I was working on a house with 30 year old Leviton GFCI receptacles. Three would not trip when tested with a 6mA load. On two of them the test button did not click and did not trip the GFCI. On one GFCI the test button clicked and popped up the reset button, which could then be reset--but at no time was the power disconnected. A false test button test. All were installed correctly. Two were high usage, bath and exterior outlet, one was low usage. Do GFCIs have a replacement life?
Old GFCI becomes dangerous
- Thread starter mlnk
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stickboy1375
Senior Member
- Location
- Litchfield, CT
Educate your customers on actually testing GFCI's monthly, also, the newer GFI's dont fail in an ON position anymore, its been addressed....
stickboy1375
Senior Member
- Location
- Litchfield, CT
and with most electronic devises they tend to go bad over time
replacement life .... not sure, maybe someone else will know
svh19044
Senior Member
- Location
- Philly Suburbs
There were no previous requirements, but some manufactures chose words like "test frequently". Then a couple manufacturers (maybe Hubbel???) came out with a self testing GFCI so it was no longer needed for them.
Now, or for the past couple of years, GFCI's are required to have an EOL function. When it can no longer operate properly, it automatically trips. So as stated above, if it fails, it's in the off position.
I would think that any sort of lifespan would be negated by the various voltage surges and spikes.
Now, or for the past couple of years, GFCI's are required to have an EOL function. When it can no longer operate properly, it automatically trips. So as stated above, if it fails, it's in the off position.
I would think that any sort of lifespan would be negated by the various voltage surges and spikes.
Yes it seems that alot of the older ones do that,And they are never tested by the HO anyhow.
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
As far as I know, there is no automatic trip at end of life. There is an end of life indication and if you try to test it or it loses power you will not be able to reset it.
stickboy1375
Senior Member
- Location
- Litchfield, CT
This is why educating consumers of testing GFCI's monthly is an absolute...
svh19044
Senior Member
- Location
- Philly Suburbs
Sorry, I misworded that. Automatic trip was a poor use, when it can no longer test properly, it will trip and stay off, as in it automatically stays off at EOL. They are either required to have an automatic trip or visible (light) indicator. And I think it might be some of the P&S gfci's that have an audible indicator.
the blur
Senior Member
- Location
- cyberspace
Educating customers is fruitless. they don't care, and don't want to know about it.
stickboy1375
Senior Member
- Location
- Litchfield, CT
Well that's not educating them very well then, is it?
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