Pass & Seymour GFCI receptacle User manual
GFCI receptacle is designed to protect people from electric shock. It works by quickly interrupting the flow of electricity if a ground fault is detected. The device has a TEST button and a RESET button. The TEST button is used to confirm that the GFCI is working properly. The RESET button is used to reset the GFCI after it has tripped.
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Pass
& Seymour
A
CAUTION
Dlegrand ®
Installing and
Testing a
GFCI Receptacle
Please read this leaflet completely · before getting started.
·To prevent severe shock or electrocution, always turn the power OFF at the service panel before working with wiring .
• Use this GFCI receptacle with copper or copper-clad wire. Do not use it with aluminum wire.
·Do not install this GFCI receptacle on a circuit that powers life support equipment because if the GFCI trips, it will shut down the equipment.
• For installation in wet locations, protect the GFCI receptacle with a weatherproof cover that will keep both the receptacle and any plugs dry.
• Must be installed in accordance with national and local electrical codes.
1. What is a GFCI?
A GFCI receptacle is different from conventional receptacles. In the event of a ground fault, a GFCI will trip and quickly stop the flow of electricity to prevent serious injury.
Definition of a ground fault:
Instead of following its normal safe path, electricity passes through a person's body to reach the ground.
For example, a defective appliance can cause a ground fault.
A GFCI receptacle does IlQ1 protect against circuit overloads, short circuits , or shocks. For example, you can still be shocked if you touch bare wires while standing on a non-conducting surface such as a wood floor.
3. Should you install it?
Installing a GFCI receptacle can be more complicated than installing a conventional receptacle.
Make sure that you:
• Understand basic wiring principles and techniques.
• Can interpret wiring diagrams.
• Have circuit wiring experience.
• Are prepared to take a few minutes to test your work, making sure that you have wired the GFCI receptacle correctly.
4. LINE vs. LOAD
A cable consists of 2 or 3 wires.
Cable Wires
''"'"'""'"~
LINE cable:
Delivers power from the service panel
(breaker panel or fuse box) to the
GFCI. If there is only one cable entering the electrical box, it is the LINE cable. This cable should be connected to the GFCl's LINE terminals only .
LOAD cable:
Delivers power from the GFCI to another receptacle in the circuit. This cable should be connected to the
GFCl's LOAD terminals only. The LOAD terminals are under the yellow sticker.
Do not remove the sticker at this time.
5. Turn the power OFF
Plug an electrical device, such as a lamp or radio, into the receptacle on which you are working. Turn the lamp or radio on. Then, go to the service panel. Find the breaker or fuse that protects that receptacle. Place the breaker in the OFF position or completely remove the fuse. The lamp or radio should turn OFF .
Next, plug in and turn ON the lamp or radio at the receptacle's other outlet to make sure the power is OFF at both outlets. If the power is not OFF, stop work and call an electrician to complete the installation.
2. The GFCl's features
FRONT VIEW
Outlet
BACK
VIEW
Screw (terminal) colors:
Green
=
grounding terminals
Silver
=
white terminals
Brass = hot terminals
LOAD
Hot terminal (Brass):
Connection for the LOAD cable's black wire
~==oSTAIPGAGE
"'8ARITDE DEMK>N3E
A yellow sticker covers the LOAD terminals.
Do not remove the sticker at this time.
LOAD
White terminal (Silver):
Connection for the
LOAD cable ' s white wire
TEST button:
See step 8
Outlet
LINE
Hot terminal (Brass): - -
Connection for the LINE cable's black wire
-
LINE
White terminal (Silver):
Connection for the
LINE cable's white wire
Grounding terminal (Green):
Connection for bare copper or green wire
6. Identify cables/wires
IMPORTANT:
Do not install the GFCI receptacle in an electrical box containing (a) more than
4 wires (not including the grounding wires) or (b) cables with more than two wires (not including the grounding wire). Contact a qualified electrician if either (a) or (b) is true.
• If you are replacing an old receptacle, pull it out of the electrical box without disconnecting the wires.
• If you see one cable (2-3 wires), it is the LINE cable. The receptacle is probably in position C (see diagram to the right). Remove the receptacle and go to step 7 A.
