How to Install a GFCI Outlet

[@mikecmw8492]

I watched three videos and you're the only one who explained the load/downstream part thanks!!

[@mattstokes8927]

Excellent video. Solved my problem when you mentioned the gfci has to be the first receptacle in the line from the panel. Chased that gremlin for two days. Thank you!

[@mylesherschberger9531]

You do a very good job of explaining and demonstrating. You don't over explain or go off on tangents. Thank you!

[@MrDmac423]

You saved me a day of headaches. I knew the line and load wire couldn’t be reversed but neutrals?!!

[@BetterThanCheddar]

Thank you, I couldn't figure out why my gfci want working and this video helped me figure out why. I was running a wire to a pantry so I could plug in an led strip. I wanted to turn at the same time as the laundry light so I wired into the circuit after the switch. After watching this I learned that GFCIs can't be switched. Thanks

[@tjpunchmunkee402]

Dude! You need to be on TV! I can't figure out which was better, your instruction, or your outtakes at the end. I both learned something and laughed my a$$ off! Excellent work, great personality! Thanx....

[@orlando1313]

Thank you for this video. I had the feed and output swapped and no power for days. Your notes helped me realize that and now we are up and running

[@samanthaveasey5341]

Hi Joel, I learn so much watching your channel. I have no intention of doing any diy but wanted to support your channel, I prefer to supervise and project management for my husband over his shoulder and now I can do it with confidence 😂😂.

[@sandyc6569]

Same

[@losmoore3358]

That's funny , but true what my wife does.

[@briannarachel2268]

I know Bonnie said she didn’t know if people liked the progress updates on her channel, tell her that I love seeing the progress! I think a lot of people do! Also these videos are really helpful, I officially know more than my boyfriend about house flipping.

[@Anika-cu8lw]

So true

[@sandyc6569]

Agree!

[@patrickgreen2361]

Your video really helped me out. Previous ELECTRICIAN had load vs line switched. Thank you very much. New construction. ❤

[@carsoncooper6846]

In the process of updating my 1978 condo… liked and subscribed. Thank you sir.

[@TodaysTask]

Welcome aboard!

[@christopherpalmieri4931]

You saved the day! Thanks for the easy to understand and practical breakdown. I didn’t realize load was the downstream line. Had the hot line reversed. Thanks again!

[@ibejeph]

Broseph, thank you. You saved me a trip to the home Depot. I had the load/line wires mixed up.

[@b.m.5610]

Do not do this but I just replaced the outdoor GFCI without turning the breaker off. I transferred the wires (not removing all of them at the same time) one by one from the old GFCI outlet to the new one starting with the ground, neutral & hot (in that order). I used insulated needle nose pliers for holding the hot wire so I don't have to touch the black wire with my bare fingers. It works now! Thanks

[@stanleykeith6969]

Why does the ground go down, I have seen it dome both ways. Please explain the right way and why. Thanks.

[@swampfoxmoto5959]

Yea my neutrals were switched on my old one that was working. Crazy how smart the new ones are

[@rhobi-jb9um]

So the LINE is the power coming in. The LOAD is the power going out to other outlets "downstream" that are on the same breaker. So are the LOAD hot wire (black) and the neutral (white) on the same wire? I wired a GFCI today and initially it worked, but when I cut the power to put it back in the box it stopped working for some reason. I wired it exactly like the original (non GFCI) one and per the instructions. The only thing I can think of is that both of the ground wires are pigtailed into one, but I don't think that should matter. Also, how would you determine if the outlet is a "home run" or in other words the first in a series?

[@myssakay]

The bloopers on at the end were worth the watch. 💯

[@kazafitzpatrick]

