Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    icopus's Avatar
    icopus Posts: 21, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 22, 2014, 08:03 AM
    Removing Wires From Old GFCI
    Appears to be the original GFCI when house was built in '84. The wires just seem to come out of the box. There are no screws holding the wires. I think I have to cut the wires to replace / update it to a new GFCI. I hate to shorten wires unnecessarily, so I thought I should ask first. Thanks for your help.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 22, 2014, 08:09 AM
    Some really old GFIs had leads. These should be spliced to the house wiring. Just undo the splices.
    Is this your case?
    icopus's Avatar
    icopus Posts: 21, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Jun 22, 2014, 08:28 AM
    Yes, I believe it is. The wires from the GFCI are twisted with the wires in the circuit box. I like the added length, so I guess I'll cut these wires at the existing GFCI box to retain the added length. Thank you very much for your reply.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #4

    Jun 23, 2014, 05:32 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by icopus View Post
    Yes, I believe it is. The wires from the GFCI are twisted with the wires in the circuit box. I like the added length, so I guess I'll cut these wires at the existing GFCI box to retain the added length. Thank you very much for your reply.
    NO..don't do that. The wires on the GFCI are "fixture" wires. You need to replace them with the same size wiring on the circuit. Those wires were connected to the GFCI at the factory and they have only one purpose and that is to connect to that device. They cannot be reused.
    icopus's Avatar
    icopus Posts: 21, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jun 23, 2014, 07:36 AM
    They seem to be the same size, but okay, I won't. You might have something there and I'm sure you know better than I. Better safe than sorry. Thank you for your reply!
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!

Gfci wiring and bathroom switch controlling the power on and off to gfci plug. [ 3 Answers ]

I got a concern caused by my brother in law, I have had to perform a bathroom reno and needed to upgrade the wall switches and install a gfci plug, well all wiring was OK till after the drywall went up and now, no power to vanity light(power is on wire as it goes through attic, nothing comes up at...

Can I put outside gfci, and laundry gfci outlets together on ciruit? [ 5 Answers ]

Hi, I am in the process of redoing my basement, adding a bathroom and laundry room. I would like to have one gfci protected outlet in the bathroom, one in the laundry room, and also add one outside (through the bathroom wall), I also would like a light in the shower stall which will need to be...

Attempting to install GFCI circuit breakers (3 wires for 2 breakers) [ 6 Answers ]

OK here is my situation I have a Siemens box in my home I'm installing GFCI breakers to bring it up to code for insurance purposes Only thing is 4 rooms in this home are for some reason wired together on 3 wires (red black and white) connected to two separate breakers (30 Amps each) (two rooms...

When adding a GFCI disconnect for hottub, should I replace GFCI in service panel? [ 4 Answers ]

I have a hottub now but without a disconnect. Its simply a 6/3-50 amp wire that runs from the hottub to a 50amp GFCI inside the house main service panel. I want to install a disconnect 5-10 feet from the hottub. I bought a disconnect box that already has a GFCI inside of it. Should I have bought...

2 White Wires from GFCI single pole breaker [ 2 Answers ]

Hello, I understand electricity quite well, but I have never seen this before. I am replacing a GFCI circuit breaker (15A), with a non GFCI breaker (15A), and am confused because there are 2 white wires (and the black), coming out of the bottom of this breaker. I know the newer breakers have a...

View more questions Search