Breaker Off / Outlets and GFCI
Outlets and GFCI
Count the cables in the box: one cable means the end of the run, two means power passes through to more outlets. A 3-wire cable from a switch means a half-switched outlet.
- 01Outlet wiring at the end of the run One cable in the outlet box.
- 03Outlet wiring in the middle of the run Two cables in the outlet box: power in, and power on to the next outlet.
- 05Half-switched outlet wiring A 3-wire cable between the switch box and the outlet: black stays hot, red is switched.
- 0720 amp outlet wiring One cable in the outlet box.
- 09GFCI outlet wiring, one location One cable in the GFCI box.
- 11GFCI wiring to protect the outlets after it Two cables in the GFCI box: power in on LINE, and the cable on to the next outlets on LOAD.
- 1320 amp GFCI outlet wiring Two cables in the GFCI box: power in on LINE, and the cable on to the next outlets on LOAD.
Questions people ask at the box
Which side of an outlet is hot?
The brass screws are hot (black wire) and feed the shorter slot. The silver screws are neutral (white wire) and feed the taller slot. The green screw is ground.
Can I put a 15 amp outlet on a 20 amp circuit?
Yes, as long as the circuit has more than one outlet (NEC 210.21(B)(3)). A single outlet alone on a 20 amp circuit must be a 20 amp outlet. The wire on a 20 amp circuit must be 12 AWG either way.
What do LINE and LOAD mean on a GFCI?
LINE takes the power coming in from the panel. LOAD feeds the outlets after it, and protects them too. With only one cable in the box, use LINE and leave the LOAD screws taped.
Can I put a GFCI where there is no ground wire?
Yes. The code allows a GFCI to replace an ungrounded two-prong outlet (NEC 406.4(D)(2)) as long as it is labeled "No Equipment Ground". It protects people from shock even without a ground.
Screws or the push-in holes on the back?
Use the side screws. Push-in holes on most outlets only take 14 AWG wire and loosen over time; screws hold firmly.