Wiring for GFCI Outlets

How can I wire a GFCI Outlet with no ground wire? Installing a GFCI Receptacle Where a Ground is Not Available. By: Dave Rongey

GFI Outlet Wiring

[ad#block]Electrical Question: How can I wire a GFCI Outlet with no ground wire?
I was trying to change two plugs to GFCI plugs.

• Each is on a different circuit. The first plug is the only one on the circuit.
• There are only 2 wires, no ground. Can I attach these to the GFCI with no ground?
• Will it work properly? The second plug has another plug on the line after it, so 2 wires in and 2 wires out, but again no ground.
• This is in the kitchen of my office building. The city wants these to be both GFCI. Do I need to add a ground?

Thanks.
This electrical wiring question came from: Dan, a Homeowner from Santa Maria, California.

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

GFI Outlet Wiring Without a Ground Wire

Application: GFCI Wiring.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
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 outlets that will be replaced.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Installing a GFCI Receptacle Where a Ground is Not Available

• It is always best to install a ground wire or upgrade the electrical wiring however a GFCI may be installed where there is not a ground wire available as long as it is installed according to code and marked clearly that the receptacle does not have a ground.
• The GFCI receptacle will still provide protection due to the way the circuitry is designed.

More about GFCI Outlet Wiring

• GFCI Outlet Wiring
• Kitchen Electrical Wiring
• Home Office Electrical Wiring

For more information about GFCI Wiring
How to Connect GFCI Wiring

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

Electrical Codes for GFCI

• Electrician Explains Electrical Codes for GFCI and GFI Home Wiring with Photos, Wiring Diagrams and Answers to Your Questions

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. 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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