Does plug in test of GFCI void manf wrrnty

[cduphily]

Originally Posted by jwickline

I had an electrician recently inform me that using a plug in tester to check GFCI receptacle function will void the warranty on the receptacles or breakers? Anyone hear of this one?

John Wickline
JW Home Inspections, Inc.
Hilton Head, SC
JWINspect@hargray.com

If that was the case then testing outdoor/kitchen receptacles that are protected down stream of a GFCI would also "void the warranty". Quite a few sparkies are installing 1 GFCI to protect 2-4 receptacles downstream.

If a GFCI receptacle is present I (usually) use the test button on that particular receptacle. If I see a non-GFCI receptacle I'm hitting the button on my tester. As Bob said ... "it's like popping bubble wrap" sometimes I just gotta pop it.

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by bwiley

Our Home Depots are full of out of work electricians, plumbers, etc.!

I use the test button on my little plug in tester, but not at the GFCI itself. I don't know another way to test the downstream receptacles to see if they are GFCI protected.

Blaine:

Try testing this way, take a volt meter and test between the small slot on the right side which is the hot leg and then to the screw holding the plate, if that screw is of metal, the GFCI will trip, I just tried that in my own bathroom.

[Blaine Wiley]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Blaine:

Try testing this way, take a volt meter and test between the small slot on the right side which is the hot leg and then to the screw holding the plate, if that screw is of metal, the GFCI will trip, I just tried that in my own bathroom.

Isn't that doing the same thing as the button, shorting to ground?

[Richard A. Moran, 2nd]

If the camera-in-the-GFCI is true I am going to start taking a shower with my clothes on.

Dick

[jtedesco1]

Originally Posted by bwiley

Isn't that doing the same thing as the button, shorting to ground?

This test will identify the energized ungrounded "hot" conductor "small slot" and the equipment ground at the 6/ 32 screw, or you could touch the tester's prong to the sink's metal handle.

[Marc Benz]

Originally Posted by jtedesco1

Blaine:

Try testing this way, take a volt meter and test between the small slot on the right side which is the hot leg and then to the screw holding the plate, if that screw is of metal, the GFCI will trip, I just tried that in my own bathroom.

Humm Excuse me Joe.,,

But what type of voltmeter did you used to test this one ???

the reason why i ask you because some of the voltmeter dont draw engouh current to trip the GFCI at all. escpally this is true with DVM [ digtail voltmeter].

Merci, Marc

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by Marc Benz

Humm Excuse me Joe.,,

I agree. That won't work with any of my digital meters. Wiggy yes, digital meter, no.

[jtedesco1]

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