Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    hwmcf's Avatar
    hwmcf Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Nov 15, 2010, 11:55 PM
    Installing GFCI with a light switch
    I have 4 sets of wires (light and 3 outlets, all are black and white, no ground) coming into a box that holds the light switch and one of the outlets. I want to replace the outlet with a GFCI. How do I wire this?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
     
    #2

    Nov 16, 2010, 06:07 AM

    Twist all grounds together and tuck in the back of the box.
    Twist all whites together, with an additional short wire(pigtail), This connects to the GFI's Line side Neutral.
    Determine which wire is your hot/feed, and twist together with 2 black pigtails, 1 goes to the GFI line side hot, the other will go to the switch, then twist all remaining blacks together(lights) and add a small black pigtail which will connect to the switch. Also ground the GFI. Another pigtail from your grounds.
    hwmcf's Avatar
    hwmcf Posts: 10, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #3

    Nov 16, 2010, 04:28 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Stratmando View Post
    Twist all grounds together and tuck in the back of the box.
    Twist all whites together, with an additional short wire(pigtail), This connects to the GFI's Line side Neutral.
    Determine which wire is your hot/feed, and twist together with 2 black pigtails, 1 goes to the GFI line side hot, the other will go to the switch, then twist all remaining blacks together(lights) and add a small black pigtail which will connect to the switch. Also ground the GFI. another pigtail from your grounds.
    Couple of more questions, I don't have any ground wires, do I just ground the GFCI to the metal box? Also, the three remaining blacks, one will be for the light switch, the other two will be for the other outlets, can I twist the ones for the other outlets together with the hot wire?
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
     
    #4

    Nov 16, 2010, 06:40 PM

    Anything you want live all the time, like the outlets, connect to them, You could even add another pigtail that is constantly hot and switch a second set of lights, or half or a receptacle, if you break the tab on the hot side of the receptacle to separate halfs, The small slot(dark screws.

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Installing outlet and light from existing light switch in old home. [ 1 Answers ]

I currently have a light switch that controls a fan/light combo in my bathroom. I would like to change the switch to a double switch that also controls a new light fixture. I would also like to run an outlet that is not controlled by the switch. The existing wiring is 12 gauge on a 20 amp breaker....

Light switch and GFCI outlet [ 3 Answers ]

I see many similar posts, but none specific enough to my situation for this rookie to be able to apply the answers. I have box with a light switch on one side and a standard outlet (i.e. I can plug two things into it) on the other. I need to replace the outlet with a GFCI. There are four...

Installing a light fixture with a 3-way switch [ 19 Answers ]

I have replaced a broken light fixture which is on a three-way switch. I connected the two neutral wires, and connected the new fixture's two wires to the two hot wires. Now one switch has to be on in order for the second switch to work. What do I need to change for either switch to work...

GFCI and a light switch [ 1 Answers ]

I am trying to replace a light switch and outlet with a GFCI in my bathroom. The house was built in 1967 so the electrical work is a little shaky. I pulled out the light switch and the old outlet and hooked up the GFCI... and both plugs function properly. The problem is that I can't get the...

Installing a combination light switch [ 1 Answers ]

We have recently purchased this house and are replacing light fixtures which have pull strings to turn them in. I want to install a combination switch to a new fixture but I am not sure if this will be possible. I have 1 wire which is bringing power to that area. I am confused as to the best...


View more questions Search