You'll have to make a determination if the wires you're working with are long enough to connect to the new GFI. If they are not long enough, proceed with this intermediate task:
- Extension Wires
- Make two extension wires each about 4"-6" long, one white (neutral), one black (hot) and both need to be the same thickness of wire as the wires to which you are connecting. For a 15Amp circuit, you need 14G (14 gauge) and in the unlikely case you're replacing a 20Amp outlet, you'll need 12G (12 gauge) wire. If you don't have any handy, you can usually buy this by the foot from your hardware store.
- Connect each extension wire to its respective color (black / white) wire with a wire nut.
- Proceed with the next task.
- If the wires you're working with are long enough or you have just completed the above intermediate task, proceed as follows:
- On the back of the GFI receptacle, you'll see four terminals. Two are for "Line" and two are for "Load". In single GFCI installations like this one, we only use the "Line" terminals. The "Load" terminals are only used for multiple outlet installations, not for this repair.
- Connect the black wire to the brass colored "Line" terminal screw.
- Connect the white wire to the silver colored "Line" terminal screw.
- Gently fold up the wires back in the box and press the GFI into the outlet box.
- Screw the GFI receptacle to the electrical box to fasten.
