Gfci

Damsel13 · May 16, 2007

How hard is it to change a regular socket to that kind. And what do GFCI stand for? I was told I can get one at home depot. I need one. Also what is a grounding probe?

Thanks for any answers and advice.

Curtswearing · May 16, 2007

It's easy. Turn off the power to that outlet at the circuit breaker. Unscrew the wires from the old outlet. Put the wires back onto the new outlet according to the instructions on the box. Turn the circuit breaker back on. Then hit the "test" button on the GFCI outlet to ensure it's working correctly.

GFCI is ground fault circuit interrupt (or something like that). You likely have these installed in your bathroom and kitchen near the sink. If for some reason, something other than the wired ground becomes the ground for the circuit, it kills the power to the outlet. (I.e. your in the bathtub and a plugged in blow dryer falls in....then the GFCI will stop you from being electrocuted).

Ground probe. http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...&Product_Code=RIO-PROBE-GROUND&Category_Code=

dragoneggs · May 16, 2007

Agreed. Easy to do. Just be sure to connect the white and black wires to the proper screws on the GFCI outlet. Unlike a regular outlet the GFCI outlet will not work properly if wires are reversed.

Damsel13 · May 16, 2007

Thanks Guys, I am probably doing this myself... should I turn ALL the circuit breaker switches off just in case? And what do you think about the grounding probe is that something I want to get?

Thanks in advance,

dragoneggs · May 16, 2007

Damsel13 said:
Thanks Guys, I am probably doing this myself... should I turn ALL the circuit breaker switches off just in case? And what do you think about the grounding probe is that something I want to get?

Thanks in advance,

Not necessary just turn off the breaker you are working on. Make sure you got the right one... plug a light into the outlet so you know you shut off the right one. I don't use a grounding probe... yet, so I cannot really legitimately comment on the use of them.