GFCI Wiring Method

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 .

Install the GFCI receptacle.	Mount the cover plate.	The circuit is turned on and tested.

More about Wiring GFCI Outlets

« Multiple GFI Outlets

GFCI Electrical Codes »

More about GFCI Wiring Methods

Lost Power to a GFI Outlet

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.


» 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.