International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
|
|||||||
| Electrical Inspections Contains discussions about electrical systems. This includes receptacles, panels, wiring, etc. |
![]() |
|
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools |
|
#1
|
||||
|
||||
|
At todays inspection I had GFCI outlets on both sides of the kitchen sink. Each had it's own test/ reset buttons. Using my tester, I tested the one on the right and it worked fine. When I tested the one on the left, it tripped the one on the right. Seems like it would have tripped itself. Is this a common setup or is it a defect? When I think about it, it doesn't seem to be a problem. First time I ran into this one.
Robert Newland Tyrone, GA 30290 NACHI05101290 http://www.CertifiedHI.com http://www.HomeInspectorTyroneGa.com Home Inspection Reports Powered by: HomeGauge eServices |
| Find an InterNACHI certified Oklahoma Home Inspector (and anywhere else in North America) |
|
#2
|
||||
|
||||
|
As long as one tripped somewhere I wouldn't be concerned.
“The things that will destroy America are peace at any price, prosperity at any cost, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.” Theodore Roosevelt Joe Funderburk, CMI Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, LLC Inspecting Upstate SC & Charlotte Metro, NC NACHI ID: NACHI05120170 www.aohomeinspection.com |
|
#3
|
||||
|
||||
|
Thx Joe. It did its job
Robert Newland Tyrone, GA 30290 NACHI05101290 http://www.CertifiedHI.com http://www.HomeInspectorTyroneGa.com Home Inspection Reports Powered by: HomeGauge eServices |
|
#4
|
||||
|
||||
|
I've run into similar situations in the past. The trouble seems to be in resetting them.
“The things that will destroy America are peace at any price, prosperity at any cost, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living, and the get-rich-quick theory of life.” Theodore Roosevelt Joe Funderburk, CMI Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, LLC Inspecting Upstate SC & Charlotte Metro, NC NACHI ID: NACHI05120170 www.aohomeinspection.com |
|
#5
|
||||
|
||||
|
Probably just a brain-fart when they installed it. They just slaved a GFI off another GFI. Could've saved $10.00 and installed a regular receptacle.
Jeff Jeff Wicklander Corwick Home Services Join my business on Facebook
|
|
#6
|
||||
|
||||
|
Yep, second one is redundant. Either one could trip first when the downstream device is tested.
Chuck Evans (TREC #7657) Level III Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer (#8402) HomeCert Houston Home Inspections & Thermal Inspections Find us on Facebook Houston Thermal Inspections & Infrared Imaging Find us on Facebook Houston Home Inspector Houston, TX |
|
#7
|
||||
|
||||
|
How old is the house? With modern homes there are supposed to be 2 small appliance circuits. If there are only 2 GFCI's and they are both on the same circuit, does that mean there is only 1 circuit or is the 2nd circuit not GFCI protected or is there a 3rd GFCI in the kitchen protecting the 2nd circuit?
Stephen Stanczyk Washington State Licensed Home Inspector # 221 President, Washington Association of Property Inspectors (WAPI) (253) 241-0602 calls answered until 10pm Pierce County -Thurston County - King County - Snohomish County |
|
#8
|
||||
|
||||
|
Please Note:
rbrady is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
A tip I have learned the hard way:
If you trip a GFCI and it won't reset, there is a chance that you tripped a second, redundant GFCI upstream. If they both trip at the same time, the downstream one won't reset until the upstream one is reset. That is one reason it is best to use the test button on the receptacle instead of the one on your tester. |
|
#9
|
||||
|
||||
|
Quote:
Although most manufacturers say that this is how it should be done, I have run across many GFCI's that will "trip" with their test button, but will remain energized. IF YOUR INSPECTOR IS NOT USING THERMAL IMAGING, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THE WHOLE PICTURE ® Jeff PopeJPI Home Inspection Service Santa Clarita CA (661) 212-0738 Santa Clarita Home Inspection http://www.MyInspector.net |
|
#10
|
||||
|
||||
|
Please Note:
rbrady is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
Quote:
My main point in using the test button on the receptacle was to avoid tripping a redundent GFCI, which you may not be aware of, then trying to chase it down. I have had that happen a few times. |
|
#11
|
||||
|
||||
|
No, they don't de-energize even though the test button "trips." I understand the nuisance of redundant GFCI's, and I report them as a "nuisance."
I'm saying, make sure you've got a tester plugged into the receptacle to check for voltage - just because the internal tester trips, doesn't mean the GFCI is functional. IF YOUR INSPECTOR IS NOT USING THERMAL IMAGING, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THE WHOLE PICTURE ® Jeff PopeJPI Home Inspection Service Santa Clarita CA (661) 212-0738 Santa Clarita Home Inspection http://www.MyInspector.net |
|
#12
|
||||
|
||||
|
Please Note:
rbrady is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
Quote:
I always have my tester/indicator plugged in when I push the receptacle test button. It can make it difficult to get to the button. |
![]() |
| Thread Tools | |
|
|
Similar Threads
|
||||
| Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
| Installing GFCI in garage with no ground | cyezza | Electrical Inspections | 53 | 11/30/07 5:05 PM |
| Ungrounded GFCI | srinner | Electrical Inspections | 29 | 11/30/07 10:15 AM |
| GFCI Question | mdavis5 | Electrical Inspections | 4 | 9/12/07 8:22 PM |
| Chicago GFCI question | mthomas2 | Electrical Inspections | 10 | 8/28/07 9:37 AM |
| GFCI Question | jvogan | Electrical Inspections | 4 | 8/25/07 2:28 PM |