Suppose you want a GFCI outlet at home and are planning on installing it yourself; read about safe GFCI outlet installation from Best Electric Pros Hollywood. Doing an electrical job is not easy; you need personal protective equipment, proper tools, and materials to work on your outlet safely. Installation requires knowledge about electrical systems, so ensure you know what you are doing. You can also hire a professional electrician with expertise in installing a GFCI outlet to ensure it works properly afterward.
Now, we’ll learn about how you can safely do the installation at home without needing experts to help you. Remember, this step-by-step process should be done if you have previously handled similar installations or worked on your electrical system. Now, prepare your PPEs and tools, and let’s get started.
Prepare Your Old Outlet
Before anything else, choose which outlet you’ll be replacing with a GFCI outlet. Once you’ve chosen, turn off the power by switching off the circuit connected to the specific outlet. If unsure, you can always turn off the main power source. This step will also ensure your safety.
Once you’ve turned off your power, let the outlet cool for a while. Then, you can now remove the plastic cover and unscrew the plate. This step will allow you to disconnect the wires to the power outlet to do the next step.
Prepare Your GFCI outlet
Get your GFCI outlet and check the backside. You’ll find two labels near the screw terminals. One screw terminal is labeled “line,” while the other is labeled “load.” You’ll also find a single screw at the bottom of the outlet, a grounding screw. Now that you have inspected the GFCI outlet parts, it’s time for the next step.
Reconnect The Wires To The GFCI Outlet
Connect the black wire to the darker-colored screw and the white wire to the lighter-colored screw. Remember to connect the wires to the “line” side. Next, tightly attach your copper wire to the grounding screw and properly place all the wires back into place. This way, you can easily place the GFCI outlet.
Check Your Newly Installed GFCI Outlet
Now that you’ve successfully installed a GFCI outlet, you can check if it’s properly working by pressing the power button and the reset button. These outlets will give a signal depending on the manufacturer, and you’ll be able to see if it is working properly. Now, you can use your GFCI outlet!
What is a GFCI outlet?
A GFCI outlet, also known as a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter outlet, is a device that will break when an outgoing and ongoing electric current is unbalanced. It also protects the outlet from overheating and being prone to fire hazards. Therefore, adding a GFCI outlet to areas where you use most of your bigger appliances and devices, such as the kitchen, is important.
How Does A GFCI Outlet Function?
A GFCI outlet functions as a current blocker. When you use an appliance or device that falls in the water, the GFCI will automatically stop the current flow to protect you from electrocution, shock, explosion, or short circuits. This outlet is important and should be placed in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas constantly exposed to water.
Is A Periodic GFCI Outlet Testing Required?
When you constantly use your GFCI outlets, you should also do periodic testing to ensure it does its job. Sometimes, when there is too much tripping, your GFCI may malfunction and won’t offer the same level of safety as when you first installed it. So, hire a professional to check your GFCI outlets, repair small damages, or replace them with new ones if repairs can no longer fix the damage.
Knowing how to install a GFCI outlet properly is a skill you can use more than once. Therefore, follow the steps above and always have the right tools and PPE when working on an electrical outlet. This way, you are safe from electrical hazards.
If you learned something new from our tips, then you’ll have more to learn with us. Read more of our blogs and articles, and call us when you need a professional electrical service for your electrical installation, repair, and maintenance needs!