GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 Non-Tamper-Resistant Receptacles User Guide
- June 14, 2024
- GFCI
Table of Contents
GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 Non-Tamper-Resistant Receptacles
What is a GFCI?
A GFCI receptacle is different from conventional receptacles. In the event of a ground fault, a GFCI will trip and quickly stop the flow of electricity to prevent serious injury.
Definition of a ground fault:
Instead of following its normal safe path, electricity passes through a
person’s body to reach the ground. For example, a defective appliance can
cause a ground fault. A GFCI receptacle does NOT protect against circuit
overloads, short circuits, or shocks. For example, you can still be shocked if
you touch bare wires while standing on a non-conducting surface, such as a
wood floor.
NOTE:
GFCI’s contain a lockout feature that will prevent
RESET if:
- There is no power being supplied to the GFCI.
- The GFCI is miswired due to reversal of the LINE and LOAD connections.
- The GFCI cannot pass its internal test, indicating that it may not be able to provide protection in the event of a ground fault.
The GFCI’s features
Should you install it?
Installing a GFCI receptacle can be more complicated than installing a
conventional receptacle.
Make sure that you:
- Understand basic wiring principles and techniques
- Can interpret wiring diagrams
- Have circuit wiring experience
- Are prepared to take a few minutes to test your work, making sure that you have wired the GFCI receptacle correctly
LINE vs. LOAD
A cable consists of 2 or 3 wires
LINE cable:
Delivers power from the service panel (breaker panel or fuse box) to the GFCI.
If there is only one cable entering the electrical box, it is the LINE cable.
This cable should be connected to the GFCI’s LINE terminals only.
LOAD cable:
Delivers power from the GFCI to another receptacle in the circuit. This cable
should be connected to the GFCI’s LOAD terminals only. The LOAD terminals are
under the yellow sticker. Do NOT remove the sticker at this time
Turn the power OFF
Plug an electrical device, such as a lamp or radio, into the receptacle on which you are working. Turn the lamp or radio ON. Then, go to the service panel. Find the breaker or fuse that protects that receptacle. Place the breaker in the OFF position or completely remove the fuse. The lamp or radio must turn OFF.
Next, plug in and turn ON the lamp or radio at the receptacle’s other outlet to make sure the power is OFF at both outlets. If the power is not OFF, stop work and call an electrician to complete the installation.
Identify cables/wires
Important:
DO NOT install the GFCI receptacle in an electrical box containing (a) more
than four (4) wires (not including the grounding wires) or (b) cables with
more than two (2) wires (not including the grounding wire) Contact a qualified
electrician if either (a) or (b) are true.
- If you are replacing an old receptacle, pull it out of the electrical box without disconnecting the wires.
- If you see one cable (2-3 wires), it is the LINE cable. The receptacle is probably in position C (see diagram to the right).
- Remove the receptacle and go to step 7A.
- If you see two cables (4-6 wires), the receptacle is probably in position A or B (see diagram to the right). Follow steps a-e of the procedure to the right
Procedure : box with two (2) cables (4-6 wires):
- Detach one cable’s white wire and hot wires from the receptacle and cap each one separately with a wire connector.
- Make sure that they are from the same cable.
- Re-install the receptacle in the electrical box, attach faceplate, then turn the power ON at the service panel.
- Determine if power is flowing to the receptacle. If so, the capped wires are the LOAD wires. If not, the capped wires are the LINE wires.
- Turn the power OFF at the service panel, label the LINE and LOAD wires, then remove the receptacle.
- Go to step 7B.
Placement in circuit:
The GFCI’s place in the circuit determines if it protects other receptacles in
the circuit.
Sample circuit:
Placing the GFCI in position A will also provide protection to “load side” receptacles B and C. On the other hand, placing the GFCI in position C will not provide protection to receptacles A or B. Remember that receptacles A, B, and C can be in different rooms.
