How Many Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters On One Breaker

[@thenite187]

Okay, this is a bit confusing because there are some tests left out of this video (like testing the plug side while power is reaching the lug side of the brown CFGI or "child receptacle"). First of all, let's assign some names to the GFCI's in question. We'll refer to the first GFCI (white/off white) as the "parent" and the second (brown), third, fourth, ect... GFCI's as the child/ren. - outlets hooked up in series (connected to the bottom lugs of the GFCI outlet). To simplify this, do not/never hook up GFCI's in series. Only connect them in parallel as if they are independent from other GFCI's on the same circuit. Voltage drop from one GFCI/GFI to another will prevent children from resetting. You only need one CGFI for child outlets ran in "Series" (using the bottom lugs on the parent GFCI to connect child outlets - being mindful of how many outlets you can run on one circuit by code). GFCI should be able to trip with a short (grounded circuit) upstream and downstream, which trips the auto-shutoff feature of the receptacle/s (all the GFCIs on the same circuit should trip). The confusing part is that nowhere in the video does it show a reset of the child (brown) GFCI after the parent was tripped (indicating a voltage drop preventing the child GFCI from resetting or it wasn't manually reset until later, which we did not see), resetting the child GFCI should correct the power-flow to the plug-side/s of the all the children receptacles. So, as elementary as the GFCI function is, as long as there is power fed through the receptacle both the parent GFCI and theoretically the series GFCI receptacles have been manually reset, the power should flow through to the plug side of the parent and child/ren GFCI's (unless there isn't enough power to the GFCI in order to reset it/them). Problem again is, there's a voltage drop that keeps child CFGI's from resetting. The point is,, you do not need multiple GFCI's as long as you connect standard outlets in series to the parent GFCI outlet using the first method demonstrated in this video. It is not recommended to use this method to series GFCI's outlets (if it happened to work at all) because when one GFCI trips, they all should respectively trip and making it difficult to isolate where a short might be occurring (which will leave you and even a professional electrician with the proverbial head-scratch wondering why someone would subject themselves or anyone to that mess). It is wiser to choose whether or not to provide direct power (wiring in parallel to each receptacle, isolating GFCIs and with or without child outlets) or simply installing one GFCI that controls all following child outlets in series (connected to the bottom lugs of the GFCI). - Do not add GFCI's in series, meaning a parent GFCI controlling GFCI/s downstream, that's just being a jerk and causing you the headache of having to reset all dependent GFCI's, if they work at all, in the event one becomes tripped. Rely on one GFCI to control multiple child outlets or provide direct power to each GFCI independently on the same circuit.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Wow that's an awesome comment thank you for writing this. Have a great day ☺

[@jban4457]

In order to run a "series", couldn't you just figure out the formula-for-resistance-loss for every "child" outlet, then check the specs on the gfci for the required ohms? (I'm thinking one or two "child" outlets would operate properly but that's purely a common-sense guess.)

[@MP-zf7kg]

@@jban4457 Problem is the unpredictability of load.

[@MP-zf7kg]

This is a great comment and far better than the video. What's really a kicker is to "map" a circuit correctly, including light fixtures.

[@keithharrington4595]

@@jban4457 the use of "series" and "parallel" with gfci's can be confusing. Gfci's simply check for a current imbalance and trip. We connect up 120vac to the GFCI input (line) and it protects that outlet. There are terminals (load) to allow the GFCI to essentially be the protected power source for recepticles connected down stream, giving them GFCI protection. Running power through the GFCI like that can been refered to as "series" because power runs through it, however, it passes power through like a breaker (120vac) to the parallel connected down stream recepticles. If you need GFCI protection in two spots, you can "T" tap or pigtail or parallel connect two gfci's On the (line) side to have GFCI protection and a GFCI in each location. Gfci's do not play well with one another when one feeds the other.

[@EsqChrio]

I have an old house that has both bathroom wall outlets on the same circuit. I changed out both today with GFCI outlets and spent several hours trying to figure out why the second one would not work. Stumbled across this video and resolved the problem in a minute. Thanks for the video. It was a big help.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome so glad that you found my video. I appreciate you watching and commenting ☺

[@glasshalffull2930]

You wasted time and money. A circuit only needs one GFCI and it should be on the receptacle closest to the breaker panel. The GFCI installed this way protects all outlets downstream.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

That's great in a perfect world, most homes are not wired like they should be

[@takeniteasyfriend]

BLUF: Multiple GFCI receptacles on the same circuit must be wired electrically in parallel vs serially. Great 👍 hands on demonstration

[@rw5838]

Greetings, Sir! I think I have the answer to your question as to "why" this works (correct me if I am wrong). We know that an A/C circuit is a parallel circuit. SO, in order to make the 2nd GFCI independent of the first one, we have to wire the UNgrounded Conductors "in parallel with" the TRUE source (the circuit breaker). By wiring the ungrounded conductors in parallel with the BREAKER, we allow current to flow to each receptacle at all times INDEPENDENTLY OF the upstream GFCI. I think this would be more evident into the viewers if you had used a pigtail, because it would show that the current is "dropped off" at the 1st GFCI receptacle AND it continues to the 2nd one simultaneously. This reminds me: I need to make this correction on my own house tomorrow from when I was an apprentice. Thank you for your excellent videos! If someone already commented on this, I apologize!

[@LuminusMarley]

I can’t express my gratitude enough! This was driving me crazy…I have one gfci line running to 2 bathrooms and I couldn’t get the new outlets to work in the second bathroom! Problem solved! 😅🙏

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome!! Glad that this helped you. Have a great day ☺

[@ericsmith5104]

Thank you. Home inspector said I had to put a GFCI on the outside [under porch] but no one realized it was daisy chained from the GFCI in the kitchen. Was having this very problem and this just fixed it.

