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GFCI Circuit Breaker and Wiring
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How to Wire a GFCI Circuit Breaker: Does it matter where in the breaker box panel I insert a 20 amp GFCI 220Volt breaker? By: Dave Rongey |
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?
- I moved some breakers around and put the GFCI breaker above, closer to the main breaker, a single pole breaker that feeds some outlets.
- Now whenever I plug in a tool with a motor in it and turn it on the GFCI breaker trips and irrigation pump shuts down.
- Do the GFCI breakers need to be last in line in the panel, furthest away from the main breaker ?
- Or should I use a regular breaker in the panel and move the GFCI breaker to the end of the feeder line next to the pump. Or should I be doing or not doing something else.
Thanks for your help,
Rick
Background: Rick, a Contractor in Missouri.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Rick.
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
- GFCI Breaker Location: The location of the GFCI circuit breaker does not affect the operation.
- Identify the Equipment Requirements: The specifications for the electrical equipment that requires a GFCI Circuit breaker and the specific GFCI protection should be identified as indicated in the equipment installation manual.
- The Electrical Circuit Wiring: Install the necessary electrical circuit wiring as required for the proper operation of the GFCI Protection.
- GFCI Example: Most spas and hot tubs require a 4-wire GFCI circuit where a separate neutral wire is required.
INSTRUCTIONS
- If you are providing 240 volt power to an agricultural pump that does not require GFCI protection or a separate neutral then you just need to install a regular 2-pole 240 volt circuit breaker.
- Make sure to install the wiring as required for the specific motor size and a properly sized and bonded ground wire.
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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
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?
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
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
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.