National Electric Code 210.8 (A) (1) requires the use of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) in all residential bathrooms. GFCI outlets feature test and reset buttons which are periodically used to verify the electrical integrity of the outlet. This is a test that homeowners can perform. When a GFCI outlet has been tested and found to be defective, it can be replaced with a few tools, materials and basic electrical know-how.
Instructions
1. Turn off the circuit breaker assigned to the bathroom's GFCI circuit. The breaker is located in the main electrical box.
2. Remove the two GFCI cover screws by turning them counterclockwise with a flathead screwdriver. Pull the cover off from the outlet.
3. Check the GFCI terminals with a multimeter to verify the absence of electrical power. Place one probe of the meter on the brass terminal and the other on the silver terminal. A reading of zero confirms the power is off.
4. Remove the two outlet retaining screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
5. Pull the GFCI out from the electrical box.
6. Loosen the four terminal screws on either side of the GFCI outlet using the appropriate screwdriver.
7. Pull the wires free from the terminals marked "Line" on the GFIC. Isolate the "Line" black and white wire pair from the "Load" side pair to avoid confusion when the wires are reconnected to the new GFIC.
8. Remove the bare copper ground wire from the GFCI by loosening the green grounding post screw with a screwdriver.
9. Clean any dirt or debris from the interior of the electrical box with a paper towel.
10. Attach the bare copper ground wire to the green grounding post on the new GFCI. Tighten the post screw clockwise.
11. Connect the wires from the main power supply to the terminals on the GFCI marked "Line." The black wire connects to the brass terminal and the white to the silver terminal. Tighten the clockwise.
12. Connect the "Load" side wires to their respective terminals, black to brass and white to silver. Tighten the terminal screws.
13. Wrap electrical tape around the body of the GFCI. Cover the terminal screws with several layers. This is of particular importance when the GFCI is installed in a metallic box.
14. Install the GFCI into the box and secure it in position with the retaining screws. Tighten the screws with the Phillips screwdriver.
15. Replace the cover and tighten the cover screws.
16. Restore the electrical power to the GFCI circuit.
17.Depress the "Reset" button on the GFCI to energize the outlet.
18. Insert the probes of the multimeter into the two slots of the outlet. The meter should indicate the presence of voltage.
19. Depress the "Test" button to check the operation of the GFCI. If the GFCI is operating properly, this action will shut off the power. Check the outlet for voltage with the tester. The meter should read zero.
20. Depress the "Reset" to restore power to the GFCI.
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