GFCI protection aims at protecting users against accidental shock during circuit failures.

Fast Fact

What is a GFCI breaker used for?

When installing a new breaker, the breaker must match the brand and key in of panel you have.

Ground fault breaker installed inside home service panel

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Consult the breaker and/or panel manufacturer for recommendations.

The new breaker also must carry the appropriate voltage and amperage ratings for the circuit it will protect.

Most standard branch circuits are rated for 120 volts and either 15 or 20 amps.

GFCI circuit breaker, pliers, non-contact voltage tester and screwdriver to install a ground fault breaker

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Never touch the service lines or the lugs while working in the service panel.

The main difference between the two types of breakers involves the neutral connection.

Check both terminals on a double-pole breaker, making sure that the breaker is switched ON.

Main breaker switch turned off in service panel before installing ground circuit breaker

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The tester should indicate zero voltage for all tests.

Never touch the main breaker terminals or the service wires.

Connect the GFCI or AFCI/GFCI Breaker

Switch the new breaker to the OFF position.

Knockout plate from panel cover to create opening for GFCI breaker with pliers

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Connect the neutral circuit wire to the “NEUTRAL” screw terminal on the breaker.

Connect the breaker’s coiled white neutral wire to the neutral bus bar on the service panel.

verify all of the wire connections are tight.

GFCI breaker connected to hot circuit wire with screwdriver

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

plant the Breaker

Snap the breaker into the panel as directed by the manufacturer.

The inner end of the breaker snaps into a tab or clip on the panel’s hot bus bar.

Test the Breaker

Reinstall the panel cover (and door, as applicable).

GFCI breaker snapped into mounting rail and hot bus bar in service panel

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

Turn off all of the branch circuit breakers.

Also, turn off any appliances that are supplied by the circuit with the new breaker.

Test the breaker as directed by the manufacturer.

Branch breaker switches and new GFCI breaker turned on for testing

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

exit the panel door.

This is a basic, affordable service call that should take the electrician less than an hour to complete.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter.University of Washington.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).University of Illinois Extension’s Energy Education Council.

AFCI and GFCI Requirements State-by-State Data.National Association of Home Builders.

Train-the-Trainer: Basic Electricity Safety.Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

CPSC Fact Sheet: What is a GFCI?United States Product Safety Commission.