Inspecting or Locating GFCI's?

[roger]

BADBRAD,
This discussion has gotten way more technical than it needs to be to answer your question. .

It wasn't me that did it, look at post #2. :grin:

Roger

 

[wptski]

I agree with your comments and may add that Ideal also recommends using their SureTest Adapter clipped to a local system ground to perform the GFCI fault leakage and trip threshold test...otherwise the 61-165 will not function in the GFCI test mode on a non-ground installation.

Just like you need ground to detect L-N reversal with a DMM/tester, so does the Ideal 61-165 too!

 

[gndrod]

Just like you need ground to detect L-N reversal with a DMM/tester, so does the Ideal 61-165 too!

Thanks Bill,

I got caught up on the other readings and I agree with you. rbj

 

[eprice]

BADBRAD,
...There may be plug-in testers that are sophisticated enough to use the grounded conductor for the test, but most rely on the grounding conductor...

I don't think that is possible for a plug in tester, no matter how sophisticated it is. The internal circuitry of the receptacle has access to the grounded conductor on the line side of the sensors and can shunt the simulated fault current there to bypass the sensors. The plug in tester on the other hand only has access to the grounded conductor on the load side of the sensors. Shunting current to the grounded conductor prong will not similute a ground fault because it will still pass through the sensor.