Receptacle tester

[102 Inspector]

When testing a GFCI protected receptacle with a circuit tracer would it have enough trickle to trip a GFCI? I tested with a normal 3 light tester and it tested fine, but the circuit tracer trips the GFCI. Both are Ideal brand. This is a campground pedestal and it tripped both 20 amp and 30 amp plug when using the circuit tracer. Thanks for the input.

 

[mbrooke]

The only sure-fire way to test a GFCI is the test button. It manufacturer designed to pass the correct amount of current.

 

[K8MHZ]

When testing a GFCI protected receptacle with a circuit tracer would it have enough trickle to trip a GFCI? I tested with a normal 3 light tester and it tested fine, but the circuit tracer trips the GFCI. Both are Ideal brand. This is a campground pedestal and it tripped both 20 amp and 30 amp plug when using the circuit tracer. Thanks for the input.

If you have a tracer that has one lead connected to the EGC and the other to the hot wire, yes it's possible the tracer will trip the GFCI. Try moving the lead from the EGC to the neutral.

 

[kwired]

If you have a tracer that has one lead connected to the EGC and the other to the hot wire, yes it's possible the tracer will trip the GFCI. Try moving the lead from the EGC to the neutral.

Exacttly - my Greenlee circuit tracer draws enough current to trip GFCI if you connect it from GFCI to a return path not passing through the GFCI. If you must eliminate return from canceling your signal you must find a way to connect ahead of the GFCI.

 

[102 Inspector]

The circuit tester trips the GFCI breaker, but a regular 3-light tester shows it is fine. Just making sure that there is not a problem with the circuit. This is a brand new pedestal, but I know how particular some campers are about what the plug into. Trying to make sure there is not a problem before campground opens up. Thanks for the comments.