Installation Guide

Installing and
Testing a GFCI
Receptacle
Please read this leaflet
completely before getting started.
PK-93792-10-00-2A
CAUTION
!
1. What is a GFCI?
A GFCI receptacle is different from
conventional receptacles. In the event of a
ground fault, a GFCI will trip and quickly stop
the flow of electricity to prevent serious injury.
Definition of a ground fault:
Instead of following its normal safe path,
electricity passes through a person's body to
reach the ground. For example, a defective
appliance can cause a ground fault.
A GFCI receptacle does NOT protect against
circuit overloads, short circuits, or shocks. For
example, you can still be shocked if you touch
bare wires while standing on a non-conducting
surface, such as a wood floor.
NOTE:
GFCI's contain a lockout feature that will prevent
RESET if:
• There is no power being supplied to
the GFCI.
• The GFCI is miswired due to reversal of
the LINE and LOAD connections.
• The GFCI cannot pass its internal test,
indicating that it may not be able to provide
protection in the event of a ground fault.
2. The GFCI's features
3. Should you install it?
Installing a GFCI receptacle can be more
complicated than installing a conventional
receptacle.
Make sure that you:
• Understand basic wiring principles and
techniques
• Can interpret wiring diagrams
• Have circuit wiring experience
• Are prepared to take a few minutes to test
your work, making sure that you have wired
the GFCI receptacle correctly
4. LINE vs. LOAD
A cable consists of 2 or 3 wires.
Cable Wires
LINE cable:
Delivers power from the service panel (breaker
panel or fuse box) to the GFCI. If there is only
one cable entering the electrical box, it is the
LINE cable. This cable should be connected to
the GFCI's LINE terminals only.
LOAD cable:
Delivers power from the GFCI to another
receptacle in the circuit. This cable should be
connected to the GFCI's LOAD terminals only.
The LOAD terminals are under the yellow
sticker. Do NOT remove the sticker at this time.
5. Turn the power OFF
Plug an electrical device, such as a lamp or
radio, into the receptacle on which you are
working. Turn the lamp or radio ON. Then, go
to the service panel. Find the breaker or fuse
that protects that receptacle. Place the breaker
in the OFF position or completely remove the
fuse. The lamp or radio must turn OFF.
Next, plug in and turn ON the lamp or radio at
the receptacle's other outlet to make sure the
power is OFF at both outlets. If the power is not
OFF, stop work and call an electrician to
complete the installation.
6. Identify cables/wires
Important:
DO NOT install the GFCI receptacle in an
electrical box containing (a) more than four (4)
wires (not including the grounding wires) or
(b) cables with more than two (2) wires (not
including the grounding wire). Contact a
qualified electrician if either (a) or (b) are true.
If you are replacing an old receptacle, pull it out
of the electrical box without disconnecting the
wires.
• If you see one cable (2-3 wires), it is the
LINE cable. The receptacle is probably in
position C (see diagram to the right).
Remove the receptacle and go to step 7A.
• If you see two cables (4-6 wires), the
receptacle is probably in position A or B
(see diagram to the right). Follow steps a-e
of the procedure to the right.
Procedure: box with two (2) cables (4-6 wires):
(a) Detach one cable's white wire and hot
wires from the receptacle and cap each
one separately with a wire connector.
Make sure that they are from the same
cable.
(b) Re-install the receptacle in the electrical
box, attach faceplate, then turn the power
ON at the service panel.
(c) Determine if power is flowing to the
receptacle. If so, the capped wires are the
LOAD wires. If not, the capped wires are
the LINE wires.
(d) Turn the power OFF at the service panel,
label the LINE and LOAD wires, then
remove the receptacle.
(e) Go to step 7B.
Placement in circuit:
The GFCI's place in the circuit determines if
it protects other receptacles in the circuit.
Sample circuit:
Placing the GFCI in position A will also
provide protection to "load side"
receptacles B and C. On the other hand,
placing the GFCI in position C will not
provide protection to receptacles A or B.
Remember that receptacles A, B, and C
can be in different rooms.
LINE
ABC
LOAD
Service
Panel
LOAD
LINE
LINE
RESET
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
TEST MONTHLY
TEST MENSUEL
SUIVEZ INSTRUCTIONS
RESET
TEST
TEST
FRONT VIEW
Receptacle
Outlet
TEST
button:
See step 8
Green/Red Status
Indicator Light
RESET
button:
See step 8
Mounting
Bracket
Self-Ground
Clip
Outlet
CHARGE
LOAD
LIGNE
LINE
WHITE WIRE
FIL BLANC
HOT WIRE
FIL ACTIF
BACK VIEW
Grounding Terminal (Green):
Connection for bare
copper or green wire
LINE
White terminal (Silver):
Connection for the LINE
cable's white wire
LOAD
White terminal (Silver):
Connection for the LOAD
cable's white wire
LINE
Hot terminal (Brass or Black):
Connection for the LINE
cable's black wire
A yellow sticker
covers the LOAD
terminals. Do not
remove the sticker
at this time.
LOAD
Hot terminal
(Brass or Black):
Connection for
the LOAD cable's
black wire
Screw (terminal) colors:
Green = grounding terminal
Silver = WHITE terminals
Brass or Black = HOT terminals
Back wire holes
• To prevent severe shock or
electrocution always turn the power
OFF at the service panel before
working with wiring.
• Use this GFCI with copper or
copper-clad wire. Do not use it
with aluminum wire.
• Do not install this GFCI receptacle
on a circuit that powers life support
equipment because if the GFCI trips
it will shut down the equipment.
• For installation in wet locations,
protect the GFCI receptacle with
a weatherproof cover that will
keep both the receptacle and
any plugs dry.
• Must be installed in accordance with
national and local electrical codes.