Love your videos, especially the DIYer mistake ones. Situation & Question: I have fully documented a circuit which has a single GFCI breaker outlet. The circuit has eleven devices, 3 switches, 8 outlets. Of the 8 other outlets 4 are non-GFCI outlets which are close to water sources, in 3 other baths and kitchen, which makes me think those outlets should also be GFCI protected. In reviewing my Leviton documentation for installing GFCI outlets, my interpretation is that a single GFI outlet, placed as close to the breaker as possible would provide GFCI protection to all downstream devices. It seems to me that a single GFCI device would protect all exposed downstream water adjacent outlets, thus not needing to install a GFCI outlet at each water exposed box. Is this understanding correct? FYI: ChatGPT said this understanding is correct. I determined the exiting GFCI outlet is at the end of the circuit simply because it’s in a single wire box, only a line wire, no load wire. Given the context of the circuit with all the other GFCI at-risk outlets ignored and upstream of the existing GFCI outlet doesn’t that question the competence of the original installing electricians. It appears the one GFCI outlet was installed just to make it appear they considered GFCI risk? Background: Home has 4 bathrooms, 2850 sq. ft.,1986 construction home with neutral wires throughout. I am a DYIer with a number of years of upgrading my homes high voltage circuits. Two objectives: Cosmetic decora modernization, complete smart home functionality.

[@armyguy872008]

Man you saved me! I was installing new ones in kitchen, and didn’t take a pic, had me befuddled for hours until I watched this vid.

[@TodaysTask]

Happy to help.

[@niteridearc]

Your video explained exactly what I needed to learn. I have an RV that has power in and a series load going out. I blew the GFCI by using one of the plugs in the series and it killed the GFCI and now I understand how the other plugs are wired plus how to place the wires into the GFCI. Thank you!

[@rmccabe117]

Thanks! Took 3 videos before I got to yours and the correct solution! Yeah!!!

[@420KUSHWIN]

Great vid man.. one issue thogh.. i know you like to have your oulets look like a face and i do too but you would want to put it upside down for an extra measure of safety in case the wire gets pulled down if its upside down the ground rod will be esposed rather than the two hots being slightly exposed..

[@dylanpowellfilms872]

Your video actually help unlike every one else

[@kaiul2967]

Thanks! This helped alot! Scratching my head why mine was dead and now realized it's not the 'home' (first) circuit in the series! 🤦‍♂️

[@anxiousappliance]

good video and thanks ! A mistake I've just found, is line and load hots going to one screw, and neutrals going to another. This is how a standard outlet might be wired (if you don't pigtail, but it sure looks wrong with a GFCI. It read OK on the tester, but... I'd just note that unlike neutral and hot, you can pigtail the grounds. I think I see your pigtail wirenut. AND - for bathrooms, they want a 20 amp CFCI - like what you used. Probably to cope with hair dryer motors revving up etc.. I'm thinking it should be 20 amp at the panel with 12 gauge line wire.

[@rickyc664]

Great video. One question, I see you installed the ground but you didn't show doing that, curious why?

[@UlupiiKid]

I have this problem in our bathroom where we have two outlets that also feed the light/fans in the bath/shower side. I found the first outlet in the line and tried to put in a GFI. After installing it nothing worked. The tester showed there was electricity at the GFI wall but there was no power to the outlet. Of course with that not working, nothing down line worked either. What I don't know is how do you determine what neutral line is tied to the correct hot wire going to the circuit breaker? So frustrating...

[@TodaysTask]

Switch your neutrals on the outlet and it should work.

[@juane917]

Load vs line connections was my MISTAKE!! 😂 Thank you for the video.

[@johndimeo8023]

Well, you saved me about $400 by explaining clearly, concisely what I did wrong. No need to call the electrician

[@TodaysTask]

Glad I could help.

[@toddfeltner8700]

Great video! Explained what no one else does. Thanks!

[@mrGrimmWasHAPPY]

Bro I was loosing my mind I just needed to switch neutrals aghhhhh luckily it was only like a hour before I heard you say this…. ITS ALIVE!!!!!!!!

[@TodaysTask]

I have spent hours figuring it out. I don’t understand how an outlet has the technology to know.

[@melissanicole5055]

Joel, this was awesome. My husband and I are in the process of buying our first place together and this is something that came up in inspection that we are fixing when we move in, for sure saving your video for when we do this. Thank you Joel!

[@sarahb8147]

I could have written this comment myself except two years later. We were looking at a massive cost but now we’re going to DIY it

[@heidiboffitto5526]

Thanks for sharing Joel! Love watching your videos!

[@matthewkrug6867]

Thanks, it was very helpful, but you should have mentioned they come in different amps for the size of circuit (usually 15 or 20) I I found out @ the HW store.

