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Hoogamagoo · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Hi!

So I want to replace some outlets in my 1950's house with GFCI outlets. This is my first time replacing a regular outlet with a GFCI and I see that the connections are a little more awkward to work with -- which leads me to my problem.

I've got 12 gauge wire in this bathroom for the 20 amp circuit breaker on this circuit. Good so far, right? 12 gauge wire is very awkward for me to twist onto this GFCI outlet. So, rather than yell obscenities at my pliers and wires, I was just wondering if there was a method that I could use to connect these wires a little more easily -- which leads me to the simple question:

Can I crimp some properly rated fork terminal or something to make it easier and still sleep at night? Is there a better option that's okayed by the house wiring code authorities?

Or am I left with fight to twist or jab the wires into the back of the outlet?

Thanks,

Anders

vince knight · Posted: Sun Mar 19, 2006 9:15 pm Post subject:

This would be best answered by 'B' who is on your side of the pond, please be patient.

Vince

b · Posted: Thu Mar 23, 2006 11:27 am Post subject:

Are you working with solid or stranded wire? If you are working with solid wire... on your strippers there is a small hole between the handle and the cutter... put your wire in the hole and bend it around into a U shape... this will fit nicely around the screw on the device. If the wire is stranded it won't work as nicely and you may want to use the "fork" you mentioned earlier. You will need to crimp the end on with a crimping tool, but it will make it easier for you to get on the terminal.
B

Hoogamagoo · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

Solid Wire. my fingers are just fat and clumsy and although I have no problem forming an appropriately sized and shaped hook, I still find myself fighting to get it on. no problems with regular outlets. No problem with 14 gauge wire. Just GFCI outlets with 12 gauge solid wire.

The idea was simply to avoid the whole mess by using a fork to crimp onto a the regular 12 gauge solid wires in order to avoid the stress that I am putting on the wires and the outlets. I gather from your response that this is not an option. Which leaves me with practicing as my only alternative. bummer.

Surprised to hear that I could rewire my house with stranded wire and keep it up to code... Interesting...

Thanks,

Anders

b · Posted: Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:24 am Post subject:

Hi Anders...
Is the GFI a 20A device or a 15A? If you are having trouble getting the wire on the terminal, my guess is you have the wrong sized device. You have to size your devices for the circuit just like you do your wire. It will say on the package the GFI came in what current rating it is... you may have to go hit the home improvement store and spend $10 on the right size GFI plug... make sure it is a 20A device for your 20A circuit.
B

Hoogamagoo · Joined: 19 Mar 2006 Posts: 3

b · Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:05 pm Post subject:

That particular GFI should have a strip gauge on the back of it to tell you how far to strip the wire. Then put the straight wire into the hole on the back and tighten the screw... it has a clamp down that will tighten down on it and secure your wire in place.
B