[@apackwestbound5946]

Nice catch and discovery! May I make a suggestion that you label the outlet/receptacle that is outside and under the porch saying that it is GFI/GFCI current protected. Most GFI/GFCI have several small peel off and use labels included in the packet/box the GFI/GFCI comes in that are designed for this. All outlets/receptacles that are downstream, connected to the "load" side of the GFI/GFCI should be labeled as GFI/GFCI protected.

[@daniel.j.rauscher]

Thanks for this video. I’m a DIY-er getting ready to install several receptacles around my outdoor patio, so will have several GFCIs on one circuit. Basically, looks like pigtailing them / wiring in parallel is the only way to go.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I agree. Or you can put in regular receps and come off the load side. All depends on what you want to spend and the look your aiming for

[@bb55555555]

that is absolutely correct. I found that out the hard way when I was installing these in my kitchen renovation.

[@andresmendez7800]

I’m a third year apprentice and even this video made more sense then some of these electricians on this job site !! Thanks 🤙

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome glad to hear that this helped you. Sometimes people tend to over complicate things. Have a great day ☺

[@uwillnevahno6837]

Well, I'm hoping to learn how to fix an issue I have. My sense at the 2:44 mark is that I can't simply swap in a 2nd GFCI close things up and move on. I have 2 outlets in the bathroom, 1 is a GFCI (it's open ground) and right next to the tub I have a non-GFCI (it's also open ground).

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Did you get it fixed

[@uwillnevahno6837]

@@MountaineerOutdoors Yes, both are now grounded. They are on the same circuit but the original GFCI doesn't protect the non-GFCI circuit. I don't know the technical term but I suspect there's a splice/branch upstream. We now have a 2nd GFCI in place. I appreciate the ask!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome... Well no matter glad you got it working and safely. Happy Holidays

[@josephcarreoniii6434]

I really liked your explanation. I needed this because I have to change out a regular receptacle to a a GFI on the other side of our kitchen sink. So, in other words there will be two GFI breakers on each side of the kitchen sink for safety sake. Keep up the good work!!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

My pleasure thanks for watching and commenting ☺

[@jamesbuchanan3888]

If done to industry standards, kitchen receptacles will alternate between two circuits. This is to prevent a "dead zone" in the kitchen where extension cords can pull hot food onto children. Two GFCI are normally necessary.

[@josephcarreoniii6434]

@jamesbuchanan3888 Thank you. I truly appreciate your input.

[@danchandler9381]

Some hair dryers have a GFCI built into the cord. WHen I plug a hair dryer like that into a wall-mounted GFCI, it works fine. This means (at least in this case) that there is no problem with putting GFCIs in series. Is there something unique about the case I describe here that allows GFCIs to be wired in series?

[@brettfoster6786]

Thanks buddy, I’m rewiring a old house and I’m keeping your videos handy. A big thumbs up 👍

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I appreciate it good luck. Thanks for watching and commenting ☺

[@slbreeze1]

Thank you thank you for this video! I had it wired right but ended up with no bathroom fans, lights or outlet juice in two bathrooms. Made no sense until I finally found this gem advice, It worked! Now if I can just get the broken bottom screw out of the box housing, it'll look nice too. :)

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Glad to hear that this helped you ☺

[@tonymendes6743]

Thanks. Great video. How close can you install a GFCI PLUG to a shower or a sink in the bathroom.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

?

[@VideoByPatrick]

Question: what if the breaker pan has gfi breaker, does that mean all same leg molex wires stay on line lugs and never load lugs ? Many thanks for your video. When should you use the load lugs of gfi outlets ?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

If you have gfci breakers. You won't need gfcis at the receptacle boxes. The only times that you use load is when you are trying to make another recep that is non gfci make it protected by the gfci

[@Mad_ghalley88]

Thanks. I am doing my own basement and I had to put 3 gfci in the kitchen counter and I was having the same issue. I did it they way u showed in this vedio it worked. Thank.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome thanks for watching and commenting

[@HorrorSoup]

This was great! But I’m curious, is it possible to add two GFCIs independent of each other on one circuit, with standard receptacles in between? From example, I have 5 outlets on one circuit in a sunroom. First outlet on the circuit has a GFCI. I want that first GFCI on the chain to protect outlets 2, 3, and 4 downstream of the first/initial GFCI. The last outlet on the circuit is an outside outlet. I have a waterproof covering on the outlet, but on the chance that the outside outlet gets tripped, I wouldn’t want the other outlets upstream of the 5th/outside outside to also shut off. (My router is plugged in on the first of the chain) How would I go about keeping the GFCI on the first receptacle of the circuit to then protect outlets 2-4, while also ending the chain with a GFCI that would be essentially separated from being protected/protecting outlets 1-4? My goal is to have the first GFCI protecting outlets 2-4, and to have the outside/5th receptacle only trip and shut off itself if it has an issue.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

You would have to run a dedicated line off they gfci first in line, off the line side to your outdoor gfci.

[@AdanValue]

I am a 2yr apprentice and recently ran into an issue. A main line from the Box was brought into a GFCI line/load (#1) in a bathroom, hopped over to another GCFI (#2) line/load, up to a light fixture, then over to a single pole switch. Best recommendations of fixing this issue??

[@jamesbuchanan3888]

At 11:30 - Multi Wire Branch Circuits are the reason why you would want to use multiple GFCI on the same circuit. In a MWBC receptacles cannot be chained together and be protected by one GFCI.

[@Kilrbbbs]

After scratch my head for an hour and wiring it the wrong way, I watch your video and problem solved. Thank you for the mock up walk through.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

So glad to hear this thanks for watching and commenting.

[@actionjksn]

Why did you put multiple GFCIs on a single circuit?

