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Step 4Assemble the Relay and Outlet
You're almost there! You need to attach the relay and the outlet to the extension cord you just prepared. Something to remember here is to thread the extension cord through the nail mount housing before you attach it to the relay and the plug. This is expecially important if you intend to solder the hot wire to the relay board. Remember, I decided against this in case I wanted to re-use the relays at a later time and instead used the screw terminals.
The GFCI outlet is the most important part of this entire apparatus. The reason you're using this instead of a different outlet is that it may protect your life in the case of an over-voltage event. For this reason I recommend that you actually take the time to read the manual that came with your outlet before connecting the wires.
I was fortunate that my outlet had color coded screw terminals on it. On mine the ground plug screw was green (for ground), the hot wire attached to the brass screw, and the neutral wire to the silver screw. Also, my wires connected through holes in the back of my outlet plug, not the exterior. I can't help you with your outlet, so again read the instructions.
Finally, cut three six inch pieces of 22-guage wire. I chose three different colors so I could distinguish them when hooking them up to my microcontroller. I suggest you do the same thing. Also, don't get them backward. I made two of these and accidentally hooked up the ground and +5V lines in the opposite position. It didn't hurt anything but I had to take the whole thing apart just to reconect the lines properly.
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ACTUALLY, the reason for using a G round F ault C ircuit I nterrupter is because it will trip (and possibly save your life) during GROUND FAULT conditions.
More info at "How Stuff Works" http://home.howstuffworks.com/question117.htm