How To Provide GFCI Protection For An Older Kitchen?

';	Can I still wire the GFI into such an arrangement or can I put a GFI breaker on my service panel? © By: Dave Rongey

Electrical Wiring Video

Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!

Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Electrical Question from Tom about GFCI Wiring
Background: Tom, a Homeowner from Montoursville, PA

[ad#block]Question: I wanted to put a GFI in my kitchen and as I took the cover plate off I saw two red, two black, and a white wire on the receptacle. There is separate power to each of the outlets on the receptacle and there are two breakers for the red wire and the black wires. The house was built in the 70’s. Can I still wire the GFI into such an arrangement or can I put a GFI breaker on my service panel?
Thanks

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tom. GFCI protection can be provided by installing a GFCI Circuit Breaker at the electrical panel or by installing a GFCI Outlet at the proper location(s) in the kitchen. The location could be discovered by using a voltage tester, I would advise hiring an electrician to have it done right. Having the convenience of being able to reset a tripped GFCI outlet in the home without going outside to the electrical panel is great, however identifying the circuit and installing a GFCI Circuit Breaker would be less expensive. It’s up to you.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about GFCI Wiring
GFCI Outlet Wiring

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: How-To-Videos
Electrical Videos

Be Careful and Be Safe – Never Work on Energized Circuits!

For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Locate An Electrical Contractor in Your Area

The following may also be helpful for you:

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.

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

More articles about Electrical, GFI-GFCI, Kitchen and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Does My Sauna Require A Dedicated Electrical Circuit?	How Do I Plan Wiring For A Basement Bedroom?

»How To Wire It RIGHT! «
Wire it with Confidence!
Fully Illustrated
Instant Download

Now You Can
Wire it like a Pro!

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.