The Leviton GUAC1-W combines GFCI protection with modern USB charging capabilities, offering a practical solution for bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas requiring ground fault protection. While the device delivers on functionality with its dual USB ports and reliable GFCI protection, its unusually deep dimensions and pigtail wiring system present significant installation challenges that may require electrical box modifications for many users. This review examines the product’s features, installation process, performance, and overall value to help determine if this premium outlet is right for your needs.
Introduction
In today’s connected world, USB charging ports have become essential in our living spaces. The Leviton GUAC1-W SmartlockPro Self-Test GFCI Combination outlet attempts to solve multiple problems at once: providing mandated ground fault protection in wet locations while eliminating the need for bulky charging adapters. As a premium offering from an established electrical brand, this device promises convenience and safety in one package.
Design and Build Quality
Physical Characteristics
The Leviton GUAC1-W features a clean white design with standard duplex outlets plus USB-A and USB-C charging ports. The unit includes a green indicator light at the bottom that shows when the outlet is powered and functioning properly. The overall appearance is professional and modern, matching other Leviton products for consistent aesthetics throughout your home.
The most striking physical aspect of this outlet, mentioned repeatedly across user feedback, is its substantial depth – measuring approximately 1.75 inches from the yoke. This dimension makes it nearly twice as deep as a standard GFCI outlet, which has significant implications for installation that we’ll explore further.
Build Quality and Materials
The device itself is solidly built, with tight USB ports and receptacles that provide secure connections. Leviton is known as an “extremely reputable brand” in electrical components, and the quality of materials reflects this reputation. The plastic housing feels durable, and the electrical components appear to be well-engineered.
The outlet includes thick wires comparable to 12-gauge household wiring, ensuring safe power handling. The test and reset buttons have a solid feel when pressed, providing tactile confirmation of operation.
Features and Specifications
GFCI Functionality
The outlet is rated for 15 amps at 120 volts (Model: GUAC1), providing standard household electrical capacity. The self-testing GFCI feature automatically checks the ground fault protection circuit at regular intervals, maintaining safety without manual testing (though a manual test button is included).
The outlet provides downstream protection to additional outlets when using the load terminals, allowing a single GFCI to protect multiple points in a circuit. This is particularly valuable in kitchens or bathrooms with multiple outlets.
USB Charging Capabilities
The USB-C port provides up to 15 watts of charging power, while the USB-A port delivers up to 9 watts. This charging capacity is sufficient for smartphones and tablets but, as one reviewer notes, “is not powerful enough to charge a laptop.” For those needing laptop charging, outlets offering 60W or higher would be necessary.
User experiences with charging speeds vary, with some finding them adequate and others describing them as “ridiculously slow” compared to dedicated charging blocks. This discrepancy likely depends on the devices being charged and user expectations.
Installation Process
Space Requirements
Installation poses the greatest challenge for this product due to its exceptional depth and wiring configuration. Multiple users report that the outlet protrudes from standard electrical boxes, sometimes by as much as 1/4 inch beyond the wall.
The consensus among reviewers is that an “EXTRA DEEP ELECTRICAL BOX” is needed, though this critical requirement is not prominently mentioned in product listings. One reviewer notes that verification of box depth should be done before purchasing – particularly important for older homes with shallower electrical boxes.
Some users found solutions by upgrading to 2-gang boxes or using 4-inch boxes with mud rings, but these modifications add significantly to the complexity and cost of installation.
Wiring Configuration
Unlike traditional outlets with screw terminals, this model uses pre-attached pigtail leads that require wire nuts for connections. There are five such pigtails: line (hot and neutral), load (hot and neutral), and ground.
This design decision is frequently criticized as it requires additional wire nuts that consume precious space within the already-crowded box. Many reviewers express confusion about why Leviton chose this approach rather than standard screw terminals, which would save considerable space.
Installation Tips
For those determined to install this outlet, reviewers offer several practical suggestions:
- Use Wago lever nuts instead of traditional wire nuts to save space
- Cut the pigtails as short as possible while maintaining safe connections
- Position the Wago connectors flat against the back of the outlet
- Consider removing unused cable restraints in the electrical box for additional space
- Use smaller wire nuts than the yellow ones included with the product
If the outlet is at the end of a circuit run, capping unused load wires can save additional space.
Performance
Electrical Function
When properly installed, the GFCI functionality works as expected, with the test and reset buttons operating normally. Some users report replacing older GFCI outlets that frequently tripped with this model and experiencing improved reliability.
The tamper-resistant feature of the outlets provides additional safety, though some note that this makes inserting plugs more difficult initially. This resistance typically diminishes with use.
USB Charging Performance
The USB charging capabilities receive mixed reviews. While functional, the charging speed is consistently described as slower than dedicated charging blocks. One user running actual measurements found only 5 watts of power from the USB-C port, significantly below the advertised 15 watts.
Another reviewer noted that their HomePod mini (which requires close to 20 watts) would flash orange to indicate insufficient power when connected to this outlet’s USB-C port. This suggests the actual power delivery may be below specifications in some units.
For everyday device charging of phones and tablets, most users find the USB ports adequate, if not particularly fast. The convenience of always having charging ports available without adapters remains a significant benefit.
Durability Concerns
Several reviews mention durability issues, particularly with the USB ports failing after a period of use ranging from two months to one year. One reviewer reported that all their USB ports stopped working after about a year of use.
