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If you live in a country which uses them, just look at a wall outlet in your apartment or house! But, if you live elsewhere, then take a look at the Related Questions and Related Links shown below. A single phase 120V duplex outlet (two "separate"receptacles) has a smaller prong/blade (for the black hot wire), a larger blade (for the neutral, a white wire) and of course the semi-circular or "tunnel" ground hole (for the green wire to the wall box) that makes up the outlet.
120V outlets come in two sizes for normal residential 15A & sometimes 20A. Typically you will see a 15A receptacle. You can go to a Home Depot or Lowes (or any electrical hardware store) and physically look at one closeup.
A GFCI outlet typically has two buttons in the center - one labeled "Test" and the other "Reset." It also has slightly larger dimensions than a standard outlet and may have "TEST" and "RESET" written on the front.
The correct voltage is actually closer to 240 volts in most areas of the US. NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer Association) has diagrams of different recepticles. There are actually different sizes of 240 V recepticles. A 20A (amp), a 30A, and a 50 A.
For information see the answers to the Related Questionsshown below.
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How do you determine if an outlet is after or before the gfci?
You can determine if an outlet is after a GFCI by pressing the "test" button on the GFCI outlet. If the GFCI trips and cuts off power to the outlet, then that outlet is downstream from the GFCI. If power is not cut off, then that outlet is upstream from the GFCI.
Do all electrical outlets in a garage need to be GFCI?
It is recommended to have GFCI protection for all electrical outlets in a garage to help reduce the risk of electric shocks. This would typically involve installing a GFCI outlet at the beginning of the circuit to protect the rest of the outlets downstream.
Is an outlet plug that says gfci on it but doesn't have a reset button really a gfci outlet?
No, a GFCI outlet should have a reset button. If the outlet plug is labeled as a GFCI but doesn't have a reset button, it may not actually be a GFCI outlet or it may be missing a key safety feature. It is important to have a properly functioning GFCI outlet to protect against electrical shocks.
Will GFCI work properly if 240 volt split into one 3 wire 120 volt circuit?
No, a GFCI outlet is designed for use with standard 120-volt circuits. Attempting to use a GFCI outlet with a 240-volt split circuit could cause damage to the outlet, the circuit, and could present a safety hazard. It is not recommended to use a GFCI outlet in this manner.
If your wall receptacle has tripped but not at the circuit breaker how can this problem be repaired?
If the wall receptacle has tripped but not at the circuit breaker, it could be a faulty GFCI outlet. Try pushing the reset button on the GFCI outlet itself to restore power. If that doesn't work, you may need to replace the GFCI outlet. Make sure to turn off the power at the breaker before attempting any repairs.
How do you wire an outdoor timer into a GFCI outlet?
I assume you are hard wiring it and not plugging it in. The power coming into the GFCI outlet connects to the line side of the GFCI outlet. If you want the outdoor timer protected by the GFCI then connect the wire going to the timer to the load side of the outlet. If you do not want the timer protected then connect it to the line side. On the back of the GFCI if you look closely you will see Line & Load marked on the back.
Why does a newly installed GFCI outlet show open ground on the tester?
Ground wire is loose or disconnected somewhere in that circuit.
Do you need a gfci outlet if you have a gfci breaker?
Not if the GFCI breaker is supplying the circuit you are wanting to put the GFCI receptacle into.
How do you determine if an outlet is after or before the gfci?
You can determine if an outlet is after a GFCI by pressing the "test" button on the GFCI outlet. If the GFCI trips and cuts off power to the outlet, then that outlet is downstream from the GFCI. If power is not cut off, then that outlet is upstream from the GFCI.
Do you wire a gfci outlet differently?
No, except that you insert the wires into the holes on the back of the outlet. The power in connects to the LINE side of the outlet and power out connects to the LOAD side of the outlet. This is clearly marked on the back of the outlet. This will not only protect the outlet with the GFCI installed but all outlets receiving their power from that GFCI. If you do not want to protect the outlets receiving power from the outlet then connect that outgoing wire to the LINE side also. But know that only the outlet with the GFCI will be protected and all other outlets will not be GFCI protected.
Can you use a GFCI plug into a GFCI outlet?
Yes you can. Lots of blow dryers have GFCI protection built in.
Do all electrical outlets in a garage need to be GFCI?
It is recommended to have GFCI protection for all electrical outlets in a garage to help reduce the risk of electric shocks. This would typically involve installing a GFCI outlet at the beginning of the circuit to protect the rest of the outlets downstream.
Is an outlet plug that says gfci on it but doesn't have a reset button really a gfci outlet?
No, a GFCI outlet should have a reset button. If the outlet plug is labeled as a GFCI but doesn't have a reset button, it may not actually be a GFCI outlet or it may be missing a key safety feature. It is important to have a properly functioning GFCI outlet to protect against electrical shocks.
Do you have a picture of a GFCI outlet?
Click the link.
Will another electrical outlet that is in line with a GFCI outlet cause it to kick off?
A down stream receptacle that is connected to the upstream GFCI will be protected. If the downstream receptacle senses a fault the upstream GFCI will trip.
When would it be a better idea in a residence to install a GFCI breaker instead of an GFCI outlet?
GFCI Breakers are quite a bit more expensive than a GFCI outlet. More often than not a typical residence will need only a handful of GFCI outlets that combined together will be cheaper than a GFCI breaker. If you need to protect a series of outlets with GFCI protection you can simply connect the rest of the outlets on that same circuit downstream from the first outlet on the line and make that the GFCI. All you have to do is connect all the other outlets to the LOAD side of the GFCI outlet. If a GFCI fault occurs in any of the outlets down stream they will trip that very first GFCI plug you placed and keep you safe.
Will GFCI work properly if 240 volt split into one 3 wire 120 volt circuit?
No, a GFCI outlet is designed for use with standard 120-volt circuits. Attempting to use a GFCI outlet with a 240-volt split circuit could cause damage to the outlet, the circuit, and could present a safety hazard. It is not recommended to use a GFCI outlet in this manner.
