Q&A for How to Wire GFCI

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The GFCI keeps tripping and will not reset. What is happening?

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There could be a ground fault, or the GFCI was wired improperly or is faulty.

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Question

How do I wire GFCI to two lights and a switch?

Upnorth Here

Top Answerer

You can use a GFCI breaker in the panel to protect the entire branch circuit.

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Question

Can I or should I wire a GFCI outlet on a GFCI breaker?

Upnorth Here

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Yes, it's possible, but probably pointless and potentially trouble-causing when both trip and you have to remember to reset both, or when one becomes more sensitive than the other.

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Can I wire a GFI outlet and power it from a regular outlet?

Upnorth Here

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Yes, a GFCI can be powered from another outlet, a "regular outlet" if you're referring to a receptacle outlet and not a lighting outlet.

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Is it true that the GFCI will not work without a ground wire?

Upnorth Here

Top Answerer

A GFCI without a grounding wire will not provide "ground," but the mechanism to trigger upon a "ground fault" will work because it does not involve the ground wire - it only measures the current to and from the hot and neutral wires to make sure they are identical.

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Question

How many wires can be attached to a single GFCI breaker?

Upnorth Here

Top Answerer

As with any breaker, the terminals are designed for one conductor, although some may be designed, tested and UL listed with instructions for attachment of more than one. This is in addition to the "neutral" wire that is usually integral to the GFCI breaker for attachment to the neutral bar.

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Question

Why does one of my outside GFCI's trip the main breaker in my garage?

Aasim

Top Answerer

A GFCI breaker is meant to protect against electric shock. In the event the ground fault current is exceeded, a GFCI will open the breaker within nanoseconds. If your main breaker trips because of your GFCI outlet, it could mean that the GFCI in your main breaker has a lower rating, or it could mean that you are exceeding the current rating for your breaker with a potential short circuit.

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