[@Kilrbbbs]

@@actionjksn no particular safety reason. I just bought two…..Legrand radiant Night Light, Self-Test GFCI Outlets, Safe for Kids, Tamper Resistant, Brushed Nickel, 15 Amp, 1597NTLTRNICC4 on Amazon because I like the metal look. Afterwards I needed this video to figure out how to wire one GFI to another.

[@ryshenk]

worked for me too thanks! - was going from existing GFCI outside my house, running power to an outside GFCI on a shed. seemed valuable to have both outside plugs as GFCI

[@carlodonnell146]

you can install a regular outlet where the second GFCI is, the way you have now, you just can't install a second GFCI through the load terminals, but I think you can pigtail the hot line into the first GFCI, if you want to put a second GFCI.. Does that all make sense?

[@darrenwarren8636]

Thank - you, solved a problem that has been driving me crazy for months

[@rickl6697]

The reason I want to do this is, I have two sump pumps in my yard that I want to run off of one 20 amp circuit with a regular breaker. I want the sump pumps independent of each other so if one trips their GFCI outlet it won't shut down the other sump pump when there is no problem with that pump. Thanks for posting this and explaining. I'll be wiring them so they are in parallel with each having their own ground, neutral and hot.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Good luck and thanks for watching and commenting ☺

[@rahamohan5213]

I did the same, wired in parallel so both the gfci outlets are independent.

[@1945temo]

Hello, Could you add 2 120v outlets from a 240v outlet circuit? Using one hot wire from each hot from the 2 hots 240v? Thanks

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

If you do you will have to share nuetrals and install a double pole beaker

[@CarlosSantillana-n3e]

Are you saying that you cannot have any wires connected to the load side of the first/parent GFCI outlet? I have a problem. One GFCI outltet running garage door openers, outside landscape lighting, and two curb lights at the end of my driveway. Openers and landscape lighting is fine, but there is something shorting out at the driveway lights that I cannot find (about a 100 ft, run buried cable). When it rains heavily, and only then, the GFCI trips takind down everything. If I disconnect power from driveway lights, everything is fine. So in my mind I thought I would use two GFCI outlets, but thought of the first one having the garage openers and landscape lighting connected to the load of the parent GFCI outlets, and connecting only the driveway lights to the load side of the second/child GFCI such that in my mind I still would have openers and landscape lights running if driveway lights short out somewhere and hopefully trip only the child GFCI. I have the impression that this approach will not work, correct? Cannot seem to fix this problem.

[@eddierome4016]

Hi friend, thanks for this video but I have a question, I did the wrong way like you show in the video but I still have power on both gfci. I want to show you how I have everything connected. From the breaker I have the 1st gfci, then 2nd gfci then three regular outlets. On one of those regular outlets , my refrigerator is plugged. Every gfci and regular outlets have power but this is the problem- after 3to 4 hours the first gfci triggers and shut down all please can you help me with this problem? Thanks

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

First of all how do you have the gfcis wired? Then we can try to go on from here

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Does that same thing happen when you wire other AFCI outlets downstream/Load from an existing AFCI outlet? I saw a vid that this home inspector did about this same topic and in the example he had 4 GFCI outlets wired downstream from the load terminal of the first GFCI outlet on the circuit. To get all of them back online you have to reset them in the order they are beginning with the first GFCI from the breaker.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Great question. I will be completely honest with you. I have never ever installed a arc fault receptacle ever so I cannot answer this correctly.

[@thomasreedy4751]

Did you try to reset both GCFI outlets when connected in serial? Another KZbinr showed it is possible to have multiple GCFIs connected but highly confusing because the user has to figure out where the fault originated and reset all subsequent connections. Thus not code.

[@kandiecandelaria3134]

Ok so I want to tap into an existing GFCI to a new one for a small above ground pool motor ( 11 amps) Going to use a 20 amp gfci. Going to put both grounds connected with a ground connector,neutrals (white) into silver holes. Hot (black) into bronze colored hole on other side. Going to the new gfci ground to ground hole, white ( silver hole) black to hot side on top? Or does it go to bottom load?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

If you are adding another gfci for a total of 2 then come off of the line side.

[@jrleonard72]

I have this setup. The house I bought has a GFCI on an outside outlet and it ties in to another GFCI in my bathroom. Would you recommend that I just replace the outside receptacle with a non-GFCI, outdoor rated receptacle? Or, if you suggest that I keep them both how can I tell which one is the main one to connect this way?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

My opinion is the keep it the way it is that way if you're outside and it trips you don't have to go all the way inside just to reset the GFI especially if you're on an extension cord and you have to put it down whatever you're doing and then walk all the way in the house after a while it could become very annoying. I'd keep it exactly the way it is

[@lydiariley2629]

@WhynotDIY Hello, I have an old house and from research it looks like I can "upgrade" two pronged outlets to three pronged outlets using a GFCI outlet. From what I can tell, it is "safer" to do it this way. Here is my question: I have 4 wires in each box, 2 black (hot), and two white (neutral). The first GFCI install went off without a hitch, but the next 3 (they desperately needed replaced) would not reset after tripping. **Are your instructions in video still applicable if my house is wired the I mentioned above?**

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Are they all wired to the line side?

[@stick66]

Great video. Here is my situation. I have a GFI in my garage that protects an outlet on my porch. I added another receptacle in the garage (from a single gang to a double gang), and all seems good. What I would like to do is replace the porch receptacle with a GFI so that if the porch GFI trips the garage GFI will not. Is this possible?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Absolutely...

[@stick66]

@ Ok…how do I wire the porch gfi to trip without affecting garage gfi?

