polarity testing gfci with power off

[Howard Burger]

How do I test a GFI for polarity when the power is off?

Two apprentices and I recently trimmed out of about 20 offices in a clinic we're doing. Then I left town for a couple of days. While I was gone the floor was powered up and the recepts were test-checked. When I came back the lead journeyman told me there were 'quite a few' reverse polarities. I know now that I should have continuity tested the standard recepts for polarity before leaving, but is there a way to test the GFI's for polarity without powering them up? Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I'm sorry but how hard is it to match the color of the wire to the screw color on the device, or are you not using white wire?

 

[ultramegabob]

are you mis-using the term polarity for line and load? to check for line, use a continuity tester from the neutrals to ground, the one that rings out is bonded at the panel, it will go on your line side of the device....

 

[LarryFine]

Howard, you can also drag the female end of an extension cord whose male end is plugged into a known-properly-wired extension cord. Then you can check for which conductor is grounded by testing between the cord's hot slot and the circuit's wires.

Of course, if you're plugged into a GFCI-protected receptacle, it will trip with every succesful test. Can't have everything.

 

[mivey]

I'm sorry but how hard is it to match the color of the wire to the screw color on the device, or are you not using white wire?

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[Howard Burger]

Thank you Larry and ultra for your comments. And yes, Don, matching the white wire with the correct screw is pretty simple; Good mentoring opportunity for me.