By Dave Rongey Summary: Article shows outlet wiring a GFI using the tailed method. The tailed wiring method enables you to install one GFI outlet to protect one location without affecting other devices on the circuit.
GFCI Outlet Electrical Wiring the Tailed Wiring Method
Installing more than one GFCI at multiple locations
GFCI home wiring - The tailed wiring method is very useful and enables the GFCI protection to be location specific.
One example where this is very advantageous is in a two story residence where there is a bathroom downstairs and a bathroom upstairs.
If the circuit was protected by only one GFCI on the downstairs level and second floor bathroom created an accidental trip, the person in the second floor bathroom would require the first floor GFCI to be reset.
This method of GFI outlet wiring can be a real disadvantage.
Below you will see some photos of recent home wiring projects that I have selected to help you with your project.
In this home wiring installation you will see how I converted a typical receptacle into a GFCI that will then be operated independently of the other devices downstream on the circuit.
Take a look at GFCI home wiring - The Tailed Wiring Method in a typical installation: [Click on the images to Enlarge]
After shutting off the power, begin by removing the existing receptacle.
Inspect the wires and check to be sure the ground is bonded through.
Make two "tails" one for each insulated wire.
Twist the wires together evenly, then screw the wire connector firmly.
I like using the 15 amp rated GFCI receptacle which is rated for 20 amp feed through capacity.
Fold the spliced wires back into the back of the box making room for the GFCI.
Attach the ground wire to the provided ground screw connection.
Attach the tails - black to the hot wire terminal, and the white to the white wire terminal .
Question: Chris, from Colorado Springs, Colorado asks:
I have a CGFI outlet on the outside of my house that stopped working when I plugged in a table saw. It already had a waterfall pump. Nothing in the breaker box had any effect (though not well marked). Replaced the outlet with test and reset buttons (previous did not have these) and still have no power. Do I need to call an electrician or is there something I can check as a homeowner.
Answer: Chris, It is very possible that there is another GFI outlet that has tripped off which provides power to the GFI outlet that you are describing. One type of GFI protection is enough where required. As for your personal abilities, no one knows better than you, and the key is to never work on live wires and always have a good voltage tester and a good set of tools. Dave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about Wiring Method for GFCI Outlets
Question from Dan, a Homeowner in Poughkeepsie, New York: How is a GFCI Outlet in a Bathroom Wired?
I’m replacing a GFCI outlet in my bathroom, and I have 2 black wires to one contact, 2 white wires to another, and bare ground wire. Should I hook up same way with replacement?
Dave’s Answer: Wiring a Bathroom GFCI Outlet
For this wiring example, the wires are connected on the LINE end of the GFCI outlet, and the wiring will be the same as the original GFCI, where the black wires connect to the brass colored terminals, and the white wires connect to the silver colored terminals, and the ground wire is attached to the green grounding terminal.
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Tripping Circuit Breaker, Outlet at a Wall Switch, Light Fixture without a Ground Wire, Help with Home Electrical Wiring Projects.
See more House Wiring Videos from Ask The Electrician:
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
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Electrical Project Skill Level:
Beginner to Intermediate.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, wire gfi outlets, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the gfci outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for GFCI outlet wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical wiring for GFCI Outlets should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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