[@philly444fan3]

I like your video/s and I know you're trying to help people. Let me also say that I'm not disagreeing with you, esp since I've seen your theory of wiring multiple GFCIs on 1 circuit used on other websites/searches. Only problem I have (which might be where a lot of people get confused) is if you look at the instructions that come in the box of a new GFCI, there's a diagram showing the correct way (or the manufacturers suggested way) to wire multiple GCFIs to 1 circuit is to take feed wires from breaker (panel) to line side of 1st GFCI, connect load (branch circuit/downstream) wires to load side of 1st GFCI, then connect those wires to line side of 2nd GFCI and repeat that process for however many GFCIs you are installing on that circuit. In other words go line to load, line to load, line to load etc. I have pictures of instructions from a brand new Eaton GFCI that illustrate this, however I can't add photos to this comment (or at least I can't figure out how to add the photos). Not sure where this leaves us, but I wanted to point out what the manufacturer (in my case Easton) suggests as to the correct way to wire multiple GFCIs on 1 circuit.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Yep. Nothing wrong with I always say follow the manufacturer diagram. That just keeps it alot more simple for some. Great comment. Have a great day ☺

[@MissyRichmond-vm5rf]

I’m brand new at all this but I’m eager and want to be great at it thank u for your video ! My question is when putting a gfci in what can u do wrong that your other outlets won’t be protected

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Wiring them only on the line side will not protect the downstream ones

[@michaelandrew3816]

So the outlets above my kitchen counter, …for the ones on the same circuit with eachother, I only need to make sure the fist outlet in the circuit is a gfci receptacle…and the rest of the outlets above the counter following the first one can be all regular outlets??

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

That is correct

[@mothertaracey2510]

Good question. My house is 1986 built. there is a GFI inthe bathroom and I am adding an outdoor outlet & coode says I need a GFI. What a headache

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Definitely for safety purposes

[@charlesbernius8065]

Good video Brother. Just retired out of IBEW Local 130. I can’t explain it either but you are correct, it doesn’t work if you use the load side to feed another GFCI.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Amen and congratulations on your retirement.. I can't wait

[@dabananaman1550]

This is great info, but what about if it's an old house and there's no ground on any outlet? Would I still put the downstream gfci on the line of the upstream gfci? I already have 3 gfci outlets in the wrong way but as soon as I put the 4th one on it trips and I cant find the issue afterwards?

[@davidroddini1512]

Yes. If you are using GFCI outlets because the house has no ground on any outlet and are using the GFCI for safety due to lack of ground, you have to make sure to use the second method where all wires are hooked on the line side. If you only want one set of wires going to each outlet then pigtail the incoming wire, the outgoing wire and a third wire that will connect to the outlet.

[@LisaJensen]

We are adding an outdoor GFCI outlet off a line in the kitchen that already has 1 GFCI outlet protecting 3 standard outlets. How do you connect/wire a new GFCI outlet to a reg outlet? The line-load method is causing the new one to trip immediately. Thank you for the education!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJacmap7bcmBlc0 this may help

[@morokeiboethia6749]

Are you allowed to run a 12/3 cable from the breaker to GFCI (1) then tie one of the hot wires from the 12/3 to the line terminal on GFCI(1) then tie the other hot wire to the hot wire of a 12/2 cable that links (but not tied to load) GFCI1 and GFCI2 ? I guess what Im asking is are you allowed to mix different cable types like that or does NEC make you use the same cable type for that entire circuit?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

You can tie them like you are saying. Be careful sharing nuetrals on one nuetral with gfcis because chances of it working are not good. Just make sure you protect it with the correct over current device (breaker)

[@michaelandrew3816]

I appreciate ur answer to my last question. I have another question that is unrelated to the video. I’m working on a house with old cloth wiring. Do u know how to figure what size the wire is? The fuse on the circuit I’m working is 20 amp but the receptacles are mostly 15 amp which I know is wrong and maybe a 20 amp receptacle or two mixed in there. That’s where my confusion is coming from. I can’t tell if the fuse is wrong or the receptacles. So I figured the wiring size will tell me what the circuit is supposed to be. But not sure cus it’s old wiring.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

So if it's 14 gauge wire you definitely cannot put a 20 amp receptacle on there. But if it's 12 gauge wire you can put 15 amperceptacles on there or 20s I have a video on that and I'll link it right here so you can watch it.kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6itgKyajLBrjdUsi=q4AwaCk2_YQvAS_w

[@coetken]

correct me if i'm wrong here. wiring multiple gfci's the "correct" way on the load side gives you protection just at that single outlet without tripping any of the other gfci's on the same circuit. am i thinking right here?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Exactly

[@3aOpinion]

Thank you so much!! I had this issue 2 weeks ago, I was so embarrassed that I didn't make it work., Now I was blaming a 30am braker feeding a couple of 15 amps receptacles., So question? Why would someone use a 30 am kind of like a double braker? Is ok?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Absolutely not ok to do that. Most people do that because that cannot find what they need. Was it a single pole breaker?

[@3aOpinion]

@@MountaineerOutdoors It was a fat one, I'm guessing it was double. Thank you sir!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Well by code if you share a nuetral you have to have a double pole. But still if it's a 12 Guage wire it's only for 20 amp receptacle or more than one 15 amp. My guess is that it's sharing a nuetral

[@jacenas]

Lol, I have been going at it for 2 days on an outdoor project, powering an outdoor kitchen and outlet in the garden which we think should be gfi. This vid will allow me to redeem myself

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Definitely outdoors gfci.

