GE 51960 GE Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter - Manual

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 NOT 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.
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 GFCI's LINE
terminals only.
LOAD cable:
Delivers power from the GFCI to another
receptacle in the circuit. This cable should be
connected to the GFCI'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 must turn OFF.
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 7A.
• 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.
Procedure: 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 by plugging a lamp or radio into it.
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 7B.
2. The GFCI's features
• To prevent severe shock or electrocu-
tion, 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 equip-
ment 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.
CAUTION
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.
Placement in circuit:
The GFCI’s place in the circuit determines
if it protects other receptacles in the
circuit.
Sample circuit:
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.
BACK VIEW FRONT VIEW
Grounding Terminal (Green):
Connection for bare
copper or green wire
Screw (terminal) colors:
Green = grounding terminal
Silver = white terminals
Brass = hot terminals
LINE
Hot terminal (Brass):
Connection for the
LINE cable's
black wire
LOAD
Hot terminal (Brass):
Connection for the
LOAD cable's
black wire.
A yellow sticker
covers the LOAD
terminals. Do not
remove the sticker
at this time.
LINE
White terminal (Silver):
Connection for the LINE
cable's white wire
LOAD
White terminal (Silver):
Connection for the
LOAD cable's white wire
Please read this leaflet completely
before getting started.
Installing and
Testing a GFCI
Receptacle
Ground Fault Receptacle
GE Model GFR5263
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