Connect the wires
Connect the wires (choose A or B)… only after reading other side completely
A: One Cable (2 or 3 wires) entering the box
Connect the LINE cable wires to the LINE terminals:
- The white wire connects to the WHITE terminal (Silver)
- The black wire connects to the HOT terminal (Brass or Black)
Connect the grounding wire (only if there is a grounding wire):
- For a box with no grounding terminal (diagram not shown): Connect the LINE cable’s bare copper (or GREEN) wire directly to the grounding terminal on the GFCI receptacle.
- For a box with a grounding terminal (diagram shown above): Connect a 6-inch bare copper (or GREEN) 12 or 14 AWG wire to the grounding terminal on the GFCI. Also connect a similar wire to the grounding terminal on the box. Connect the ends of these wires to the LINE cable’s bare copper (or GREEN) wire using a wire connector. If these wires are already in place, check the connections.
Complete the installation:
- Fold the wires into the box, keeping the grounding wire away from the WHITE and HOT terminals. Screw the receptacle to the box and attach the faceplate.
- Go to step 8.
B: Two cables (4 or 6 wires) entering the box
Connect the LINE cable wires to the LINE terminals:
- The white wire connects to the WHITE terminal (Silver)
- The black wire connects to the HOT terminal (Brass or Black)
Connect the LOAD cable wires to the LOAD terminals:
- Remove the YELLOW sticker to reveal the LOAD terminals
- The white wire connects to the WHITE terminal (Silver)
- The black wire connects to the HOT terminal (Brass or Black)
Connect the grounding wires (only if there is a grounding wire):
- Connect a 6-inch bare copper (or GREEN) 12 or 14 AWG wire to the grounding terminal on the GFCI. If the box has a grounding terminal, also connect a similar wire to the grounding terminal on the box.
- Connect the ends of these wires to the LINE or LOAD cable’s bare copper (or GREEN) wire using a wire connector. If these wires are already in place, check the connections.
Complete the installation:
- Fold the wires into the box, keeping the grounding wire away from the WHITE and HOT terminals. Screw the receptacle to the box and attach the faceplate.
- Go to step 8
Test your work
Why perform this test?
- 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.
Procedure:
- This GFCI is shipped from the factory in the tripped condition and cannot be reset until it is wired correctly and power is supplied to the device. Plug a lamp or radio into the GFCI (and leave it plugged in).
- Turn the power ON at the service panel. Ensure that the GFCI is still in the tripped condition by pressing the TEST button. If the lamp or radio is OFF, and the GFCI will not reset, go to the Troubleshooting section as the Line and Load connections are reversed.
- Press the RESET button fully and release. If the Status Indicator Light turns Green and the lamp or radio is ON, the GFCI has been installed correctly. If the Status Indicator Light turns or continuously blinks Red, or the GFCI cannot be reset, go to the Self-Test Operation section.
- If you installed your GFCI using step 7B, plug a lamp or radio into surrounding receptacles to see which one(s), in addition to the GFCI, lose power when you press the GFCI TEST button.
- Place a “GFCIPROTECTED OUTLET” sticker on every receptacle that lost power, then press the RESET button to reset the GFCI. DO NOT plug life saving devices into any of the receptacles that lost power.
- Press the TEST button (then RESET button) every month to assure proper operation. If the Status Indicator Light does not turn Green when the RESET button is depressed and then released, or the GFCI cannot be reset, it must be replaced.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Turn the power OFF and check the wire connections against the appropriate wiring diagram in step 7A or 7B. Make sure that there are no loose wires or loose connections. If the Status Indicator Light is not ON and the device is unable to reset this could be a result of no power available. Start the test from the beginning of step 8 if you rewired any connections to the GFCI.
SELF-TEST OPERATION
- A Self-Test GFCI receptacle has all the features of a conventional GFCI receptacle. In addition, this receptacle tests itself periodically to confirm the GFCI electronics are functional. The Status Indicator Light will be solid green when the GFCI is powered from Line side and working correctly.
