What does line and load mean on a GFCI outlet?

The “line” wires are the incoming power from the breaker box and the “load” wires are the outgoing power that travels down the circuit to the next outlet.

Can you put a GFCI on the load side of a GFCI?

2 Answers. You can daisy-chain GFCIs if you really want to. They will still protect just fine.

What happens if you switch line and load on GFCI?

If you miswired the GFCI it may not prevent personal injury or death due to a ground fault (electrical shock). If you mistakenly connect the LINE wires to the LOAD terminals, the GFCI will not reset and will not provide power to either the GFCI receptacle face or any receptacles fed from the GFCI.

Does power go to line or load on GFCI?

Power is connected to the GFCI line side. Protected receptacle(s) will be connected to the GFCI load side as shown below. Ground connection is not shown. Line and load terminal locations can differ between GFCI receptacle brands.

What does line and load mean in a GFCI outlet?

The same meaning can apply to the device itself. The line side of an outlet is where you connect the incoming source power. The load side is where the power leaves the device (or electrical box) and travels down the circuit. Line and load have special meaning when wiring ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets.

How can I tell if my line has a GFCI connection?

Load Connection. The load terminals typically are not visible when you pull the GFCI outlet out of its package because they are covered by a strip of tape (usually yellow in color). The load connection is available to feed additional standard (non-GFCI) outlets downstream from the GFCI location to provide protection from the GFCI.

Why do I get power on the line side but not the load side?

2 Answers 2. If you’re getting power on the LINE side but not the LOAD side of the GFCI, there’s a few possibilities. The GFCI is not set. Make sure the reset button is pushed in all the way. The device is not wired probably. GFCIs typically will not set if they are wired incorrectly. The device is defective.

What does it mean if your GFCI is not set?

If you’re getting power on the LINE side but not the LOAD side of the GFCI, there’s a few possibilities. The GFCI is not set. Make sure the reset button is pushed in all the way. The device is not wired probably. GFCIs typically will not set if they are wired incorrectly. The device is defective.