• If you see two cables (4-6 wires), the receptacle is probably in position A or B (see diagram to the right).
Follow steps a-e of the procedure to the right.
P
rocedure: box with two cables
(
4-6 wires)
( a) Detach one cable's white and hot wires from the receptacle and cap each one separately with a wire connector. Make sure that they are from the same cable.
( b) Re-install the receptacle in the electrical box, attach the faceplate, then turn the power ON at the service panel.
( c) Determine if power is flowing to the receptacle. If so, the capped wires are the LOAD wires. If not, the capped wires are the LINE wires.
( d) Turn the power OFF at the service panel, label the LINE and LOAD wires, then remove the receptacle.
( e) Go to step 78.
Placement in circuit:
The GFCl's place in the circuit determines if it protects other receptacles in the circuit.
Sample circuit:
Service
Panel
LOAD LOAD
~
~
LINE
~
LINE
~
LINE
A B c
Placing the GFCI in position A will also provide protection to "load side" receptacles B and C. On the other hand, placing the GFCI in position C will not provide protection to receptacles A or B. Remember that receptacles A, B, and C can be in different rooms.
7. Connect the wires (ch
q
ose A or B) ... only after read
i
ng other side completely
A: One cable (2 or 3 wir
e
s) entering the box
G
B: Two cables (4 or 6 w
i
res) entering the box
Grounding connection to box (if box has a grounding terminal)
Yellow sticker remains in place to cover the
LOAD terminals
LOAD cable feeds power to other receptacles
Grounding connection to box (if box has a grounding terminal)
Wire connector
Electrical box
Wire connector
Electrical box
~
6)
~
LINE cable brings power to the GFCI
LINE cable brings power to the GFCI
About wire connections:
Screw Terminal
Wire 1-1 inch - - I
Back Wire Holes
Wire f-.5 inch -f
~)
Side Wire
Clockwise, 2/3
~:~t~dw:%rew
Back Wire
1. Insert wire to bottom of hole. \
Connect the LINE cable wires to the LINE terminals:
. ~
• The white wire connects to the White terminal (Silver)
2. Securely
~ tighten screw (/) ©. (/) beneath wire hole to retain - inserted wire.
• The black wire connects to the Hot terminal (Brass)
Connect the grounding wire (only if there is a grounding wire):
• For a box with no grounding terminal (diagram not shown): Connect the LINE cable's bare copper (or green) wire directly to the grounding terminal on the
GFCI receptacle.
• For a box with a grounding terminal (diagram shown above): Connect a 6-inch bare copper (or green) 12 or 14 AWG wire to the grounding terminal on the
GFCI. Also connect a similar wire to the grounding terminal on the box. Connect the ends of these wires to the LINE cable's bare copper (or green) wire using a wire connector. If these wires are already in place, check the connections.
Complete the installation:
• Fold the wires into the box , keeping the grounding wire away from the White and
Hot terminals. Screw the receptacle to the box and attach the faceplate.
• Go to step 8.
About wire connections:
Screw Terminal
Wire 1-1 inch - - I
Back Wire Holes
Wire l-.5 inch -l
~)
Side Wire
Clockwise, 2/3 of the way around screw
Back Wire
1. Insert wire to bottom of hole . \
Connect the LINE cable wires to the LINE terminals:
• The white wire connects to the White terminal (Silver)
• The black wire connects to the Hot terminal (Brass)
Connect the LOAD cable wires to the LOAD terminals:
2. Securely ~ tighten sere~ l@IA(JJ~(/) beneath wire hole to retain inserted wire .
• Remove the yellow sticker to reveal the LOAD terminals
• The white wire connects to the White terminal (Silver)
• The black wire connects to the Hot terminal (Brass)
Connect the grounding wires as shown above (only if there is a grounding wire):
• Connect a 6-inch bare copper (or green) 12 or 14 AWG wire to the grounding terminal on the GFCI. If the box has a grounding terminal, also connect a similar wire to the grounding terminal on the box. Connect the ends of these wires to the
LINE and LOAD cable's bare copper (or green) wire using a wire connector. If these wires are already in place, check the connections.
