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GFCI Circuit Breaker and Wiring


How to Wire a GFCI Circuit Breaker: Does it matter where in the breaker box panel I insert a 20 amp GFCI 220Volt breaker?

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Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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GFCI Circuit Protection Requires Correct Circuit Wiring
Electrical Question: Does it matter where in the breaker box panel I insert a 20 amp GFCI 220Volt breaker?

Thanks for your help,
Rick

Background: Rick, a Contractor in Missouri.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Rick.

hot-tub-gfci-breaker

How to Wire a GFCI Circuit

Application: Wiring a GFCI Circuit Breaker.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools, voltage tester and protective safety gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the make and model of the panel and the condition of the existing electrical circuit breakers and wiring methods.
Precaution: For safety the main circuit breaker should be turned off or any other disconnect means that would deenergize the panel before replacing a circuit breaker, however turning off the main circuit breaker may not deenergize all of the areas of the panel components and wiring. This is an extensive project that requires experience and should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Making changes to electrical panel or electric circuits should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

GFCI Circuit Protection

INSTRUCTIONS

More about GFCI Circuit

GFCI Ground Fault Circuit Breakers

GFCI Wiring
GFCI Wiring

GFCI Wiring

This list of articles will help you learn about the features and benefits provided by GFI and GFCI Receptacles and how they are wired.

For more information about Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker
Circuit Breaker
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

This link is helpful as a Contractor
Electrical Code Articles


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» 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.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

5 Responses to “GFCI Circuit Breaker and Wiring”
  1. Dave Rongey says:

    Mike,
    The neutral wire from the GFCI circuit breaker must be terminated to either the neutral bar or the ground bar, which is the same at the main panel. The neutral wire of the GFCI breaker helps the GFCI sense if there is a problem, and removing the wire will prevent the GFCI from working properly and the GFCI TEST Button will likely not work either. Most GFCI breakers come with instructions for alternate wiring, which should instruct you to terminate the neutral wire where the ground wire of the circuit will be terminated.
    Dave

  2. Mike says:

    I am installing a 2 pole GFCI circuit breaker for heat trace that does not require a neutral conductor. Can I just disconnect the neutral conductor that connects to the neutral bus from the breaker and still have proper operation?

  3. Dave Rongey says:

    Ernie,
    Please see this section which describes How to Wire GFCI Outlets
    If there are spare wires in the box then they will need to be identified to see what their function is within the circuit.
    Dave

  4. ernie says:

    Hi, I’m trying to replace a three prong outlet with a GFI as required when selling a home. This outlet is in the laundry room. It has a white and black and a green ground but also has a red wire with the connection between the blacks cut. The red is connected on the same side as the black. How do I connect a new GFI outlet.
    Thank you

  5. Fernando says:

    Hi, I have an Intermatic Electrical Panel with the C/B’s in my house, however, for the AC compressor I have a two pole GE-THQL2150 C/B my question is if can replaced the existing C/B with a New type like the GE-THQL2150GF-1 that is commonly used in Hot Bath tubs and has a surge protection installed within.