DIY Portable GFCI Outlets

[HDReef]

Hello! After we were frustrated at our portable GFCI outlet, we decided to make our own. The problem with store bought GFCI outlets like this one is that they trip during our frequent power outage blips and they only have one plug while taking up the space of two plugs. Our DIY portable GFCI does not trip during power outages, only takes one wall outlet but gives you two GFCI outlets, and as an added bonus it has an extension cord. Below is how we made it. We ended up making several of them, since we liked them so much.

 

First, you will need the following supplies, all found at Home Depot for about $15.00 (which is cheaper than the store bought GFCI): A GFCI outlet, a single gang outlet box, a face plate cover, and then either a replacement power cord like this one or if you want a specific length cord as you see in our picture you can buy 12/2 NM-B wire at any hardware store and a plug. You will also need wire strippers and a couple screwdrivers.

 

Next, you will need to strip the first inch or two of the outer cover to expose the inner wires. There will be three of them; a black (hot), a white (neutral), and a copper (ground).

 

On your GFCI outlet, you will see two places to attach your hot and neutral wires and one place for your ground. The copper (ground) goes to the green screw, the black wire (hot) goes to the brass screw, and the white (neutral) goes to the silver screw. You need to use the hot and neutral locations marked "line" as seen in this picture. DO NOT USE THE ONES MARKED "LOAD."

 

After determining the "line" vs. "load" locations attach your wires to the outlet. Just again: black (hot) to brass screw, white (neutral) to silver screw, and copper (ground) to green screw.

 

Once that is done, you can run your wire through your outlet box and attach your outlet.

 

Next, run your wire through your plug and follow the same procedure as the GFCI outlet: black to brass, white to silver, and copper to green.

 

Then you can close up your plug.

 

You're almost done. At this point, you should test your outlet. In this hobby, having a GFCI tester to ensure everything is wired correctly not only on things you wired, but also things wired at your house, is invaluable. GFCI outlet testers are fairly inexpensive.

 

Lastly, assuming everything is wired correctly, install your cover plate.

 

Here is your finished outlet.

 

Repeat, as needed, for additional outlets. We hope this was helpful and will inspire you to try it yourself.

 

Holly and Darrell

[gmubeach]

Awsome wish we had some of these at work:)

[scott711]

Nice write up!