GCFI Problems

Trying to bring my kitchen up to code with a GFCI outlet, house is a 50's style ranch with metal cable and juntion boxes (brand new 200 AMP upgraded panel). Previous owner had replaced the outlets around the counter top with three prong but never installed a GFCI on them. Here is the issue, no matter where I install the GFCI outlet to protect the other outlets in the series only the GFCI will function. It will function correctly and trip when hitting the TEST button, but no other outlets associated with the GFCI will work a the same time - no power at all. Took the GFCI outlet out of the series (4 total outlets on 20 AMP breaker) and put a regular 20 AMP back in - everything works fine again. Tried reverising the load/line thinking perhaps something was incorrect but when putting the GFCI in that way it would constantly trip. Any suggestions on what might cause this? I also tried putting the GFCI as the 2nd outlet in the series, it worked fine but none of the other outlets would work at all, including the outlet which I thought was the LINE or the outlets on the LOAD side. I am stumped at this point and only know basic wiring, any help would be appreciated.

Mike.

 

Start over but break down your diagnosis a little bit more. Remove all the receptacles from the wires, with the wires hanging out of the wall turn on the breaker test each set. Find the one that has voltage on it. Mark it line, Continue testing each one make sure no others have voltage on them. If you only find one with voltage shut off the power install the gfci in that location then install your down line “load” receptacles while being sure you have polarity correct at each one. If you find more than one with power then you will need to install another gfci at its location as well. If you don’t fill confident about working around live wires, or know the dangers then don’t attempt to do it yourself.