[@johnc7883]

Have a outdoor lamp post, front porch and back deck that I want on the same circuit. The all in one outdoor in use covers from the big box store already come with the GFCI so I am using both. soooooo. Outside lamp post runs to front porch GFCI and gets connected to load. The front porch and back deck both go to line yea? I know its dumb but its a visual thing for a future homeowner to see the GFCI versus guessing

[@Renassainceman]

I recently replaced several GFCI receptacles for a friend and found three GFCI's wired just as you described. Since all three were on the backsplash behind the sink, I questioned why they would not just used two regular receptacles wired through the load side of a single GFCI. I assume the only reason would be if one trips the others may still stay 'alive'. Is there any other reason I'm not seeing?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

That's probably exactly why. Alot of people like to have it match so that may be why they did it. I appreciate you watching and commenting ☺

[@Steven1Cicero]

I have a situation where I have 14 dock slips divided into 2 GFCI Breakers, ,However the GFCI breaker is located about 100 feet from the docks and every time someone leaves an extension cord plugged in and there is any moisture in the air the GFCI breaker trips leaving at least half of the dock without electric. I was wondering if I could replace the GFCI breakers with a normal breaker and wire in separate GFCI outlets so that only the person that is causing the problem would be without electric until they reset their GFCI outlet. This explained how this can be done .

[@ronaldvazquez4373]

What would happen if you trip and reset the black GFCI? The magic is the electronic of the black one?

[@227giorgio]

I wanted it for my trailor running a space heater. Gfci goes to 6 outlets on a 15 Amp breaker. But half way through I wanted to add another gfci so the Heater only trips the last 3 that I don't care about and not all of them. This didn't help for my answer much

[@calvincaltechwhitfield2545]

I replaced 2 working outlets with 2 GFCI 15 amps on a 20a breaker in the kitchen near the sink. Pigtailed them black to line(brass) white to line(silver) to both GFCI and I put a tested on the terminals and get lights on the voltage tester and with a meter 120v but when I plug any thing in, I get nothing. Double checked incoming wires for power and get 120 but nothing is power up when a device is plugged in There are no indicator lights on the GFCI. The reset and test buttons do nothing. I even swapped out for another still nothing. What should I look for ?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Make sure you put them on the line side of the gfci

[@user-mu9of4mv6e]

What's the best way to daisy chain 3 standard outlets to a GFCI outlet?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Come off the load side and go on to your receptacles

[@wizard3z868]

@@MountaineerOutdoors lol I love your deflection are you a lawyer or politician?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

😂 😂

[@aaronbutt2205]

Mine work?!? I wired 2 GFCI’s the first “wrong way” and then saw this video after but they both work fine just independently. Should I be concerned & do I need to change it for safety reasons?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

No but as you see what could happen if one trips you may need to reset all of them.so no need to change them. Great question and thanks for watching and commenting ☺

[@Alvaro-w6r]

Hi can I connect a GFCI outlet from a regular receptacle?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Hook it up on the line side

[@futuregamer5791]

Or you can wire the neutrals together and the hots. Then pig tail off of them to the first gfci

[@brentyoungmann2732]

I have a ground fault plug that has a green light on one side and has a red light on the side which is red and is blinks intermittently. Seems to be working without any problems just do not understand about the blinking red light?

[@AmitKumar-Inferno]

If the national electrical code requires all outlets in bathroom to be gfci and one happens to have mutliple outlets in bathroom then we have to do this ?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Amen line and load

[@RicardoHernandez-fv5bv]

Old this helped a lot I was stuck and this saved my brain from crashing

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome glad to hear that this helped you out. Thanks for watching and commenting ☺

[@mr.g937]

The black GFCI is not tripped right? This video doesn't make sense to me... if you connect the load side of the white receptacle to the line side of the black receptacle I don't see why it should matter where the line came from (the breaker or another GFCI)

[@jetlaggedchef6806]

Yeah, I think he botched the explanation a bit. The second GFCI *will* work as wired initially, but you'd have to reset it after resetting the first one. The reason you wouldn't want it wired that way is - imagine if you have 4 or 5 GFCI outlets on that circuit, when one trips, you'd have to reset it and then ALL the other ones. Would be a real pain in the neck. Best practice is to wire how he shows it in the end (preferably with a pig tail) and put GFCIs for all outlets near water sources.

[@mr.g937]

@@jetlaggedchef6806 Yup that makes a lot more sense. I also wonder whether perhaps it's better to make resetting inconvenient as GFCIs do not spuriously trip, they trip for a reason, which could be the GFCI is bad. Making it inconvenient forces a homeowner to address the issue. It's not like AFCI where nusiance tripping in normal usage is more common

[@singlespeedcrossbike]

I’ve watched this video a bunch of times and I can’t duplicate the second in line GFCI not showing good power with the first GFCI is reset. Reset the first in series and the light comes on in the second. I’ve them wired exactly like your first example and no problem. I’m not an electrician but why would I have a completely different result. What am I missing here?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Not sure 🤷‍♂️

[@singlespeedcrossbike]

@@MountaineerOutdoors got it figured out. It appeared that I needed to watch your video again. Thank you.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Ok no problem glad that it finally worked out for you though

[@jeremiahmattson1748]

If you have a bathroom and you want to add 2 new outlets, do both need to be GFCI? Or can the 1st one be GFCI and the 2nd be a standard outlet?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

You can do one gfci and the other regular as long as you protect the regular one from the gfci

[@MexicanMaga]

hey @mountaineer , my gfi has power on both the hot and the neutral wires.. what did i do wrong because its not working

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I'd say if you did that you may need to back track all the way to the breaker

[@dswartzinator]

thanks for this video man! You confirmed what I was thinking.. now I'm good to go and didn't burn down my house!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

My pleasure thanks for watching and commenting ☺

[@MarcosElMalo2]

