BlushingTorgo t1_ja4nzp9 wrote
Are you sure they aren't already downstream of another GFCI device? Personally, I would pick up an inexpensive outlet tester like this one to verify there isn't protection. Pushing the test button simulates a ground fault which would trip a GFCI device. I also would not worry about adding an AFCI receptacle. AFCI breakers protect the whole circuit and can be installed during a later panel upgrade.
If you've verified there isn't a GFCI upstream, you can use the outlet tester to check which outlet is first on the line by disconnecting one (turn off breaker, cap off the wires, turn breaker back on) and seeing if the other is still live. The GFCI receptacle will replace the first outlet, the feed wires will land on the terminal screws marked "line" (usually the top), and the wires feeding downstream devices will be landed on the terminal screws marked "load" (usually the bottom screws).
jjmoreta OP t1_ja5l0pq wrote
There are zero GFCI outlets or breakers in this house. Built in the mid-70's, no major renovations other than a really cruddy tile floor that at least was more attractive than the mustard yellow vinyl tile that was under the carpet sections I yanked.
For example, I just took down a hard-wired smoke alarm dated 1975. Who knows how long since it's worked but I'm just now getting to evaluating any electrical boxes I didn't install. The hard-wired ADT system is about to get the can. I just found the control box today (in the pantry, had always thought it went to the phone) and the battery has been disconnected for who knows how long but I'm going to search and make sure there's not a transformer plugged into an outlet somewhere (it may be long gone) before I yank stuff from the wall, tape the wires and push them into the wall so I can repair them.
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments