How to Wire GFCI Combo Switch and Outlet – GFCI Switch/Outlet Wiring Diagrams

GFCI Combo Switch and Outlet Wiring Circuit Diagrams and Installation

As discussed before, GFCI also known as ground fault circuit interrupter is a protection device against electric shock which detects the ground faults and leakage currents especially in outdoor and watery areas such as bathroom, kitchen, laundry etc.

Related Post: GFCI: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. Types, Working & Applications

In our previous wiring tutorial, we have shown that how to wire a GFCI outlet with different protected and unprotected loads. The GFCI Outlet/Switch is different than the GFCI outlet as there are two outlet in a GFCI outlet and one outlet and one switch in the combo GFCI switch and outlet. There are additional two wires on the back side of GFCI Combo switch/outlet and we will show how to use them to control the different loads or GFCI combo itself.

For more details, see the NEC Code Requirements for GFCI.

What is GFCI Combo Switch/Outlet and How to Wire It?

Before installation, it is must to differentiate between a GFCI Combo Switch Outlet and ordinary Combo switch/ outlet . In both outlets, the Line (live, hot or phase) terminals are narrow blade while Neutral terminals has wide blades. In a GFCI outlet, there is no break away fin between the upper and lower terminals as like in normal combo outlet for line terminals. In normal combo switch-outlet, the line should be connected to the one Line terminal which is interconnected via break away fin i.e. both terminals are internally connected. The second i.e. wide blade of outlet should be connected to the neutral wire and load can be connected through the switch.

What is GFCI Combo Switch - Outlet and How to wire it

In today wiring tutorials, we will be showing how to wire and install a GFCI combo switch and  outlet in residential areas to protect the light switch, ordinary outlet / receptacle, light and switches and use the switch in the GFCI combo to control the outlet in it. You may also read the basic difference between GFCI and AFCI in the previous post.

Related Post: How to wire a GFCI Outlet? – GFCI Wiring Circuit Diagrams

Wiring a GFCI Combo Switch Outlet with a Light bulb

In the first wiring diagram, the connected load (as light bulb) is GFCI protected as it is control by the combo switch and connected to the load terminals of GFCI.

Wiring a GFCI Combo Switch Outlet with a Light Switch

In the second wiring diagram, the lamp is connected directly to the line terminals of GFCI (i.e. direct main power supply). This way, the light can be control by the GFCI switch but it is not GFCI protected load.

GFCI combination switch and outlet - Light GFCI not Protected

Wiring a GFCI Switch/Outlet with an Ordinary Outlet / Receptacle

Same as the above wiring, the ordinary outlet / receptacle is GFCI protected and controlled by the switch as it has been connected the load terminals of GFCI.

Wiring a GFCI Switch/Outlet with an Ordinary Outlet / Receptacle

In the following wiring diagram, the ordinary outlet is control by the GFCI switch but not GFCI protected as it has been connected and wired to the line terminals of GFCI.

Outlet is not protected by GFCI

Wiring a GFCI Combo Switch/Outlet with Protected Light & Outlet Receptacle

In this special case wiring diagram, Both light and ordinary outlet is connected to the load terminals of GFCI. The light ON/OFF operation can be controlled through the GFCI switch while the ordinary outlet is directly connected to the GFCI load terminals. This way, both loads i.e. light bulb and outlet and additional load connected to the ordinary load is GFCI protected.

Wiring a GFCI Combo Switch/Outlet with Protected Light & Outlet Receptacle

In the following related wiring diagram, the ordinary outlet is connected to the load terminals of GFCI while the light bulb is connected to the line terminals of GFCI. This way, the ordinary outlet receptacle is GFCI protected while the light bulb is not GFCI protected.

Wiring a GFCI Switch - Outlet with Unprotected Light Switch and Protected Receptacle

Wiring a Switched GFCI Combo Outlet

In this wiring tutorials, the switch in the GFCI combo switch – outlet has been controlled through the switch in it. In other words, the outlet in GFCI can be turn ON/OFF via upper switch in the GFCI combo.

Wiring a Switched GFCI Combo Outlet

To do this, simply connect the upper wire (there are two builtin wires on the back side of GFCI) to the line terminal of GFCI while the second wire should be wired to the incoming line (phase, live or hot) wire. Connect the ground / earth terminal to the ground wire from the main board. This way, the outlet in the GFCI can be controlled (ON/OFF operation) through the switch in the GFCI combo.

Precautions:

Related Wiring Tutorials:

Exit mobile version