Wiring a GFCI Switch and Light
|
How do I add a switch to a light that is on a GFCI circuit? Ground Fault Protection for a Light Fixture. © By: Dave Rongey |
Wiring a GFCI Powered Light and Switch
Electrical Question: How do I add a switch to a light that is on a GFCI circuit?
How do I add a light switch to this? I tried the following:
- I have a GFCI, a light switch and a light. My power has a green black and white wire. My light has a green, white and black wire.
- The power black wire connected on the load side of the GFCI. I added another black wire on the bottom outlet same side. I attached this black wire to the top left of the switch.
- I added another black wire from the opposite side of the switch to the black wire for the light.
- I took the white wire from the power and attached it to the top silver screw. From the bottom silver screw I attached it to the white wire of the light.
- I connected the ground wire from the power to the green screw of the box and took the green wire from the light and attached it to another green screw in the box.
This did not work. What did I do wrong?
This electrical wiring question came from Roger in Upland, California.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Roger.
Connecting a Light to a GFCI Outlet
Application: How to Connect GFCI Outlet Wiring to a Switch and Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician or Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the number of GFI outlets that will be added.
Precaution: Identify the bathroom GFCI outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional GFCI Outlet Wiring should be done according to local and national electrical GFCI Codes with a permit and be inspected.
Ground Fault Protection for a Light Fixture
Using a GFCI outlet is one way to provide ground fault protection for a light fixture when the wire connections are made properly.
- In this application, the GFCI outlet has the power entering the LINE side and extends through the GFCI outlet and is fed out to the circuit from the LOAD side of the GFCI outlet.
- Next, the wiring may extend out to the light switch where only the black power wire is connected through the switch and the white neutral wires are spliced together.
- From the light switch, the circuit wiring may extend to the location of the light fixture where the typical connections are made with the circuit wires and the wires of the light fixture.
- The connections of the ground wire are bonded throughout this circuit and making connections to the GFCI outlet and the light switch and to the light fixture as well as bonding to all the electrical boxes within the circuit.
- Approved circuit components devices must be installed for the specific location as required by code, which would include weather resistant devices, boxes and covers.
More about Wiring a GFCI Outlet
How to Wire GFCI Outlets
GFCI and GFI Wiring Diagrams
The features and benefits of GFCI outlets and receptacles will give you a clear understanding of the importance why these safety devices are required by code to help protect you and your family against accidental electrical shock hazards.
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.
Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
Electrical Wire for Electrical Repairs and Home Remodel Projects
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
|
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
||
More articles about Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring: |
|
| « Previous | Next » |
How to Convert a Switched Outlet to Non-Switched |
Electrical Wiring for a Wall Oven |
