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    Jim seanor's Avatar
    Jim seanor Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Feb 15, 2007, 05:06 PM
    Wiring GFI receptacle
    Trying to wire a GFI receptacle at my kitchen sink. Receptacle in double gang box with a light switch. Original wiring consisted of two white wires to side of original receptacle. Two black wires to each terminal on the switch for a light over sink and a black jumper from switch to the receptacle. Tried to wire GFI in same configuration and cannot get GFI to reset and cannot get light to turn. Not sure why this will not work. Can anyone help
    Kstar4u's Avatar
    Kstar4u Posts: 255, Reputation: 22
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    #2

    Feb 15, 2007, 06:52 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim seanor
    Trying to wire a GFI receptacle at my kitchen sink. receptacle in double gang box with a light switch. original wiring consisted of two white wires to side of original receptacle. Two black wires to each terminal on the switch for a light over sink and a black jumper from switch to the receptacle. Tried to wire GFI in same configuration and cannot get GFI to reset and cannot get light to turn. Not sure why this will not work. Can anyone help
    I'm not an electrician but I think most switches use the common (the white wire) for the switch but both hot (the black wire) and common should be connected to the switch the hot wire usually attaches at the gold colored terminal and the common to the silver terminal. The jumpers are used to complete the common AND hot circuit in the other appliances. I've had trouble with GFCI circuits often... they're inexpensive and it shows. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you've got a bad one. You can also skip the local GFCI and put in a GFCI breaker in your panel instead. But remember... I'M NOT AN ELECTRICIAN!!
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #3

    Feb 16, 2007, 03:42 AM
    Assuming you only have two 2 wire cables in the box, here is a wiring sketch that will work. If you have more tha two cables, let me know.

    White neutrals should never be switched,as suggested by Kstar.
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