GFCI recept wired backward

[McCES]

Does a GFCI recpt still function properly if the line wiring is connected to the load terminals and the load wiring is connected to the line terminals?

 

[jwjrw]

The newer GFI receps were changed so they will not work if they are wired backwards. Older ones would still work but would not GFI protect the load conductors.

 

[augie47]

Its been a while since I've encounter an older style backwired, and I somewhat agree with jwjrw except to add, and I think this is correct, on the older units, the test button will actuate but the receptacle will not turn off.
I recall asking a mfg rep about this and he said that was why the instructions advised to test with a load plugged in.

 

[roger3829]

The newer GFI receps were changed so they will not work if they are wired backwards. Older ones would still work but would not GFI protect the load conductors.

The older ones would still work and provide GFCI protection for load connected devices but the receptacle itself would NOT have GFCI protection.

 

[McCES]

These are the new devices. Does the backward wiring cause damage to the circuit board, so that if the devices was rewired correctly it would not function properly?

 

[K8MHZ]

These are the new devices. Does the backward wiring cause damage to the circuit board, so that if the devices was rewired correctly it would not function properly?

IIRC, they come tripped and won't reset if there is power to the load side. I know people mess up and wire these backward all the time and haven't heard of one getting smoked yet.

But, there's always a first time....

 

[jwjrw]

The older ones would still work and provide GFCI protection for load connected devices but the receptacle itself would NOT have GFCI protection.

I knew something wasn't gfi protected when they were wired backwards.

 

[jwjrw]

IIRC, they come tripped and won't reset if there is power to the load side. I know people mess up and wire these backward all the time and haven't heard of one getting smoked yet.

But, there's always a first time....

One of my helpers HAD a habit of wiring them backwards. Never had it smoke one.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

These are the new devices. Does the backward wiring cause damage to the circuit board, so that if the devices was rewired correctly it would not function properly?

No, reversing the line and load will not damage the unit however it will not be able to energize the recep. The older ones would work wired backwards but there was no gfci protection. The newer units will not activate if wired incorrectly.