[@countrifiedjose7537]

So its ok not to loop the wire when there's a clamp plate? I would always take the screw out and put in a loop. I hated doing doing it.

[@cruelsun9243]

Thanks for the video. I am replacing a regular outlet with a GFCI under my kitchen cabinet. The disposal and dishwasher would be plugged into it. I had to create a 'kicker' on the silver screws, and I have white, black, red (hot) and a ground. I put red on bronze, white on silver black on bronze below the red, and connected tje ground on the ground post.....I got nothing. Any advice? Thanks.

[@Goatbaaaahaaa]

Some of my outlets work and then some don't work. Or actually work for little while and then don't work and few days later you can come back and use it again . Our home is from 1918 so it's old. We rent. Landlord won't replace anything. So I try to do things myself that are small enough. So my question is the cords I plug into the outlets around house. Are burning hot to the touch. They melt cords. What can I do . Any suggestions? One outlet melted all the way up wall. Scary thing is was behind crib where sound machine was plugged into. Any safety things I can do to make sure we don't die ? Thanks.

[@TodaysTask]

There is probably no ground wires at all, and it sounds like there is a cut in a wire in the wall. that would. be my guess. I would have it looked at by an electrician for sure.

[@javiles2331]

Great job, I have a question I have a gfci outlet outside of my house but this one is connected in series with some outlets inside of the house but I think since they’re not close to any source of water I don’t is need it to be connected in series right?

[@TodaysTask]

You should keep outdoor outlets GFCI'S because in the event that water gets blown into that area or a flood, you want that protection. You can also get weather resistant outlets as well.

[@hiswife6296]

Hi joel do u have to have a outlet in the bathroom or is a light with a pull switch ok?

[@Dingolay1]

So.... must a gfci be installed next to a water source? Or just as the first receptacle in a circuit that has a receptacle next to a water source

[@TodaysTask]

Just the first in the circuit.

[@michaelhayes8515]

Good job, I need to replace 3 outlets and convert to GFI or just learned now about GFCI in the kitchen.

[@TimMohr-j2r]

Why are you using a 20v. 15v is sufficient.

[@cristianmacias9651]

I have a question. Sometimes when I change an gfci the outlet won’t have power. Even though I switched the cables

[@TodaysTask]

Sometimes you need to reset the GFCI.

[@josepe2448]

What will it state on the gfci to let me know that that is the side where power comes into the outlet? And can I use a 15amp gfci that runs off a 20amp gfci breaker?

[@jadaoneill8486]

Haha you’re so funny at the end !! Thanks for video it really helped me!

[@1220freddie]

Fantastic! Good job. Good presentation. Appreciated.

[@2sprint0536]

is the home run line considered the first outlet to get power closest to to water?

[@TodaysTask]

The home run is the first outlet from the circuit breaker.

[@ArborProTriCities]

Thanks man. I should have paid attention to the instructions. I had the neutral wrong lol

[@saints2551]

What does it mean if the outlet trips but not the breaker but I had my microwave plugged into it

[@TodaysTask]

It is meant to trip for safety, and having the reset near the work area for convenience.

[@kayvs]

What was the brand of your electrical line tester?

[@Elin-Esteem84]

My house was built in the 1950s, I only have 1 back n 1 white wire, I had to add the copper ground myself. I cant get my outlet to work, can u help?

[@1966johnnywayne]

Did you simply connect the ground wire to the receptacle box...if so, that accomplishes nothing as the ground wire does not go back to the panel. Double check how you connected the wires to the receptacle ensuring that you have them connected properly and then ensure that the fuse/breaker is good.

[@paulaivie8008]

Thank you for keeping it simple!!

[@A5hunter]

Ever had a GFCI installed and after flipping on the breaker then pressing the reset button on the outlet, yellowish sparks shot out of it then tripped the breaker? I wonder if its just the outlet that is bad or is something is wrong.

[@TodaysTask]

Something is definitely wrong.

[@ppsayl1235]

Sorry, but where is your ground wire? I didn't see that being connected. Thx.

[@tylerrcasement]

Any reason you didn’t start with it “face” up?

