This page contains several diagrams for wiring 2 or more receptacle outlets in a row. Wiring for multiple ground fault circuit interrupters (gfci) and standard duplex receptacles are included with protected and non-protected arrangements.
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 diagram shows the wiring for several duplex receptacles in a series. Two-conductor cable is run between boxes and the ground is spliced and connected to each device. The black wires connect to the hot side of the outlet and the white wires connect to the neutral side. The hot and neutral terminals are used to make the wire connections and pass current from outlet to outlet.
In this diagram multiple gfci receptacles are wired together in a parallel arrangement. Two-conductor cable is run between gfci's, and the hot, neutral and ground wires from the source are spliced with a pigtail to the line terminals at each device. The load terminals are not used and each device provides its own protection in this arrangement.
Here a gfci receptacle is added at the end of a series of duplex receptacles. The first outlet is connected to the source and 2-wire cable runs from box to box. The hot and neutral terminals on the devices are used to pass current and the ground wire is pigtailed to each. The load terminals on the gfci are not used and it does not protect the other receptacles in the circuit.
Here one ground fault circuit interrupter protects multiple duplex receptacles coming after it. Two-wire cable runs from the gfci to all the following receptacles. The line terminals on the gfci are connected to the circuit source and the load terminals are connected with a pigtail splice to each of the following receptacles to join them in parallel. This keeps each duplex connected directly to the gfci.
