How to Replace a Two Pronged Outlet With a GFCI
- 1). Turn off the power to the two-pronged outlet you are going to replace. Use your voltage tester to ensure that the outlet is dead!
- 2). Remove the cover plate and the two screws that secure the outlet to the wall box.
- 3). Gently pull the two-pronged outlet out of the wall box. Double-check for voltage before continuing.
- 4). Loosen the screws on each side of the outlet and remove the wires. Inspect the wires for any cuts, oxidation or breaks in insulation. If any re-stripping or re-bending of the wires is required, use the wire strippers to take care of that job now.
- 5). On the back of the new GFCI you will notice one set of screws is labeled "line" and the other set is labeled "load." For this installation you will only be using the "line" terminals.
- 6). Take the black wire and secure it to the brass-colored "line" screw. Then, connect the white wire to the silver-colored "line" screws. Leave the load side tape in place and wrap electrical tape around the terminals.
- 7). Gently push the GFCI and its wires back into the wall box and secure it in place using the top and bottom screws.
- 8). Install the new cover plate and turn the circuit back on. Now, you can plug in your three-pronged electrical items without worry!