Complete the installation:
• Fold the wires into the box, keeping the grounding wire away from the White and
Hot terminals. Screw the receptacle to the box and attach the faceplate.
• Go to step 8.
8. Test your work
Why perform this test?
• If you miswired the GFCI, it may not p r event personal injury or death due to a ground fault (electrical shock).
Procedure:
(a) Turn the power ON at the service panel. Press the RESET button fully. The RESET button should stay in . If the RESET button does not stay in, go to Troubleshooting. If the RESET button stays in, plug a lamp or radio into the GFCI (and leave it plugged in) to verify that the power is ON. If there is no power, go to Troubleshooting.
(b) Press the TEST button in order to trip the device. This should stop the flow of electricity, making the radio or lamp shut OFF.
Note that the RESET button will pop-out. If the power stays ON, go to Troubleshooting. If the power goes OFF, you have installed the GFCI receptacle correctly. To restore power, press the
RESET button.
(c) If you installed your GFCI using step 78, plug a lamp or radio into surrounding receptacles to see which one(s), in addition to the
GFCI, lost power when you pressed the TEST button. Do not plug life saving devices into any receptacles t hat lost power. Place a
"GFCI Protected" sticker on every receptacle that lost power.
(d) Press the TEST button (then RESET button) every month to assure proper operation.
(e)This GFCI will trip and be unable to be reset (no output power) when it has reached its end-of-life. To confirm that the GFCI has reached its end-of-life, unplug the appliances connected to the GFCI and any protected downstream receptacles and press the Reset Button. If the GFCI continues to trip, then the GFCI has reached its end-of-life and should be replaced. If the
GFCI resets, one of the appliances may be defective.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Turn the power OFF and check the wire connections against the appropriate wiring diagram in step 7 A or 78. Make sure that there are no loose wires or loose connections.
A/so, it is possible that you reversed the LINE and LOAD connections. LINE/LOAD reversal will be indicated by no power at the GFC/ and by the RESET button not staying
in when pressed. Reverse the LINE and LOAD connections if necessary. Start the test from the beginning of step 8 if you rewired any connections to the GFCI.
General Information
Ratings:
15A 125V 60Hz
20A 125V 60Hz
Technical Assistance:
(800) 223-4185 www.passandseymour.com
Part No. 340809 Rev. B
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
Pass & Seymour will remedy any defect in wo rkmanship or material in Pass & Seymour products which may develop under proper and normal use within one year from date of purchase by a consumer:
(1) by repair or replacement , or , at Pass & Se ymour's option , (2) by return of an amount equal to consumer's purchase price. Such remedy is IN LIEU OF ANY AN D ALL EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE . Such remedy by Pass & Seymour does not include or cover cost of labor tor removal or reinstallation of the product. ALL OTHER FURTHER ELEMENTS OF DAMAGE (INCIDENTAL OR CONSE·
QUENTIAL DAMAGES) FOR BREACH OF A NY AND ALL EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING
WARRANT IE S OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXCLUDED HEREBY.
(Some states do not allow disclaimers or ex cl usion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above disclaimer and limrration or exclusion may n ot apply to you .
) ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING WHERE REQUIRED
WARRANT IE S OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE ONE
YEAR PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE. (Som e states do not allow limttations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you.)
To insure safety, all repairs to Pass & Seymour products must be made by Pass & Seymour, or under its specific direction.
Procedure to obtain perfonmance of any warranty obligation is as follows: (1) Contact Pass & Seymour, Syracuse, New York
13221, for instructions concerning return or r e pair; (2) return the product to Pass & Seymour , postage paid, with your name and address and a written description of the instal l ation or use of the Pass & Seymour product , and the observed defects or failure to operate, or other claimed bas i s for dissati sfa ction.
This warranty gives you specffic legal rights a nd you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
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Key Features
- Ground Fault Protection
- Test Button
- Reset Button
- Easy Installation
- Safety Compliance
- Weatherproof Cover (for wet locations)
Frequently Answers and Questions
What is a GFCI?
Why should I install a GFCI?
How do I test a GFCI?
How do I know if the GFCI has reached its end-of-life?
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