[@THOMASGPII]

So I was replacing/upgrading some electrical outlets in my house to GF. I did to of them. The 3rd one is in the garage. The box has an outlet and a poll switch. I went to relace it but the outlet has 4 white wires. 2 black wires and a red. Maybe because the switch is a 3 way switch? I broke the orginal outlet taking wires out. After trying to figure out the wiring diagram it started to get dark. I can't use the lights because power is off. I couldn't figure out the GFCI wiring. So had an extra old outlet around and wired it for safty. Anyways anyone know how to wire it? When I go back to the house I am working at I will take pictures. THANK YOU!

[@braddeem4998]

Installing the outlet that way is upside down. The one hole(mouth) is the ground wire and it helps protect and keep from accidental fire starting (low risk yes but still a risk if the plug you're using is sticking out a little bit and something ( I.E. paperclip) somehow falls in between the plug and the outlet the ground wire keeps it from having point of contact with the positive and negative prongs at the same time.

[@anxiousappliance]

Pretty sure code wants it the way he installed it. The upside down thing is more a shop/garage thing. IMO

[@braddeem4998]

@@anxiousappliance to each there own

[@DarkstarDarth]

Hello, I connected the line wires on a new GFCI but no power going out to a working lamp..? I tried the other white wire and nothing...? Any suggestions? I figured it out, I’m a dumbass.... I resolved it, I needed to push the reset button all the way in until it clicks....hope it helps others✌🏼

[@TodaysTask]

I have done this same thing too many times...

[@stephenreese6288]

I did not see you attach the ground copper wire?

[@jessieperez2422]

One thing I not understand where those 2 white wires 2 black wires come from i know for regular outlet only need 1 white 1 black 1 ground but i see i need extra wires ..🤔🤔

[@eileenriordan4854]

What about the green ground wire?😊

[@shekharmoona544]

Kobalt makes a tool you can plug in and check if it is correctly I stalled. Kobalt gfci ET-18.

[@ultimaheart4304]

what if you have a gfci breaker? doesnt a gfci outlet mess that up?

[@TodaysTask]

Not if they are installed correctly.

[@ultimaheart4304]

@@TodaysTask i was just a little confused with the way the code says things, from what ive seen and even in video's people keep saying that you dont need a gfci outlet with a gfci breaker and that you shouldnt put both on same line. but thanks for the heads up.

[@dianeh.3327]

Great info but I just don’t like the toilet placement. It’s right on the wall of the living room or whatever room. You will be able to hear everything 😂 That’s my gripe about my master bedroom bathroom. Toilet is right by the door of a big room.

[@rxparke]

Thanks for the tips!

[@tubeDude48]

Whole your outlet? Manufacturer.

[@davidred1809]

How do you know which wires are downstream and which care upstream

[@TodaysTask]

Turn the breaker off and then you will need to undo the outlet and separate the wires. Once the wire are away from each other turn the breaker on and using a tick tracer you will see which wire has power and which one doesn’t. The power wire is line and the none power wire is load. Wire the hots and neutrals accordingly. Good luck be safe.

[@amateur-adventures1186]

Great video

[@farmerdave7965]

Why you put 20A GFCI on 15A circuit ?

[@rluszik]

You help me solve my issue!! TY

[@jeannettefriesen7867]

Love the videos'! Question-why would you need an outlet right by the toilet?

[@TodaysTask]

good question. A lot of toilet manufacturers are building bidet add ons that need a power source.

[@Joshuatreelocal]

Id say A nightlight so you can pee at night and don’t get blinded by turning bathroom light on

[@mattzechman4408]

So you can charge your phone while pooping.

[@ivanafanador1832]

How will I know which is my load wire?🤔

[@martingonzalez529]

Excellent information 👍

[@pennylane36]

Joel I hope you an Bonnie build a new house. The house you live in it beautiful but I can tell you from personal experience you need a much bigger house One morning you’re going to wake up and your 4 kids are going to all be teenagers and your going to feel like you’re sharing a house with 4 other adults And don’t forget all the friends they will have over You need a much bigger house and a much larger master bedroom/ master bath I still live in the house we built in 1990. 1007sf with 1 bathroom We only had 1 kid but when her friends were here it definitely felt way smaller Build that house! 😁🏠🧰

[@mtdewangel]

@@zxs7170 Do you watch their videos? They have clearly shown the kids friends over inside the house several times. You also have to keep in mind that they don't film every person who comes over due to privacy reasons.