Thank you! This is a good explanation and tutorial. This is long and about crazy electrical work in Mexico. Read on if you want to laugh and be frightened at the same time. I’m a gringo living in an apartment in Mexico. I don’t even know where to begin! In the U.S., where we have codes and shit, I was able to troubleshoot and repair electrical issues, confident that there was a basic logic based on county and national building codes. I was even able to add new circuits/circuit breakers when I needed a separate circuit for the computer room or when I set up a 220 circuit for welding. The building is between 15 and 20 years old, built by my landlord and one of his sons. I’ve been living here for nearly 10 years. It’s 2Br/1 bath/kitchen/living room, and a rooftop patio. The building is 2 second floor apartments and one commercial space on the first floor. I believe that the landlord and the son did the electrical themselves or didn’t hire a competent electrician. Also, as is common, the electrical service is split between the two apartments-meaning that each apartment gets one of the phases at our meters. My neighbor gets 120v of one hot leg, and I get the other 120. There is a single 30 amp breaker at my service panel!! All the outlets and overhead lighting are fed from a single 30 amp breaker! The house is brick construction and the wiring is buried in the walls. I’m not entirely sure if everything is wired in series or if it’s branched. If branched, the first splice is buried somewhere in the walls. Am I making sense? Also, there was no ground. One of the first things I did was to drill a hole in the foundation and hammer a 4’ copper pole into the ground. (My service panel is by the front door on the first floor.) This is so I could add two new grounded outlets to the living room for the TV and computer. I added new wire (romex 12 gauge) from the breaker-basically another splice, but at the breaker/service panel. Yeah, I know, not kosher! In the U.S., I would have added a new breaker at the panel. Here, there is no room for a second breaker on the panel. I guess at some point I might upgrade the panel or even upgrade the service to 100 amps. I hesitate because this is a rental, but I’ve been here 10 years. I’m doing a kitchen remodel and I want to replace the the outlet by the sink with a GFCI. The grounding issue is complicated. Here’s what I’ve done: the water pipes were not grounded as they’re fed from a big water tank on the roof. I’ve run a ground wire from the copper grounding pole to the water pipes. Under the kitchen sink I’ve attached a ground wire. It’s currently attached to the previous outlet (the wire is surface mounted in a plastic cable channel). I plan to add more outlets upstream. I know full well that what Im doing would not be allowed by the NEC in the U.S. I’m just trying to make my apartment safer, without going to the expense of completely redoing the electrical. Maybe I should move, but $186/month is strong motivation to stay. The plan is to do a little bit to improve the situation each month. Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned the situation with the back bedroom. It shouldn’t be too hard to solve when I get around to it: there is a open neutral somewhere. I just use the room for storage anyway. One ceiling light and one outlet function properly. But I also dread opening a can of worms and discovering the problem is more complicated than I hoped. Anyway, that’s my ongoing crazy Mexican wiring story. Also, I think this experience has cured me of my libertarian tendencies.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Wow that is alot of problems. Good for you though to try to make it safer. I understand that rent is super low. I have only in my whole electrical career seen first hand one service that was 120volts. I have heard about it before but to actually see it was something else. If you keep upgrading I'd tell him to make sure he takes it off the rent. Good luck 🤞

[@busterhikney6936]

Wait till you see conduit made from garden hose

[@a..d5518]

@@busterhikney6936 Wait, that's not legal/smart/safe?? 🤣

[@edbassett0545]

So can u put a normal plug on the 2nd gfi then on the same line ?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

If you don't need that second one to be gfci protected

[@williamspence3511]

I have a room with - ground in the plugs and non work, but the over head lighting?

[@Hunter__14]

Sweet video, question for ya, im ginna wire up my shed and was planning on one GFCI from the panel 3 regular recepts and the end of line being a recept located outside the shed, and was gonna put a GFCI on that, question is, would i hook it up like u just showed ? Bit confused . Will the recpts after the first GFCI be protected? If wired up this way? Thanks in advance....

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Only if you out the downstream on load side.

[@jonhansen4745]

If the 3 regular receptacles are wired to the load side of the GFCI, they are protected. If that's the case, you can then wire the outside receptacle out of any one of the 3 regular outlets or the load side of the GFCI & it will also be protected. I try to never place a GFCI receptacle outdoors. I always try to use a standard receptacle outside which is wired from a GFCI outlet or GFI protected outlet which is inside. You very seldom get a tripped receptacle outside that way. I also NEVER wire in series through a receptacle unless it's a GFCI. I always wire from pigtails.

[@toddl5424]

What if the first receptacle in the circuit powers the refrigerator? Then I have to pull the fridge out from wall to reset it?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

That would be correct. Did someone wire it like that?

[@AquaLew]

I have 4 outlets the first two are gfci then two regular outlets. The final two stop working... how should I go about fixing this issue?

[@robdaubs9905]

If I have 2 exterior GFI outlets .Can I use regular breaker 15 amp or does it have to be a 15 amp gfi breaker?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

You can use regular beakers as long as you have gfci's for the outside.

[@robdaubs9905]

Thanks!

[@salfitimina2376]

I've replaced many kitchen GFCIs, just using the existing wire method they used ( Line in load out) and have never had a problem. Tested all and theu all worked corr8

[@billm.8220]

Definitely good to know. Doubt I will ever need to put 2 GFIs on the same circuit but great knowledge to have for future reference.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment and watching ☺

[@billmcgovern3013]

Your video pulled me out of a jamb. Fixed my problem.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome thanks for letting me know. I appreciate your comment and watching

[@blueknight2427]

Nec 2020 basement all gfi How would put multiply in basement

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I would still use the line and the load practice. That is what I would do

[@michaelhines1891]

I have three gfci one in each bathroom. All of them seem dead and will not reset. Plug tester has no lights confirming no power to any of them. I am assuming they were wired wrongly at some point and tripped but are unable to reset. The question is how to find the parent gfci that is causing the others not to work?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

If all 3 are dead are you sure that there isn't a breaker tripped?? To find out which one is first you will have to take them all apart and separate the wires and once that is done you will be able only have one that is hot.

