Interactive diagram
GFCI Outlet Wiring for a Single Location (LINE Terminals Only)
The simplest GFCI install: one cable, wired to the LINE terminals only. The GFCI protects its own two outlets and nothing else. The yellow tape stays on LOAD.
Tool
Interactive gfci outlet wiring diagramThree steps: pick your setup, flip the switches, wire it
Step 1 of 3
Which setup do you have?
Look in the box with the breaker off: what matters is where the power cable comes in. Pick the one that matches, or keep the one already selected.
- Single GFCI (LINE only)Power → GFCI
- Protect outlets downstream (LINE + LOAD)Power → GFCI → regular outlet
- Middle of run, protect only this outletPower → GFCI (pigtails) → regular outlet
Step 2 of 3
Press TEST on the GFCI
Tap a switch, button or GFCI on the diagram. Glowing wires are carrying power right now. On a small screen, scroll the diagram sideways.
- Black: hot
- White: neutral
- Red: hot / traveler
- White + black tape: hot
- Bare copper: ground
- Wire nut
- Glow: carrying power now
Incoming power must go on the LINE terminals. Wired to LOAD by mistake, a modern GFCI won’t reset.
Step 3 of 3
Wire it box by box
Safety first. Turn off the breaker and confirm the power is off with a non-contact voltage tester before touching any wire. Follow your local electrical code; some areas require a licensed electrician or a permit. If you find aluminum wiring, cloth-covered wiring, scorched insulation or more than one circuit in a box, stop and call an electrician.
Outlet box
Other gfci outlet setups
- GFCI Wiring With LINE and LOAD to Protect Downstream Outlets
- GFCI Wiring in the Middle of a Run (Protect Only That Outlet)
- GFCI outlet wiring diagram: full guide
What you need
- GFCI outlet (tamper-resistant)Self-testing, TR and weather-resistant models for outdoors.Check price
- Outlet tester with GFCI buttonChecks wiring faults and trips the GFCI in seconds.Check price
- Non-contact voltage testerConfirms the power is really off before you touch a wire.Check price
- Lever wire connectorsFaster and more forgiving than twist-on wire nuts for pigtails and splices.Check price
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