You don’t need very much to swap out a simple plug. To get started on this project, you should collect your tools together. However, when your current plug only has two holes, you’re going to need to do some rewiring, or rather, a professional electrician should come and handle this project. If it hast three holes in each socket, then this is a job for an intermediate DIYer. ![]() Thirdly, check the outlet you plan to replace. Moreover, if you can’t tell whether your box can handle the GFCI, then this project is a little too advanced for your current skill level. Not only does it require more specialized knowledge and permits, but it’s also not something you can legally do for yourself. Second, can your existing electrical box accommodate a GFCI outlet? Upgrading a household electrical box is not a simple DIY project. Firstly, what type of metal are your wires? If they are aluminum instead of copper, then you should not proceed. Before Installing a 15 Amp GFCI Plugīefore you get started installing that 15 amp ground fault circuit interrupter plug, there are three things you should check. Regardless of what the outlet is rated, when you have things plugged in on the other outlets pulling too much power, there’s a drain on the circuit. Hence the last outlet on that circuit could have trouble pulling anywhere near the capacity. Furthermore, the chances of electrocution and fires would be much higher.Īdditionally, if you draw too much power near the circuit, you’ll have issues with degradation down the line. Without a breaker, you could overload devices by merely plugging them in. The circuit breaker is what limits your amps to help keep a safe amount of power flowing in your home. ![]() However, you can’t plug-in and run more than the circuits amp maximum between them. In fact, you can run multiple outlets capable of pulling more than a hundred-twenty-amps when combined. Most homes in the USA have hundred-twenty amp circuits that use a combination of 15-amp and 20-amp plugs. Because it’s transmitting power instead of drawing it out, your outlet won’t necessarily have anything plugged into it that draws all fifteen of those amps. If any of the following information is surprising or new to you, please ask an electrician for assistance.Īmperage or amps is exactly how much power runs through a ‘thing.’ In this case, we’re looking at an outlet. As this is an intermediate skill level electrical project, you should already know these things. For those who don’t already know, this is vital. ![]() However, before we get there, let’s discuss what you’re looking at. I’ll walk you through it step by step in a moment. Installing a 15 amp GFCI on 20 amp circuit is relatively simple. Why You Can Install a 15 Amp GFCI on a 20 Amp Circuit Also, it’s vital to remember that the reverse is not true because a twenty amp GFCI would pull more power than you have and blow the circuit. However, it’s essential to know that a dedicated twenty amp circuit with only one outlet requires a twenty amp ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). I’ll walk you through all the tools and details you need to know about this type of electrical DIY so you can swap that outlet with no problems.Ĭan I use 15 amp GFCI on a 20 amp circuit? You can use a 15 amp GFCI on 20 amp circuit because it uses less power than that circuit is capable of putting out. Better still, you can save money on these sorts of minor home repairs when you don’t need to hire a professional electrician. It’s not difficult if you have proper instructions, and replacing a GFCI is a relatively straightforward intermediate skill level upgrade. Replacing a simple outlet is something many homeowners can handle on their own. ![]() You picked up a 15 amp GFCI, but the circuit is 20 amps, is it okay to use what you have? If this is your first time doing this kind of electrical work, then it may seem a little intimidating, but don’t let that get you down. Your outlet is loose, and it’s time for a change.
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