I have outside electrical box that is approximately 30 years old. It has 2 lines going in . 2 blacks , 2 whites and grounds coming in. Can I install 2 gfci outlets in there ?

Yes, But why? Is this a 2 gang box? I say this because you can install 1 gfi and it can protect anything downstream.

Other words if you want 2 receptacles, install 1 gfi and the 1 regular plug, and the gfi can protect both.

If that what you want to do. No need in buying 2 gfi's for the same box.

Just wire the incoming power pair up to the LINE side and the other receptacle into the LOAD side of the gfi. Now your protected with only 1 gfi.

Hope that helps

Mike

I don't know how to nstall another outlet ''downstrem''

I dont know how to nstall another outlet ''downstrem''


OK. When I say downstream I mean on the other side of the gfi. Your power comes in from the panel to the gfi first. Then anything after that is "downstream".

Is this a 2 gang box? Is the box big enough for 2 receptacles I mean?

Yes... it is a 2 gang box. It has a switch and outlet. It seems to have 2 sets of wires coming in to it.it looks like the switch works both theoutlet and another outlet that was there but is no longer there. The line is still active. It was once used for an inground pool.

Yes...it is a 2 gang box. It has a switch and and outlet. It seems to have 2 sets of wires coming in to it.it looks like the switch works both the outlet and another outlet that was there but is no longer there. The line is still active. It was once used for an inground pool.


OK. And you want to install 2 outlets in the box correct? And you have a total of 2 romex wires coming into the box, as I read. Do you have the gfi bought? You only need one. And a new outlet if you don't have one and you can get started.

I haven't bought anything. Just wire both outlets separately? Thanks

I havent bought anything. Just wire both outlets separately? Thanks


NO not seperatly per say. Wire the gfi with the INCOMING power feed into the LINE side of the gfi. Black to brass and white to silver.Pig tail the green/bare ground and run it into the green screw.

Then from that gfi come off the LOAD side into your new plug with the blk to brass screw and the white to silver. Green once again pigtailed and connected to the green screw. Some of that old wire will have to go since you don't have the extra switches etc..

Also trace it back to the panel and CUT THE breaker. Also note how many amps the breaker is?> Hopefully it is 20. You said it was for an in ground pool? What was it feeding? Just this box? Look and see on the breaker how many AMPS it is.

I have some questions:
1. When you say you have two "lines" coming-in, do you mean you have two circuits--a breaker controlling each circuit
2. Where is your box located. Example: On the house or remote from the house
3. Describe your current wires coming in. Example: is it a cable, or individual conductors. Also, if it's a cable-what color is the outter jacket

Washington... I have 1 circuit breaker... the box is 30 feet from the house. It comes up from the ground encased in a metal conduit. Two lines come into the box. I'm just trying to figure out how to utilize those 2 lines .Why would it have 2 lines coming up?

washington....I have 1 circuit breaker...the box is 30 feet from the house. It comes up from the ground encased in a metal conduit. Two lines come into the box. I'm just trying to figure out how to utilize those 2 lines .Why would it have 2 lines coming up?

If the wires are romex, then this a code violation. Yet, if you have THWN conductors installed, then what Mr. 500 suggested will work.

Also, If I where you-after isolating the in-coming power-I would try and find out where the second pair (white and black) of conductors are coming from. I'm almost certain the second set of conductors are coming from the remote receptacle being switched. If so, you can wire the recpetacles to have constant power.

Hope this helps!

Write back if you need more help!