Eaton GFCI Leaflet

CAUTION
!
• To prevent severe shock or electrocution,
always turn the power OFF at the
service panel before working with
wiring.
Installing and
• Use this GFCI receptacle with copper
Testing a GFCI
or copper-clad wire. Do not use it with
aluminum wire.
Receptacle
• Do not install this GFCI receptacle on
a circuit that powers life support
equipment because if the GFCI trips it
will shut down the equipment.
Please read this leaflet • For installation in wet locations,
protect the GFCI receptacle with a
completely before
weatherproof cover that will keep
getting started.
both the receptacle and any plugs dry.
• Must be installed in accordance with
national and local electrical codes.
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EIS-0018-E (REV. B)
3. Should you install it? 4. LINE vs. LOAD
Installing a GFCI receptacle can be more A cable consists of 2 or 3 wires.
complicated than installing a conventional
receptacle.
Cable
Make sure that you:
• Understand basic wiring principles
and techniques
LINE cable:
• Can interpret wiring diagrams Delivers power from the service panel (breaker
panel or fuse box) to the GFCI. If there is only
• Have circuit wiring experience one cable entering the electrical box, it is the
LINE cable. This cable should be connected to
• Are prepared to take a few minutes to the GFCI's LINE terminals only.
test your work, making sure that you
have wired the GFCI receptacle LOAD cable:
correctly. Delivers power from the GFCI to another
receptacle in the circuit. This cable should be
connected to the GFCI's LOAD terminals only.
The LOAD terminals are under the yellow
sticker. Do not remove the sticker at this time.
1. What is a GFCI?
A GFCI receptacle is different from
conventional receptacles. In the event of
a ground fault, a GFCI will trip and
quickly stop the flow of electricity to
prevent serious injury.
Definition of a ground fault:
Instead of following its normal safe
path, electricity passes through a
person's body to reach the ground. For
example, a defective appliance can cause
a ground fault.
A GFCI receptacle does not protect
against circuit overloads, short circuits,
or shocks. For example, you can still be
shocked if you touch bare wires while
standing on a non-conducting surface,
such as a wood floor.
5. Turn the power OFF
Plug an electrical device, such as a lamp
or radio, into the receptacle on which you are
working. Turn the lamp or radio on. Then, go to
Wires
the service panel. Find the breaker or fuse that
protects that receptacle. Place the breaker in
the OFF position or completely remove the fuse.
The lamp or radio must turn OFF.
5. Turn the power OFF
Next, plug in and turn ON the lamp or radio at
Wires
the receptacle's other outlet to make sure the Cable
power is OFF at both outlets. If the power is not
OFF, stop work and call an electrician to
complete the installation.
2. The GFCI's features
FRONT VIEW
Grounding Terminal (Green):
Connection for bare
copper or green wire.
Receptacle
Outlet
LINE
White terminal (Silver):
TEST button:
Connection for the LINE
See step 8
cable's white wire.
correct wiring/
trip
indicator
RESET
LOAD
button:
White terminal (Silver):
See step 8
Connection for the
LOAD cable's white wire.
Outlet
Mounting
Bracket
6. Identify cables/wires
Procedure: box with two cables (4-6 wires)
(a) Detach one cable's white and hot wires from
Important:
the receptacle and cap each one separately
Do not install the GFCI receptacle in an
with a wire connector. Make sure that they are
electrical box containing (a) more than 4
from the same cable.
wires (not including the grounding wires)
or (b) cables with more than two wires (not
(b) Re-install the receptacle in the electrical
including the grounding wire). Contact a
box, attach the faceplate, then turn the power
qualified electrician if either (a) or (b) is true.
ON at the service panel.
If you are replacing an old receptacle,
(c) Determine if power is flowing to the
pull it out of the electrical box without
receptacle. If so, the capped wires are the
disconnecting the wires.
LOAD wires. If not, the capped wires are the
LINE wires.
• If you see one cable (2-3 wires), it is the
LINE cable. The receptacle is probably in
(d) Turn the power OFF at the service panel,
position C (see diagram to the right). Remove
label the LINE and LOAD wires, then remove
the receptacle and go to step 7A.
the receptacle.
• If you see two cables (4-6 wires), follow
(e) Go to step 7B.
the procedure to the right. The receptacle
is probably in position A or B (see diagram
to the right).
BACK VIEW Screw (terminal) colors:
Green = grounding terminal
Silver = white terminals
Brass = hot terminals
LINE
Hot terminal (Brass):
Connection for the
LINE cable's black
wire.
A yellow sticker
covers the LOAD
terminals. Do not
remove the sticker at
this time.
LOAD
Hot terminal (Brass):
Connection for the
LOAD cable's black
wire.
A B C
LINE LINE LINE
Service
OLD
Panel
Placement in circuit:
The GFCI's place in the circuit determines if
LOAD LOAD
it protects other receptacles in the circuit.
Sample circuit:
NEW (2)
A B C
LINE LINE LINE
Service
Panel
TEST RESET
LOAD LOAD
Placing the GFCI in position A will also
provide protection to "load side"
receptacles B and C. On the other hand,
placing the GFCI in position C will not provide
protection to receptacles A or B. Remember
that receptacles A, B, and C can be in
different rooms.
TEST RESET TEST RESET