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In this weeks edition of BS with AJ, I show you how to remove and replace a regular electrical outlet with a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet. Electrical outlets go by a few different names outlet, receptacles. Some even call them plug's or plug in's, which is the proper term for the male cord end the plugs into an outlet or receptacle. But what ever you call them ill show you how to replace them! The reason to replace or upgrade from a regular outlet to a GFCI outlet is to protect us from receiving electric shocks from faults in the electrical devices wee use in our home. These are generally installed in area's subject to moisture, since moisture greatly increases the danger of accidental shock. Places to install a GFCI outlet include but are not limited to bathrooms, garages and accessory buildings, all exterior receptacles, crawl spaces, unfinished basements, kitchens, laundry, utility, wet bar sink areas and boat houses.
Here are some tools and material needed for this project
Screw Drivers http://amzn.to/2hKyINu
Voltage detector http://amzn.to/2hTxhQy
Voltage meter http://amzn.to/2jbYrPh
GFCI Outlet http://amzn.to/2hM3bul
The First step is to turn off the power source to the circuit your working on, go to the breaker box and turn off the breaker that runs the circuit your going to be working on. Always use a voltage tester to check that there is no power at the receptacle/ outlet your going to be replacing. After your sure there is no power you will need to begin by removing the plastic cover, this is generally one flat head screw in the center. Once the cover is removed it will expose the outlet, next you will need to remove the two screws holding the outlet in the junction box. Once the screws are out you can pull the outlet out of the junction box and begin to remove the wires connected to them.
Now you will want to separate the wires as shown in the video to determine how to wire up your GFCI receptacle. If there is only one main wire coming into your junction box you will just wire the GFCI up on the line side. But if there is two main wires coming into the junction box as shown in the video you will need to determine which wire is fed first in the series. To do this you will need to be extremely careful!!!!! I normally get all the wires separated and far enough away they wont arc. Then I turn the power on and use the voltage tester to identify the first wire in the series.

IMPORTANT: Turn The Power Back Off Before You Go Any Further!!!!!!!!!!

After determining which wire is first in the series you will wire that wire into the line side of the GFCI. The other wire will probably be another outlet or a light switch possibly which will be considered the load on the GFCI outlet.
After you wire the GFCI accordingly and be sure to hook up the ground wire to the green screw you can begin to push the excess wires into the junction box and screw the outlet to the junction box. Next put your new plastic cover on the outlet.
The next step is to turn on the power, if the outlet has a red and a green light you will need to press the rest button to reset the circuit, but if its just a solid green light you are good to go. Its always good practice to test the outlet when your done, do this by pressing the test button, this will cut off the power to the outlet and show a red light, then simply press the reset button and your good to go!
I hope you enjoyed this weeks edition of BS with AJ and Ill see you next Sunday!

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