Properly Testing GFCI Outlets

[Marc D. Shunk]

Originally Posted by tchristopher

... is there any way or need to test these GFCI (that show open ground on my tester) outlets other than with their own trip buttons & just list as GFCI outlet w/open ground.

Not without rigging something.

A note of caution on using a plug in GFCI tester on ungrounded GFCI load side receptacles....The plug in GFCI tester shunts about 6ma of current to the ground pin of the receptacle. If that receptacle is not grounded, the GFCI will not trip when using a plug in tester. HOWEVER... if that receptacle happens to be mounted in a metal box, has a metal faceplate, a metal weatherproof cover, or has conduit associated with it, those metal parts will potentially be energized with about 6ma of current. You can potentially get a handsome shock if you happen to be touching a metal part while you press that button, under the right circumstances. This can easily happen if a metal flipper lid weatherproof cover is resting against your hand while you have the tester engaged and you're pressing the button. At this test current level, 50% of people cannot let go.

[Thomas Jansson]

Originally Posted by Marc D. Shunk

50% of people cannot let go.

Thanks for the booklet, Marc. Very nice.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

T.J,

If you are speaking of downstream receptacles then just test them at the original device ( GFCI Receptacle )....to ensure those downstream are working as they should...TRIP the GFCI at the GFCI receptacle and then go check to ensure that the receptacles downstream are actually OFF....this should be all you need to do....to ensure they are working properly per the manufacturer.