[@mtdewangel]

@@zxs7170 Clearly I have if I just stated they've shown friends inside their home PLAYING?! Her kids do play inside. They have video proving that... also, outside play is healthy for children. If you are so bent out of shape on how they live their lives, maybe you should move onto other vloggers instead?

[@mtdewangel]

@@zxs7170 I have no reading comprehension issues, so no need to bold anything for me. I have rarely ever commented on KZbin, but something about the way you attacked the way they live rubbed me the wrong way. I enjoy watching their videos as well as their extended families videos and won't stop watching just because someone like you has the issue. Have a nice day!

[@jkv_2K]

What is the recommendation do I use for home 15 or 20 amm

[@TodaysTask]

Either is good as long as the wire and breaker matches.

[@LimitlessFrank]

Very helpful but I noticed that you attached the Ground wire ti the outlet but didn't mention it. That could be confusing for a novice.

[@TangyTangerine27]

Was it the "line" ground or the "load" ground he attached? And then would someone just cut back and cap off the other ground??🤔 thanks to anyone that can clear this question up!

[@thepugs123]

I’m following coz I have the same question..

[@nicholasclayborne7975]

I wish you showed how u found the original hot and neutral

[@samd3676]

How come the ground wite wasn't connected?

[@TodaysTask]

Good Question, the Metal outlet box was grounded already.

[@shujagoraya]

Great help!! thank you! It worked....

[@bikerbobschoppers]

Why did you not ground it??????

[@alieninstallation50]

Thanks for the vid!

[@Colleena55]

What is the wall colour throughout the house?

[@drimcommercialrefrigeratio5725]

What do you the pen like that you are using to test the power? 😊

[@kristiwatt5556]

It’s a hot stick it can sense and hot wire

[@stevealvarez2411]

thanks for the info!

[@Weasel_NM575]

The first you wanna do is not shut off the power!! If you got two separate lines coming into that box you need to identify the line’s hot and neutral and then you know the other black and neutral are the load. Now flip your GFCI over and you will see where LINE is marked and where LOAD is marked so until you identify these you don’t turn the power off. You turn it off after you find and separate the two

[@lowezahn]

Thanks!

[@TodaysTask]

Thanks JR that was so kind of you. Happy to help in anyway

[@d5kenn]

Is that a working toilet....in the hallway?

[@lmschild72]

How do u know white lines are which like how do I know which lines r homerun lines

[@TodaysTask]

You need a tic tracer, and you have to take the outlet apart and then turn the breaker back on checking to see which hot line has power un connected. that will be your home run.

[@peanutbutterisfu]

You have the outlet upside down, by code ground needs to be up not down.

[@MrKeefy]

I'm puzzled that there is an outlet next to the toilet in the first place.

[@TodaysTask]

It is all the new rage to put in bidet's and you need power to do so.

[@Niftynefty]

You are awesome

[@kazafitzpatrick]

Sorry but I think you need to tell viewers what you mean specifically when you say "home run line" (googling it gets a lot of baseball and betting references for example), I think you mean a line going directly to a breaker with no other device between it and the breaker, but that is only my guess. I watch a lot of electrical DYI videos from many different creators, this is the only channel I have watched using that terminology. Clarity with electrical work is fundamental.

[@sciencesenses]

you didn't land the ground wire

[@sandyc6569]

👍😊👍

[@Goatbaaaahaaa]

Also are these newer outlets ? I've never seen these kind before lol . Man we must have old booty outlets. Like dingy yellow outlets. LoL

[@1966johnnywayne]

They've been around since at least the late 80's that I am aware of. They have to be installed on any receptacle that is less than 1.5 M. (basically if you can touch the receptacle and the water source at the same time) from a water source.

[@Joshuatreelocal]

They are the newer decora style for the front face. but the gfci outlets are bulky like that

[@kruzinkruzin140]

I cant imagine why anyone would need an outlet in that position near the toilet

[@TodaysTask]

Bidets they are all the new rage.

[@kathleennorton6108]

Homerun line? The neutral? The load? You talk electricianese.

[@MegaChris299]

Pee splash will trip it 😂

[@losmoore3358]

A outlet by the toilet? 🤔