GFCI Testing

[jgentry]

How often should GFCI Outlets be tested for proper operation? I work at a very large site with multiple buildings and hundreds of GFCI outlets installed. We are trying to establish a routine PM of GFCI outlets but did not know if there was a recommended or required frequency to do this.

 

[raider1]

The manufactures instructions should tell you haw often to test the receptacle, and how, each one might be different.

The ones that I remember off the top of my head are every month.

Chris

 

[muskiedog]

We have added them to our departmental monthly inspection of fire extinguishers, emergency lights etc..

At least the should be done annually. I check everyone I come across during my annuals and I fined a few everytime.

 

[bphgravity]

Muskiedog and Chris have good advise. Not only should they be routinely be tested but they should be tested just before being used. I remembering reading and article a few months ago in EC magazine about a case where a worker was injured (shocked) by an cord-and-plug connected appliance and upon investigation it was determined the gfci device was malfunctioning. The facility where the event took place had an established monthly testing procedure however the user did not perform a test of the gfci operation before use.

I believe OSHA indicated that the monthly testing procedure should also include provisions that testing of the gfci should also be performed before use of gfci protected receptacles.