Wiring a GFCI
#1
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Location: canada
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Wiring a GFCI
Hello:
I am trying to install a Decora 15 Amp Tamper-Resistant Slim GFCI Receptacle in the kitchen and would like some advice on how to do it.
The existing duplex outlet box has two (2) 3-wire (red blab white) wires coming into it.
The 2 red wires are ganged together with a black pigtail wire that is run to the top brass screw on the duplex.
The 2 black wires are ganged together with a black pigtail wire that is run to the bottom brass screw on the duplex.
The 2 white wires are run individually to the top and bottom aluminum screws on the duplex.
Both the red and black wires are hot.
Additionally the bridge between the top and bottom brass screws is broken.
The bridge between the top and bottom aluminum screws in intact.
I would like to know why the existing duplex is wired that way and how to replace it with the GFCI receptacle.
Thank you for your assistance.
I am trying to install a Decora 15 Amp Tamper-Resistant Slim GFCI Receptacle in the kitchen and would like some advice on how to do it.
The existing duplex outlet box has two (2) 3-wire (red blab white) wires coming into it.
The 2 red wires are ganged together with a black pigtail wire that is run to the top brass screw on the duplex.
The 2 black wires are ganged together with a black pigtail wire that is run to the bottom brass screw on the duplex.
The 2 white wires are run individually to the top and bottom aluminum screws on the duplex.
Both the red and black wires are hot.
Additionally the bridge between the top and bottom brass screws is broken.
The bridge between the top and bottom aluminum screws in intact.
I would like to know why the existing duplex is wired that way and how to replace it with the GFCI receptacle.
Thank you for your assistance.
#3
Member
This is often done to make the top half of the outlet switched while the bottom half the receptacle has constant power. However, this is not something you'd typically do in a kitchen. I would guess that the top half of the receptacle (and other receptacles in the kitchen) are on one circuit and the bottom half of the receptacles in your kitchen are on another circuit (I believe this is what Ray is getting at). I'm thinking this is more likely than being a switched outlet.
#4
Definitely two circuits there. Both white wires go on the GFI receptacle BUT only the red or black wire is used. Since you have two circuits there...... you need to identify what receptacles are on each circuit. You want to put that new GFI receptacle on ONLY the black or red circuit..... depending what else is on it.
You may find a second countertop receptacle set up the same way. One GFI receptacle could be on black and another on red.
Your other choice is to keep the split receptacle just as it was and install a 2Pole GFI circuit breaker. This would allow both circuits to still be accessible at that location.
You may find a second countertop receptacle set up the same way. One GFI receptacle could be on black and another on red.
Your other choice is to keep the split receptacle just as it was and install a 2Pole GFI circuit breaker. This would allow both circuits to still be accessible at that location.
#5
Member
You can't do it. That is a 15 split wired kitchen counter receptacle. One option is to install a double pole GFCI breaker.
if you are in Ontario;
If there are two receptacles on the circuit then you are permitted to put one on the red circuit and the other on the black circuit.
https://www.esasafe.com/assets/files...s/16-28-FL.pdf
if you are in Ontario;
If there are two receptacles on the circuit then you are permitted to put one on the red circuit and the other on the black circuit.
https://www.esasafe.com/assets/files...s/16-28-FL.pdf
#8
Member
No Just one breaker and there is another outlet on the countertop that looses power when that breaker is switched off. Thanks!