Some users experienced repeated failures across multiple units, suggesting possible quality control issues. However, it’s worth noting that this represents a minority of reviewers, with most reporting reliable operation.
Value Assessment
Price Considerations
With a typical retail price between $30-40, and sometimes higher, this outlet represents a premium investment compared to standard GFCI outlets. Some reviewers explicitly state they wouldn’t purchase it again unless the price dropped to around $20.
When factoring in potential electrical box modifications and the time required for installation, the total cost can be substantially higher than the product price alone.
Benefits and Tradeoffs
The primary benefits include:
- Combined GFCI protection and USB charging
- Elimination of bulky charging adapters
- Clean, integrated appearance
- Reputable brand reliability
The significant tradeoffs involve:
- Installation difficulties due to depth
- Space-consuming pigtail wiring system
- Slower charging than dedicated adapters
- Premium price point
Comparison to Alternatives
Multiple reviewers mention alternatives from brands like Legrand that offer similar functionality but with standard screw terminals rather than pigtails. The non-GFCI versions of Leviton’s own USB outlets also use screw terminals, making them much easier to install.
Some users recommend purchasing electrical components from physical stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s rather than online, citing higher failure rates in online-purchased electrical components. This observation, while anecdotal, appeared in several reviews.
Ideal Use Cases
This outlet is best suited for:
- New construction where deep electrical boxes can be specified
- Renovations where electrical boxes are being replaced
- Locations with minimal wiring (single cable entries)
- Areas where both GFCI protection and USB charging are necessary
- Users with sufficient electrical expertise to handle complex installations
It’s less suitable for:
- Older homes with standard-depth boxes
- DIY installers with limited electrical experience
- Locations with multiple cables entering the box
- Applications requiring fast charging for modern devices
Installation Process Detailed
For those planning to install this outlet, here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect:
- Preparation: Verify your electrical box depth (minimum 3-3.5″ recommended). Purchase additional wire nuts or Wago connectors as needed.
- Power Off: Shut off power to the circuit at the breaker panel and verify with a voltage tester.
- Remove Existing Outlet: Disconnect and remove the current outlet.
- Identify Wires: Determine which wires are line (power source) and which are load (downstream outlets, if any).
- Connect Line Wires: Connect the black (hot) line wire to the black line pigtail from the outlet. Connect the white (neutral) line wire to the white line pigtail. Use wire nuts or Wago connectors.
- Connect Load Wires (if needed): If protecting downstream outlets, connect the black and white load wires to the corresponding pigtails. Otherwise, cap these wires individually.
- Connect Ground: Connect the ground wire to the green ground pigtail.
- Arrange Wires: Carefully fold and position the wires and connectors in the back of the box. This is typically the most challenging step and may require several attempts.
- Mount Outlet: Secure the outlet to the box with the provided screws.
- Install Faceplate: Attach the wall plate (not included with the product).
- Test: Restore power, press the RESET button, and verify the green indicator light is on. Test the GFCI function by pressing the TEST button.
Common Problems and Solutions
Installation Issues
Problem: Outlet won’t fit in the electrical box. Solution: Consider upgrading to a deeper box, using a box extender, or switching to a 2-gang box with an adapter plate.
Problem: Too many wire nuts to fit in the box. Solution: Use Wago lever connectors which take up less space, and position them flat against the back of the outlet.
Problem: Faceplate won’t sit flush against the wall. Solution: Some users report using picture frames or similar solutions to hide gaps. Box extenders can also help in some cases.
Performance Issues
Problem: USB ports stop working after a period of use. Solution: Contact Leviton for warranty service, though some users report difficulty getting timely responses.
Problem: GFCI won’t reset or trips frequently. Solution: Ensure proper wiring connections; if problems persist, the unit may be defective and require replacement.
Final Verdict
The Leviton GUAC1-W SmartlockPro Self-Test GFCI with USB-A and USB-C represents an innovative combination of safety and convenience features that, in theory, should be a perfect solution for modern homes. In practice, however, the execution falls short due to the challenging installation requirements and questionable design decisions.
Pros:
- Combines GFCI protection with USB charging
- Eliminates need for separate charging adapters
- Solid build quality from a reputable brand
- Self-testing GFCI feature enhances safety
- Clean, integrated appearance when properly installed
Cons:
- Exceptionally deep design requires oversized electrical boxes
- Pigtail wiring system creates unnecessary space challenges
- USB charging speeds slower than dedicated adapters
- Relatively high price point
- Some durability concerns, particularly with USB functionality
- No wall plate included despite premium price
Overall Rating: 3/5 ★★★☆☆
The Leviton GUAC1-W delivers on its core promise of combining GFCI protection with USB charging, but its physical design creates substantial installation headaches that could have been avoided with better engineering. For new construction or major renovations where deep boxes can be specified, it provides a clean, integrated solution. For typical retrofit applications in existing homes, however, the installation challenges may outweigh the benefits for many users.
For those willing to tackle the installation complexity and who don’t require the fastest charging speeds, this outlet does provide the convenience of always-available USB charging in GFCI-protected areas. Others may be better served by standard GFCI outlets paired with quality plug-in USB adapters, or by exploring alternative brands that offer similar functionality with more installation-friendly designs.
This product demonstrates that combining multiple technologies in a single device sometimes results in compromises that affect usability. Future iterations would benefit greatly from a redesign that maintains the excellent electrical functionality while addressing the physical installation challenges that have frustrated so many users.
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