[@michaelhines1891]

@@MountaineerOutdoors i am pretty sure there are multiple on one circuit. We have had this for a long time and just never got around to fixing them. Do you think i could find the live gfci with a non contact detector/meter if i took off the cover and got the meter to the terminals?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

If they are wired correctly then no. If you have 3 gfcis and they are wired on the line side it will just keep sending the hot to each kinda like pig tailing. I would definitely pull out one and see if you have a hot there. Use both a non contact detector and a true meter to check at the screw terminals.

[@michaelhines1891]

@@MountaineerOutdoors thanks for the advice. It gets really confusing. I know just enough to be safe so this helps.

[@denniskazich7559]

You are an excellent instructor. I've done this several years ago. It always worked fine so I feel confident. Although I'm going to take off the cover tomorrow and recheck it lol. It's in metal box and mounted on the block wall.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I appreciate your kind words. Thanks for the comment and watching ☺

[@brandondavis4624]

So from the breaker to line, to line to line if I have 3 outside gfci.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Yes

[@illtry4667]

After running a line in a GFCI and running a load out to a standard receptacle, do you pigtail other receptacles after that or utilize all 4 screws?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

So you can do it how you want... Me I would pig tail them

[@wizard3z868]

I would say depends on your ahj. I don't find a difference using screw terms over pigtailing

[@keithharrington4595]

Either are legal. I prefer pigtailing. Failure of one recepticle will only stop that one from working. If you use the device as a conductor, its failure stops all the others from working.....think string of christmas lights.

[@wizard3z868]

@@keithharrington4595 you ever look at how screw terms are bridged its not like a thin filament as a bulb they are bridged by like no 6 copper wire lol

[@keithharrington4595]

@@wizard3z868 my experience tells me that many people hook them up as you suggest, it is legal. I have spent hours hunting through houses to find "the one" that hand a high resistance connection ,(even just the plug connection) that overheated and caused 5 or 6 more to stop working.

[@Ashok20164]

Very useful. Solved my problem. You are a good man!

[@dissociativecat7495]

where did you come up with 8 or 10 on a circuit. is that in the code now ? the last codebook i bought was in 1999.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

No its just kinda what we do.. Its not written in stone, you can put as many as you want. For residential.

[@JorgePerez-vi7op]

Does that go for any other wire connection like a flood light instead of a gfci plug???

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Not necessarily. They have a rating.. That may be a good idea for a video

[@justinhayes1983]

Can u do one with 3 GFI would it be the same? Just keep putting them on the load? Am looking at putting them on the soffit of my house should they all be GFI? Would I also need a metal box to connect all 3 oe can u just connect them all without a box.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Definitely all gfci and if you use all gfcis wire them to the line side. And absolutely put them in a box

[@justinhayes1983]

@@MountaineerOutdoors if u do one of these can u please tag me. Also could I use the existing wires coming from the outlets in the garage?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Yes you should be able to.

[@justinhayes1983]

@@MountaineerOutdoors thank you electricians want $125 to $150 an outlet and trying to put them up for cameras

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Not sure where you are but here in my small town when I do things on the side I charge 35/hr bigger areas around me side work is 50-60/ hour.

[@matthewstewart6437]

I have a new circuit for an outdoor patio extension. Hot coming into a double gang box with two GFCI receptacles. Then a third GFCI at a grill station. All are in outdoor approved boxes. I have them wired via your "wrong" method but am confused because the sticker on the load terminals say to only remove if feeding additional GFCIs, which I am. Currently none of the three GFCIs will reset with the breaker on. I originally had the first box wired via the pigtail method to the line terminal on receptable 1, then load on receptable 1 feeding line on receptacle 2, then load on receptable 2 feeding line on receptacle 3. The breaker would trip instantly at the panel every time. These 3 receptacles are the only 3 on this circuit. I am going to try your "correct" method. But, my gut also is telling my that I may a ground wire coming in contact with a neutral or hot once I jam everything back into the double gang box as it is super tight. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

That's what it sounds like to me. You have to use the line on every gfci. And make sure that nothing is touching the box nuetral. Let me know if you fixed it

[@nelsonguerra2973]

Would two GFCI's back to back make sens for an outdoor bar next to a pool? For safety and soundness reasons.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Redundant safety is always a plus in my book

[@troyporter3825]

How would you make the two wires into 1? if you have a video for that could you point me to it?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

So I actually don't have one yet but I am gonna make one because I have this question alot. I do have one coming out in a month or so on how to do it making it on 10 Guage wire... But I think that I will make one on this very soon. Actually here is one that I have might help you kzbin.info/www/bejne/mme9io2EZbeqm7c

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mme9io2EZbeqm7c

[@troyporter3825]

@@MountaineerOutdoors thank you!

[@troyporter3825]

@@MountaineerOutdoors ok i am still slightly confused. In the GFCI video you mentioned you would never put two wires on a single screw but you would rather make a joint and then put one wire on the screw. Thats the pert I am grey on. How would you join the two black wires and then end up with a single wire to put under the screw?

[@troyporter3825]

@@MountaineerOutdoors never mind..i realised you would need a 3rd (jumper) wire to make it work ...i get itnow :)

[@r4ptorbunny593]

The previous owner of my house wired up multiple GFCI outlets in series/chains in this house. I think the reason mine work and yours didn't is because mine are ungrounded. It's always fun when the 3rd or 4th receptacle doesn't have power and I have to check every one from the panel to the problem outlet to see which one tripped.

[@akeats4]

This is my scenario as well.

