HH Homeowner's Handbook
Home / Electrical / Install/replace a GFCI outlet
TASK NO. 028 Safety-Critical

Install/replace a GFCI outlet

Electrical
Trigger
Kitchen, bath, garage, outdoor, near water
Who does it
DIY
Est. time
30-45 min
Est. cost
$15-25
Difficulty
●●○○○
Step by step

  1. Turn off power at the breaker and test with a voltage tester.

  2. Remove the old outlet and photograph the LINE and LOAD wire connections.

  3. Connect incoming power wires to the LINE terminals on the new GFCI.

  4. Connect any downstream-protected wires to the LOAD terminals.

  5. Secure in the box, restore power, then press TEST and RESET to confirm it trips correctly.

Video guide
How To Install a GFCI Outlet - This Old House
Watch this guide
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