How to Wire a Single GFI Outlet

By Dave Rongey
Summary: Illustrated Guide for Wiring a Single GFCI Receptacle Outlet typically used as Bathroom GFI, Kitchen GFI, Outside GFI and Garage GFI Outlet. Photos show Step-By-Step Basics Including attaching wires to the GFI Outlet on the line side of the back of the receptacle.

Electrical Wiring a Single GFI Outlet for Home Safety

The wire leading to this location may be an extension from another branch circuit or it could be a single circuit being served from a panel or sub-panel.

When wiring a gfi outlet you will be attaching the wiring to the LINE area of the receptacle.

Below you will see some photos of recent projects that I have selected to help you with your project.

Take a look at how to wire a gfi outlet:

How to Wire GFCI Receptacles

Greg, from Jersey City, New Jersey asks:
Could you help me to find diagrams for wiring a GFCI receptacle outlet from a switch?
I have 4 inch x 4 inch electrical box mounted on a wall in a basement with 3 wires inside the box (black, white, ground) coming from a main electrical panel.
Could you help me with diagrams:
1. Diagram: Both sockets of GFCI receptacle are hot and powered from a single switch;
2. One of the socket of GFCI receptacle is hot all of the time, and the other one powered from a switch.
Thank you in advance,
Greg

Hi Greg,
Here on the ask-the-electrician.com website there are wiring diagrams showing how to wire several switch applications which may be adapted for wiring GFCI receptacles as well, along with the wiring diagrams that show how to wire GFCI receptacles.
Simply use the search bar and you will get a full listing of wiring diagrams for switches and GFCI receptacles.
Take your pick and enjoy!
Dave

Wiring GFCI Receptacles

GFCI Applications: Bathroom GFI, Kitchen GFI, Garage GFI, Outside GFI.
Always Test your Circuit and make sure the power is off before proceeding with any wiring project.

		This example of wiring a single GFCI receptacle outlet shows a outlet box with one pair of wires form a 2-wre cable with a ground wire.

The wires attaching to the GFI Outlet connect to the LINE Side.	This GFI Outlet comes with yellow tape over the LOAD side.	In this example the GFI protection serves this outlet location only.

The wires attaching to the GFI Outlet connect to the LINE Side.	This GFI Outlet comes with yellow tape over the LOAD side.	In this example the GFI protection serves this outlet location only.

Resources for Wiring a GFCI Outlet

Here is the Detailed Installation Manual for Leviton GFCI Receptacles [PDF]

More about Wiring GFCI Outlets

« GFI Outlets

Multiple GFI Outlets »

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Wiring a Single GFCI Outlet

Question from Tom, a Homeowner from Shorewood, Illinois:

Why does a second GFCI outlet trip off?
I wired a GFCI in line with another GFCI. The second is working properly, but I checked it with a tester and it showed a ground fault. The button does not pop when I plug into the second outlet.

Dave’s Answer:
Only one method of GFCI protection should be used. Remove one GFCI and double check the wiring, and then test the GFCI again.

Question from Dave, a Homeowner in Hamilton, Ontario Canada:

Can I wire a GFCI outlet on a GFCI protected Circuit?

What would happen if you put a GFCI plug on GFCI circuit breaker?

Dave’s Answer:
A GFCI circuit breaker will protect the whole circuit, and additional GFCI protection is not necessary. In some cases redundant GFCI devices may create nuisance tripping.

Question from Roddy in Newport News, Virginia:

Am I required to upgrade the home with GFCI Outlets?

In older construction where GFCI’s where not required, if I install one in the bathroom, am I required to upgrade the rest of the home as well.

Dave’s Answer:
While the current electrical codes apply to new home construction projects, they also apply to existing homes, and older homes as well. If a home of any age is inspected, the inspection will be based on current codes, and non-compliant items will be identified.

To summarize: Yes, the home should be fitted with GFCI protection according to current codes.

Question from Sandra, a Homeowner in Deer Park, Texas:

My GFCI outlet will not reset
I have a GFCI outlet that will not reset, what should I do?

GFCI Outlet in a Bathroom of an Old Home

Terence in Indianapolis, Indiana asks:
There is a GFCI plug for the washer and dryer in a full bathroom. This is the plug-in behind the washer and dryer. Since it is in a bathroom, does it need to be a GFCI plug?

Dave’s Answer:
Yes, because this will also be considered as a Laundry Room, therefore a GFCI outlet is required.
The NEC Code Article 210.8(A)(10) and 210.12(A) describes the following:
All 120volt outlets that are installed in a laundry room must be AFCI and GFCI protected.


» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project.

See How to Wire it Right!

Learn more about GFCI Outlet Wiring

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Kitchen GFI Outlet Circuits
Bathroom GFI Outlet Circuits
Garage GFI Outlet Circuits
Hot Tub GFCI Circuits
Methods for Wiring GFCI Receptacle Outlets
Electrical Codes for GFCI Circuits and Receptacles
....and much more.
» Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring «

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.