[@acexrp6288]

So if you can just pigtail from the top line/load, what is the point in the bottom line/load screws, as it doesnt work.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

The bottom is for regular receps not gfcis

[@ScottwUSA]

@@MountaineerOutdoors ok, question for you. I have three GFCI's connected in sequence. The first would not reset so I was pretty sure there was a problem and replaced it. #1 was wired line side and two black and two white load side to the next GFCI. #2 GFCI is wired two black and two white to the line side. #3 GFCI is wired Two black and two white to the LIne side. I have yet to determine what the final pair of wires from #3 GFCI powers. I replaced the receptacle but following your advice, there are three blacks to connect and three whites to connect to the line side. The new GFCI will only accept two lines. it seems I should connect two together (two blacks, two whites), for a total of two slots. Do you see any problem with this? the other option is to replace GFCI's with regular receptacles using the load side connections from #2 to #3.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

So I do not know everything about the situation you have and where the receps are. However, I would connect only to the line side from line to line. Then any other regular Recep you want to have can be on the load side.. I have a video coming out next year on this (I know not helping you now) I hope that answers your questions. Make joints where you can to save wires in your Recep.

[@IT-TechExpert]

Now it's all good but in my case the 1st reciprocal won't trip, won't test and when I plug the tester no power on that at all, ant idea ?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Neutrals crossed line to load?

[@JDRedNation]

Dropping by to say this video helped me tremendously! Thanks

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

That's awesome so glad that this helped you ☺

[@waynejones8548]

I am going to replace 3 GFI outlets in my primary bathroom, mainly because they are 20 years old. 2 outlets have reset buttons, but one doesn’t. The outlet that doesn’t have a reset button does have a GFCI sticker on it. So, I guess there are GFI outlets that don’t require reset buttons?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Sounds to me like it's being protected by one of the other gfcis

[@davidmarquardt9034]

My 1950 house does not have a third wire ground (this was not required until the mid 60's). The kitchen has 6 outlets on a 20 amp circuit. When I moved in I replaced them all with 20 amp, 3 prong outlets, with the first outlet a GFCI feeding them. I had never put a GFI in before but I saw the LINE and LOAD terminals stamped on the back and correctly connected them. But if you plug in a GFI tester downstream, the test button does not work. However a dryer plugged in the 1st downstream outlet had a ground fault and it did detect it and tripped (my brother found it and fixed it). Out in the garage I installed a 20 amp GFI and six downstream outlets. Of course this was wired to current code with 2 wire with ground Romex. I plugged in the tester in the last outlet pressed the button and immediately heard a loud click some 30 feet away, the circuit was dead.

[@kevindick7485]

Thanks . When doing the hots would you use a Wago connector instead of a wire nut ?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I absolutely do not like wagos in the least. I have seen them fail. That's just my opinion. Can't ever go wrong with twisting your wires and an old fashioned wire nut.

[@abrahamrodriguez4029]

Hey thanks for the vid it did help!! I have a question idk if you or anybody here could help. I'm remodeling my house and had to rewire the whole thing, now I connected the electrical box and everytime I turn a breaker on it doesn't trip it but cuts power off I've been troubleshooting it but I can't seem to find the solution. I have a tester with me and power is on at the poles, all the breakers are off. As soon as I turn any breaker on the power to the the box shuts off. When I turn the breakers off the power at the poles turn back on

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Do you have it hooked up right? I would have to see a picture of your box

[@bigcountry734]

So if I’m wiring several gfi in same line hook all to line none to load

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

My opinion that's what I would do

[@artriveros7659]

Would this concept also apply if I’m connecting two gfi switch/gfi outlet combos? The application is to control two pool lights on the same circuit. Currently neither pool light is on a gfi

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I am just going to say this. Pools is one thing that I know about but I don't not give much information about. Why, it's because there is alot of information that can be lost in the text. Bottom line is this. Just put it all as safe as humanely possible. This is a very critical part that has to be done correctly otherwise people can lose their lives. It's better to contact a local electrician or inspector who knows alot about the code and pools. Don't skimp on this. I just don't feel comfortable telling you about the code here... But if you put it on a gfci you will be fine.. Double check though because it could cost you your life. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays

[@artriveros7659]

Thanks man. I was able to figure it out. I actually was able to place both pool lights on the one gfci/ switch combo so they both turn on at the same time. The other switch I was able to use for customer’s spa light. They’ve never had gfci’ son these lights. Not good. California code requires pool/spa lights to be on gfcis

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Good my friend... Its always better to go above and beyond code to make it as safe or safer than possible. Thanks for letting me know and watching videos

[@nadermostafa3878]

what did you use for your power source - looks like you have 12 gauge romex wired to a male plug. Where does the female end connect to?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

I have an extension cord hooked up to a plug.

[@ktm42080]

Great video! I'm currently rewiring my kitchen, gonna have (I know, I know) 3 GFIs on a 20 amp circuit. There will be no other load on that circuit, just multiple outlet options, house was built before electricity. Two will be joined in a junction box and the third will tail off the last GFI, now I know how to do it without getting confused. Thanks!

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Nothing wrong with that many gfcis it's all preference. I appreciate you watching and commenting ☺

[@CheeseSqueezer]

Question: if you have two gfis in one box, and both are 20 amps. You must have a 40 amp breaker, yes?

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Nope 20 is 20. Providing that the wire is a 12 Guage and everything is correct

[@CheeseSqueezer]

@@MountaineerOutdoors fantastic!! Thanks

[@castawaysmc]

well I'm glad I accidentally run across this video. I recently made a few pigtail GFCI boxes to use on my string of drop cords on the job site so that I don't have to deal with running all the way back to the house. also many customers don't have a GFCI outlet outside their house so when it trips I have no power until I catch them at home in the evening. it really sucks when they are out of town. Anyway, I did it the wrong way and kept running back and forth chasing tripped outlets forever. I couldn't understand what was happening. THANKS

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

Awesome and it's my pleasure. I appreciate you watching and commenting ☺