- Self-Test Indications: If the Status Indicator Light is solid or flashing RED a problem may exist. Press the TEST button to trip the GFCI. If unable to Reset, replace the GFCI. NOTE: The status indicator may flash Red at power “ON” and Reset.
WARRANTY
LIMITED 2 YEAR WARRANTY AND EXCLUSIONS
Leviton warrants to the original consumer purchaser and not for the benefit of
anyone else that this product
at the time of its sale by Leviton is free of defects in materials and
workmanship under normal and proper use for two years from the purchase date.
Leviton’s only obligation is to correct such defects by repair or replacement,
at its option. For details visit www.leviton.com or call
1-800-824-3005. This warranty excludes
and there is disclaimed liability for labor for removal of this product or
reinstallation. This warranty is void if this product is installed improperly
or in an improper environment, overloaded, misused, opened, abused, or altered
in any manner, or is not used under normal operating conditions or not in
accordance with any labels or instructions. There are no other or implied
warranties of any kind, including merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose, but if any implied warranty is required by the applicable
jurisdiction, the duration of any such implied warranty, including
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, is limited to two years.
Leviton is not liable for incidental, indirect, special, or consequential
damages, including without limitation, damage to, or loss of use of, any
equipment, lost sales or profits or delay or failure to perform this warranty
obligation. The remedies provided herein are the exclusive remedies under this
warranty, whether based on contract, tort or otherwise.
For Technical Assistance Call
- 1-800-824-3005 (U.S.A. Only)
- 1 800 405-5320 (Canada Only)
- www.leviton.com
FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
IC STATEMENT
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause interference, and
- this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
FOR CANADA ONLY
For warranty information and/or product returns, residents of Canada should
contact Leviton in writing at Leviton Manufacturing of Canada Ltd to the
attention of the Quality Assurance Department, 165 Hymus Blvd, Pointe-Claire
(Quebec), Canada H9R 1E9 or by telephone at 1 800 405-5320.
FAQs
What is the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 Non-Tamper-Resistant Receptacle?
The GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle designed to provide electrical safety by quickly shutting off power in the event of a ground fault.
How does a GFCI receptacle work?
A GFCI receptacle monitors the flow of electricity and trips or disconnects the power supply if it detects an imbalance, such as a ground fault, which could indicate an electrical leakage or shock hazard.
What is the purpose of a GFCI receptacle?
The primary purpose of a GFCI receptacle is to protect against electrical shock by interrupting power when it senses a ground fault, reducing the risk of injury or electrocution.
Where should GFCI receptacles be installed?
GFCI receptacles are typically installed in areas where electrical safety is critical, such as kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor outlets, and garages.
Is the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 is often suitable for outdoor use and can provide protection against ground faults in outdoor electrical circuits.
Does this GFCI receptacle have a reset button?
Yes, GFCI receptacles typically have a reset button that allows you to restore power after it has been tripped due to a ground fault.
Is professional installation required for the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03?
Professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended to ensure the GFCI receptacle is correctly wired and functioning.
Can the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 be installed in place of a standard receptacle?
Yes, the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 can often replace a standard receptacle in the same electrical box, providing GFCI protection to the circuit.
What is the difference between a tamper-resistant and non-tamper-resistant receptacle?
A tamper-resistant receptacle has built-in safety features to prevent the insertion of foreign objects, while a non-tamper-resistant receptacle does not have these additional safety measures.
Can the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 be used in conjunction with a tamper-resistant receptacle?
Yes, you can typically use a GFCI receptacle alongside tamper-resistant receptacles to provide both ground fault protection and child safety features.
What is the voltage rating of the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03?
The voltage rating of the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 can vary, so it's important to check the product specifications for the specific voltage rating of this receptacle.
Is there a warranty for the GFCI GLS-15A-WH-03 receptacle?
Warranty coverage may vary depending on the manufacturer. Refer to the product documentation or contact the manufacturer for warranty details.
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