How to Safely Wire 2 GFCI Outlets Together

How to Safely Wire 2 GFCI Outlets Together to Protect Your Home

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GFCI outlets, or ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, are an essential part of any home’s electrical system. They are designed to protect you and your family from electrical shocks by immediately shutting off the power when a ground fault occurs. It is crucial to have GFCI outlets installed in any area of your home where water is present, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. However, sometimes you may need to wire two GFCI outlets together for added protection. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to safely wire two GFCI outlets together to protect your home.

GFCI outlets and their importance

GFCI outlets are designed to protect you from electrical shocks that can occur when water comes into contact with electrical wiring. When a ground fault occurs, the GFCI outlet detects the change in current flow and immediately shuts off the power to prevent electrical shocks. GFCI outlets are essential in areas where water is present, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, as they can save lives.

According to the National Electrical Code, all new homes must have GFCI outlets installed in specific areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas. If you live in an older home that does not have GFCI outlets installed, it is crucial to have them installed as soon as possible to ensure your safety and the safety of your family.

Understanding how GFCI outlets work

To understand how GFCI outlets work, you need to know a bit about electrical circuits. In an electrical circuit, electricity flows from the power source, through the wiring, and back to the power source. If the electricity encounters any resistance in the circuit, such as a person or water, it will create a ground fault. This ground fault can cause an electrical shock, which can be fatal.

A GFCI outlet works by comparing the amount of current flowing through the hot wire to the amount of current flowing through the neutral wire. If there is a difference in current flow, the GFCI outlet will immediately shut off the power to prevent electrical shocks. This is why GFCI outlets are essential in areas where water is present, as they can detect ground faults and prevent electrical shocks.

Preparing for wiring two GFCI outlets together

Before you start wiring two GFCI outlets together, you need to gather a few tools and materials. You will need a voltage tester, wire strippers, pliers, a screwdriver, and two GFCI outlets. It is crucial to purchase GFCI outlets that are designed to be wired together, as not all GFCI outlets are compatible with each other.

You will also need to turn off the power to the circuit you will be working on. This can be done by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse that controls the circuit. It is essential to test the circuit with a voltage tester to ensure that there is no electricity flowing through the wires.

A step-by-step guide to wiring two GFCI outlets together

  1. Remove the cover plate from the existing GFCI outlet and unscrew the outlet from the electrical box.
  2. Disconnect the wires from the existing GFCI outlet by loosening the terminal screws and removing the wires.
  3. Connect the wires to the new GFCI outlet by inserting each wire into the appropriate terminal and tightening the terminal screws.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the second GFCI outlet.
  5. Connect the two GFCI outlets together by using a short piece of wire to connect the LINE terminals on both outlets. The wire should be the same gauge as the other wires in the circuit.
  6. Connect the load terminals on both outlets to the wires that will be powering the downstream devices.

Testing the wired GFCI outlets

After you have wired the two GFCI outlets together, it is crucial to test them to ensure that they are working correctly. To test the GFCI outlets, plug a lamp or other device into one of the outlets and turn it on. Then, press the TEST button on the GFCI outlet. The power to the device should immediately shut off. If the power does not shut off, the GFCI outlet may be defective, and you should replace it.

To reset the GFCI outlet, press the RESET button. The power to the device should turn back on. If the power does not turn back on, the GFCI outlet may be defective, and you should replace it.

Tips for additional safety measures

Wiring two GFCI outlets together is an excellent way to provide added protection to your home’s electrical system. However, there are additional safety measures you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of your family:

  1. Test your GFCI outlets regularly to ensure that they are working correctly.
  2. Install GFCI outlets in all areas where water is present, including bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
  3. Do not use electrical devices near water.
  4. Do not overload electrical circuits.
  5. Call a professional electrician if you are unsure about any electrical work.

Common mistakes to avoid when wiring GFCI outlets together

When wiring GFCI outlets together, there are several common mistakes that you should avoid, including:

  1. Using the wrong type of GFCI outlet
  2. not turning off the power to the circuit before starting work.
  3. not testing the wires with a voltage tester before starting work.
  4. installing the GFCI outlets incorrectly.
  5. overloading the electrical circuit.

Troubleshooting GFCI outlet problems

If you are experiencing problems with your GFCI outlets, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take before calling a professional electrician:

  1. Reset the GFCI outlet by pressing the reset button.
  2. Test the GFCI outlet with a voltage tester to ensure that it is receiving power.
  3. Check the wiring connections to ensure that they are secure.
  4. Check the circuit breaker or fuse to ensure that it has not tripped or blown.
  5. Replace the GFCI outlet if it is defective.

When to call a professional electrician

While wiring two GFCI outlets together is a relatively simple process, there are times when you should call a professional electrician, including:

  1. If you are unsure about any electrical work,
  2. If you are experiencing problems with your electrical system,
  3. If you need to install new electrical wiring,
  4. if you need to upgrade your electrical system.

Conclusion

Wiring two GFCI outlets together is an excellent way to provide added protection to your home’s electrical system. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can safely wire two GFCI outlets together and ensure the safety of your family. Remember to test your GFCI outlets regularly and take additional safety measures to ensure your safety and the safety of your family. If you are unsure about any electrical work, always call a professional electrician.


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