testing GFCI recepticles

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All the NEC is going to say on the subject is that we must install and use equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. All the instructions are going to say is to push the test button from time to time. I really think that is all there is to it.

Welcome to the forum.
 
charlie b said:
All the NEC is going to say on the subject is that we must install and use equipment in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. All the instructions are going to say is to push the test button from time to time. I really think that is all there is to it.

Welcome to the forum.
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Monthly, to be exact. I would bet the manufacturer would say that pushing the test button on the GFI it self is the only proper way to test them, not the use of hand held plug in testers.:D
I recommend the method of put your toe on cold water line and your tongue on the hot conductor ( Warning may cause some discomfort ):D
 
Welcome to the forum.:)

I agree with the others, the only NEC code section that would apply would be 110.3(B).

Chris
 
110.3(B). Plug in testers do not properly test a GFCI. They trip hot to ground and won't work if there is no ground.
 
Use the test button and test per manufacturers specs. Off the subject a little if I remember correctly from a seminar that I was at a UL rep said that a gfic receptacle is tested for 6000 resets.
 
This is where my old wiggy comes in handy. Upon installation I check with my wiggy first, H-N then H-G. H-G should cause it to trip. Then as I reset I will hit the test button on the device itself.

Charlie
 
charlie k. said:
This is where my old wiggy comes in handy. Upon installation I check with my wiggy first, H-N then H-G. H-G should cause it to trip. Then as I reset I will hit the test button on the device itself.

Charlie
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I have done the same thing to verify the wiring connections but it really does not test the GFCI because the wiggys applied much higher current then a GFCI should trip at.

The test button is a true and reliable means to test the GFCI.
 
I was told that if you put a gfci down stream (load side) from another gfci, that they would not work right. I have never done it cause if you have one gfci then you dont need the 2 as the first would protect the down stream receptacle, but just for the sake of arguement have anyone ever seen this or heard of this?? sounds like an ole wives tale.
 
brother said:
I was told that if you put a gfci down stream (load side) from another gfci, that they would not work right. I have never done it cause if you have one gfci then you dont need the 2 as the first would protect the down stream receptacle, but just for the sake of arguement have anyone ever seen this or heard of this?? sounds like an ole wives tale.
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The original GFCI receptacles used to have that problem.... one or the other would trip. But you needed a good length of wire between them. I noticed 200' was a benchmark length. Beyond that, you could expect trouble. AFAIK, the new ones don't have that problem.
 
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