Wiring a GFI receptacle

 Since they are in the same box, you are going to need to protect all other outlets in that box. And that's fine - a GFCI outlet can do that as long as the LINE cable, i.e. the one that supplies electricity either from the panel or from the adjacent non-protected devices (upstream), enters the LINE side of the GFCI outlet first and then all other outlets are connected to the GFCI's LOAD terminals (downstream). See the diagram from an instruction sheet for Leviton's very common S7599 GFCI outlet attached below.  If you wire your outlets in the same way, it will take care of the outlet protection. Note that you have to remove a yellow sticker to reveal the LOAD side contacts. I don't know if you use Leviton, but you may have to do the same.

You could install your light and the fan (turns on/of together with the light, correct?)  on the LOAD side of the GFCI and it will work, however fan motors are known to trip GFCI protection. They can be installed without GFCI unless it's specifically called for (i.e. fan directly above bathtub), and I would do just that. So, you may want to re-work your 3-gang wall box and if cable lengths allow, switch the devices around so that the LINE cable first enters the light/fan switch first and then goes into the GFCI outlet which, in turn, feeds and protects the other outlet.

You still keep me in suspense regarding what you meant by "not working" :) Was there no light and fan was not turning or was there GFCI protection tripped? Something else perhaps? Did you remember to twist and nut together all ground conductors from all the cables?

I'd be delighted if you post an update on your situation,

<strong>Keep it safe and disconnect the circuit at the breaker panel before opening any devices!</strong>

Cheers!  

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Posted 3 years ago by homeowners in Installation

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