Project Summary
- Duration of Work: 15 to 30 minutes
- Overall Duration: 15 to 30 minutes
- Proficiency Level: Expert
- Projected Expense: $40 to $100
A ground fault circuit breaker, more accurately referred to as a ground-fault circuit-interrupter breaker, or GFCI breaker, is designed to be installed in a home’s service panel or breaker box. It offers GFCI protection to the entire branch circuit it is connected to. This type of installation is often preferred over the installation of GFCI receptacles in specific areas mandated by local electrical codes. The primary purpose of GFCI protection is to safeguard individuals from the risk of electrical shock in the event of circuit malfunctions.
Contents
Quick Insight
What is the purpose of a GFCI breaker? As stated by the Energy Education Council, A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) is designed to reduce the risk of electrocution. It detects when a person is experiencing an electric shock and promptly disconnects the power to prevent injury.
In many regions, current building regulations mandate an extra layer of safety against electrical sparking for all standard outlet circuits, referred to as AFCI protection. While GFCI protection is designed to prevent electrical shocks, AFCI protection is focused on preventing sparking that could lead to fires. For circuits that require both AFCI and GFCI protection, there are specialized dual-purpose AFCI/GFCI circuit breakers that can be installed similarly to standard GFCI breakers.
Prior to Getting Started
Various manufacturers produce service panels and breakers, and these components are not universally interchangeable. When adding a new breaker, it is essential that it corresponds to the brand and type of your existing panel. For guidance, refer to the recommendations provided by the breaker and panel manufacturers.
The replacement breaker needs to have the correct voltage and amperage specifications to safeguard the circuit. Typically, standard branch circuits are designed for 120 volts and have ratings of either 15 or 20 amps. Ensure that the new breaker matches the amperage requirements of the circuit: use 15 amps for circuits that utilize 14-gauge wire and 20 amps for those that use 12-gauge wire.
Safety Factors to Keep in Mind
When installing a circuit breaker, it is crucial to be cautious as you will be in proximity to equipment that may carry lethal voltage. Although the main circuit breaker and all branch circuits in the service panel will be turned off during the installation of the GFCI breaker, the incoming wires from the utility service and the lugs (terminals) that connect these wires to the panel are always energized. It is essential to avoid touching the service lines or the lugs while you are working in the service panel.
Standard Circuit Breakers vs. GFCI Breakers
Standard breakers and GFCI breakers are both single-pole breakers that take up one slot in a service panel and are linked to the hot circuit wire, typically a black wire. The primary distinction between these two types lies in how the neutral wire is connected. In a standard breaker, the neutral wire, which is usually white, is connected to the neutral bus bar in the service panel and does not attach to the breaker itself. In contrast, a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI breaker has the neutral wire connected to a neutral terminal on the breaker. Additionally, GFCI and AFCI/GFCI breakers come with a short, coiled white neutral wire that is pre-installed on the breaker, which connects to the neutral bus bar in the service panel.
Warning
It is essential to attach the hot circuit wire to the hot or load terminal of the GFCI breaker, while the neutral circuit wire should be connected to the neutral terminal. If these wires are swapped, the circuit’s polarity will be reversed, potentially resulting in the breaker failing to offer GFCI protection, even if the test button on the breaker functions correctly.
Check it out: A Guide to Installing a Circuit Breaker
Requirements
Devices / Instruments
- Screwdrivers
- Voltage tester without direct contact
- Use pliers when necessary.
Materials
- GFCI or AFCI/GFCI circuit interrupter
Instructions
This guide assumes you are setting up a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI breaker for a newly established electrical circuit. It is based on the premise that the circuit cable has already been directed into the panel and is ready for connection to a new circuit breaker. The procedure will vary slightly if you are removing a conventional circuit breaker to replace it with a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI breaker.
Switch off the electricity.
Begin by opening the service panel door and turning the main breaker to the OFF setting. Carefully take off the panel cover, known as the dead front cover, ensuring you do not touch any internal wires. Use a non-contact voltage tester to verify that the power is off by checking multiple wires and circuit breakers. For a double-pole breaker, inspect both terminals to confirm that the breaker is in the ON position. The tester should show a reading of zero voltage in all instances.
Warning
Keep in mind that turning off the main breaker cuts power to the panel’s hot bus bars and all branch circuits. However, it does not disconnect the power from the utility service wires that enter from the utility meter or the terminal lugs in the panel. The utility service wires and the main breaker terminals stay energized and can carry lethal current, even when the main breaker is off. Avoid touching the main breaker terminals or the service wires.
Take out a knockout plate.
If needed, use pliers to detach one of the knockout plates from the panel cover to make space for the new breaker.
Install the GFCI or AFCI/GFCI circuit breaker.
Set the new breaker to the OFF position. Using a screwdriver, attach the hot circuit wire to the HOT or LOAD screw terminal on the breaker. Next, connect the neutral circuit wire to the NEUTRAL screw terminal. Then, link the coiled white neutral wire from the breaker to the neutral bus bar in the service panel. Ensure you use an available screw terminal on the bus bar, and avoid connecting multiple wires to a single terminal. Confirm that all wire connections are secure.
Set up the circuit breaker.
Insert the breaker into the panel according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, breakers feature a notch or foot at the outer end that aligns with a mounting rail located on the outer side of the breaker section within the service panel. The inner end of the breaker securely attaches to a tab or clip on the hot bus bar of the panel.
Evaluate the Circuit Breaker
Reattach the panel cover (and door, if necessary). Deactivate all branch circuit breakers. Additionally, power down any devices connected to the circuit with the newly installed breaker. Set the main breaker to the ON position to restore power to the panel, then activate each branch breaker individually, including the new GFGI breaker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to test the breaker. Finally, secure the panel door.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
While the technical abilities needed to install a GFCI or AFCI/GFCI circuit breaker are relatively straightforward, the risk of a deadly electric shock makes it a task best left to those who are fully assured of their electrical expertise. Additionally, in certain regions, local regulations prohibit unlicensed homeowners from undertaking such projects.
If your regulations mandate it or if you have any doubts about your skills, reach out to a certified electrician. This is a straightforward and cost-effective service that should take the electrician under an hour to finish.
