Learn about each connection and when to use them.
This is because GFCIs have two different sets of terminals: the line terminals and the load terminals.
When you connect only to the line terminals, the outlet provides GFCI protection only for itself.
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What are Line and Load Connections?
Line and load connectionsrefer to the wires that deliver power from the electrical source.
The line connection is used for all GFCI outlet installations.
The circuit’shot wire(typicallycolored black or red) connects to the black orbrass-colored screw terminalmarked LINE.
The white neutral wire connects to the silver-colored screw terminal marked LINE.
The markings for line and load usually are printed on the back of the outlet’s plastic body.
Standard outlets are much cheaper than GFCIs.
Using the load connection requires two cables in the GFCI’s electrical box.
One is the line cable that connects to the GFCI’s LINE terminals.
The neutral wire connects to the silver terminal.
(In other words, additional breakers past that point on the same circuit are unnecessary.)
Additional outlets installed between the GFCI and the service panel are not protected by the GFCI.
This is where the bare or green-colored ground wire connects.
GFCI protection is not the same thing as grounding.
