaution

Before starting the installation, you must ensure that no electricity is passing to the existing unit or its connecting wires. You should turn off electricity to the existing unit at the main power source. This source will either be at the main circuit breaker or, in an older house, the main fuse box. Simply flip the main lever switch.

Step 2: Insert Electric Plug

You should now check that power is off by testing the socket you intend to replace. Insert the electric plug of any handy electrical device, such as a small portable lamp. Switch it on and if the light doesn't work you can be sure electricity is no longer flowing to the socket.

Step 3: Remove Cover Plate

To remove the original socket from its wall housing you must first remove its cover plate. Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screws and remove the cover to reveal the socket itself.

Step 4: Lever the Unit

Now remove the two screws at top and bottom that hold the socket in place. Next, lever the unit out from the wall until the wiring behind it is exposed and you have full access.

Step 5: Release Ground Wire

Locate the black wire and release it from its terminal using a screwdriver. Then repeat this with the white wire. Finally, release the ground wire, which you can identify by its copper color. You can now set aside the old unit.

Step 6: Strip Wires

Using wire-cutting pliers, snip off the ends of the three exposed wires to create a clean cut. Then, using the wire-stripping pliers, remove ½ inch of the covering from the black and the white wires to reveal the inner core.

Step 7: Attaching GFCI Circuit Breaker Unit

Before attaching the GFCI circuit breaker unit, it is most important that you thoroughly read the instructions supplied with the product to ensure you apply the correct wires to the correct terminals. Now, holding the new GFCI circuit breaker unit, insert the black wire into the back of the unit as directed and tighten the retaining screws. Repeat this process with the white wire and finally the ground wire.

Step 8: Replace Original Cover

You can now gently push the new unit back into its position in the wall. Use the screws supplied to fix the unit in position using the holes left by the previous unit. Finish off by replacing the original cover using its retaining screws.

Step 9: Check GFCI Circuit Breaker Unit

Switch electricity back on at the main power source. Check the new GFCI circuit breaker unit is working by testing with an electrical appliance. Enjoy the comfort of knowing you have a safer environment.