GFCI not testing properly

[David C. Macy]

Is it just me or other insectors running into this type of situation.

As you all know we are required to test the GFCI's.

I test the GFCI which has been working (Power only) and then it fails to reset.

Not many people test the GFCI's.

Twice this week I have had this happen.

Lucily this time the sellers understand and arent making me pay for the repairs.

The one house had both bathrooms on the one GFCI and now they have no power in the bathroom.

Once I had a lady call the BBB on me and that is my only complaint with the BBB. That cost me about $50.

Another time I had the listing agent wanting me to pay $150 for spoiling all the food in the refrigerator(It was on a GFCI circuit) I ended up paying $75 for this one.

So are other inspectors having this issue?

How would your disclaimers cover the issue with the seller being pissed because YOU BROKE the Damm thing!!!

I am only doing my job.


Thanks

Dave

[Doug Edwards]

Dave,
One cause for this (not being to reset the GFCI) is that the line and load lines are reversed. I think since 2003 the manufacturers have built this into the GFCIs to prevent use once the device has been tripped. I don't know and you didn't say how old these homes were. One possible explanation. There is always the "failed on testing" disclaimer that some use. Often GFCI receptacles sit for years w/o anyone ever testing them to see if they are functioning as a safety device and they can seize up and not work as intended. People figure as long as whatever is plugged in is working it must be fine. I have had GFCIs not work at first but after tripping and resetting (not in rapid sucession) several times they did then work normally. Hope this helps. Im sure someone will come along and tell me Im full of crap now. Seems to be the trend lately. Hope this helps you.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

You're full of crap Doug . Now that we've got that out of the way. . .

It may be that there is an additional GFCI upstream that you didn't locate. That would be my first inclination.

The lock-out type that Doug was referring to, won't allow the circuit to be reset if it is not wired properly, or if there is no current at the receptacle. However, if it is not wired properly, it would not have worked to begin with (these generally come from the factory in the "tripped" position).

[Doug Edwards]

Jeff,
Thanks, I knew someone would help me out on my prediction.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Even though Doug is full of crap, the standard disclaimer of "failed under normal testing" is what I use as well.

P.S.

I don't really think Doug is full of crap.

[Richard L. Bennett]

Jeff

This has been a requirement that I have required in some telecom centers that I have been a project manager at. So I know that some GFCI are out there that will not reset if wired incorrectly.

Never caught one wired wrong

I do agree that this MIGHT not be the problem

I will try to get more info for all

rlb

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by rbennett

So I know that some GFCI are out there that will not reset if wired incorrectly.

That's what I said (didn't I?).

If the factory sends it out already set (in the closed position), and it gets wired improperly, it will not reset after testing (it will remain open). Most of these "lock-out" type come from the factory in the open position. If it's wired improperly, it will never work.

[tpope]

Originally Posted by jpope

It may be that there is an additional GFCI upstream that you didn't locate. That would be my first inclination.

Yep. That's exactly what happended to me today. Tripped the bathroom one, then couldn't get it to reset. Luckily, I found one in the garage behind a bookcase. Reset this one, then was able to get the bathroom reset as well. The garage had a fridge full of cold beer. Thank goodness I found it! (The gfci that is)

[Doug Edwards]

I can see it now. Homeowner comes home to find the HI cooling his heels in the garage with numerous empties on the floor around his feet. "Sorry, I had to drink em before they all got hot and turned skunky on ya."

P.S.
I don't think Jeff is full of crap either.

[Richard L. Bennett]

Jeff

Sorry I just can't read. Wonder what will happen if one were to reset it with the power off at the breaker??

I will have to go play with one sometime.

I had to re-read your post twice - what lead me left of center was the statement that Doug was full of crap -- thus his statement that the miswiring could not cause the problem. I knew that part was wrong thus the rest was right. Or something like that.

I know now that what you said is correct (I think) - Doug is not full of crap

Do you have any additional information on this new GFCI?

rlb

[senomoto]

Sometime a little detective work is needed. I've found GFCi outlets in series and you had to reset two before the third was able to be reset. Told the owner about it he said. As long as he knows it didn't bother him.

What happens when you sell.

[William J. Decker]

"You're full of crap Doug . Now that we've got that out of the way. . ."

Careful, Jeff. This could be a violation of the COE. Defaming another member.

I don't say that it is, but you never know how one could 'interpret' it given the vague writing.

[Doug Edwards]

I am not offended by Jeff's obvious good sense of humor. Lord knows we could use a little more of it around the bb lately. Besides my wife has been known to utter those words albeit under her breath and usually when she thinks I can't hear her. There will not be any forthcoming tirades or any hobo fits from me. Carry on, smoke if you got em.

[William J. Decker]

Doug, and Jeff;

Don't get me wrong, please!

I am not suggesting such is the case, only that [U]some[U] could take it that way.

Personally, I would be honored of Jeff said I was full of crap.

[Doug Edwards]

Will,
I knew you were kidding, just like I knew Jeff was. No worries. Now, back to work. I am just putting the finishing touches on a report. I took a short break to clear my mind. I did a home on Saturday that defied discription. Five old fuse panels if that gives you a clue. And that was the good part.