This page contains wiring diagrams for ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci) receptacles. Included are diagrams for multiple gfci's, a protected standard duplex receptacle, and a protected light fixture. Wiring for a switch and gfci receptacle in the same box is also shown to protect the switch and light or to protect other receptacles in the circuit. To wire a gfci circuit breaker see this link and wire a gfci switch combo at this link.
These diagrams illustrate 15 amp circuits using 14/2 awg cable. Existing household wiring used for lighting and receptacles may be on 15 or 20 amps circuits. To use these diagrams in 20 amp circuits use 12 awg cable and devices rated at 20 amps.
It is the responsibility of the user of this information to know and understand the NEC (National Electrical Code) as it applies to them, as well as any local regulations or laws that may pertain. While many jurisdictions do adopt the standards of the NEC, some may have requirements in addition to, or exemptions from those standards.
The information on this page is intended to aid in electrical wiring projects that become necessary when doing DIY home improvements and repairs. Some of the diagrams here are for older circuits that may not adhere to the latest code updates. When running a new circuit be sure to use the latest approved wiring arrangements. We cannot assume responsibility for personal injury or property damage as a result of using the information provided here.
In the diagrams on this website the brass colored terminals on the devices represent the hot side of the circuit and the silver colored terminals represent the neutral side. Green is used to denote ground wires and terminals. Not all outlet boxes or older devices will have a grounding terminal. When running new wiring the ground wires should be spliced with a short piece of wire to connect to each device that has a grounding terminal, and to any grounding terminals in the outlet boxes. Also be aware that the white wire may be use to carry current in some household circuits, in these cases it should be marked with black electrical tape to indicate it is hot.
This gfci wiring provides protection to a duplex receptacle. By connecting the load terminals on the last gfci, the receptacle is protected and can be used just as if it were one of the gfci receptacles. One ground fault circuit interrupter at the beginning of a series of duplex receptacles can be used in the same way to protect multiple, subsequent receptacles.
This diagram illustrates the wiring for multiple ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles with an unprotected duplex receptacle at the end of the circuit. The load terminals on the gfci are not used and the last receptacle is wired directly to the circuit source.
This diagram illustrates the wiring for a circuit with gfci receptacles followed by a light and switch. By connecting the switch to the load terminals on the gfci, the light is protected against ground faults as well.
This diagram illustrates the wiring for a circuit with gfci receptacles followed by an unprotected light and switch. The light switch is connected directly to the source and the load terminals on the gfci are not used.
Here a gfci receptacle occupies the same outlet box as the switch and the source is at the box. This arrangement protects both the switch and the following light, and allows for adding a new light to an existing gfci circuit. A double-gang outlet box is required to accommodate the second device. This wiring may also be used to protect another load after the switch such as the wall receptacle in the drawing below.
This wiring can be used to allow a gfci receptacle to protect a switched duplex receptacle. Again, the source is at the box and the switch is connected after the gfci.
Here the gfci and switch occupy the same box, but the switch and light are not protected. The gfci is wired to protect any receptacles or other devices down the line by connecting them to the load terminals.
