GFCI testing - outlets don't trip with tester
#1
07-22-12, 07:02 AM
GFCI testing - outlets don't trip with tester
I need some expert advice.
My daughter purchased (in April 2012) a home built in 1941, which has some updated wiring.
GFCI’s in 2nd floor bath not tripping when using tester. The wiring has been measured and is 12 AWG. The test and reset buttons on these gfci’s function ok. The breaker at the panel is 15 amp. I replaced one gfci with a 15 amp gfci.(does this present a future problem?) Still doesn’t trip. There are other devices (at other locations in the home) on this circuit and they show 14 AWG wiring.
All advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
My daughter purchased (in April 2012) a home built in 1941, which has some updated wiring.
GFCI’s in 2nd floor bath not tripping when using tester. The wiring has been measured and is 12 AWG. The test and reset buttons on these gfci’s function ok. The breaker at the panel is 15 amp. I replaced one gfci with a 15 amp gfci.(does this present a future problem?) Still doesn’t trip. There are other devices (at other locations in the home) on this circuit and they show 14 AWG wiring.
All advice would be appreciated.
Thank you.
#2
07-22-12, 07:13 AM
I replaced one gfci with a 15 amp gfci.(does this present a future problem?)
GFCI’s in 2nd floor bath not tripping when using tester.
Note it is code compliant to use GFCIs on ungrounded circuits for greater safety and where 3-prong receptacles are needed but they should have been labeled GFCI Protected - No equipment ground with labels included with the GFCI. However they do not provide a ground for devices that need a ground such as surge protectors.
Last edited by ray2047; 07-22-12 at 07:46 AM.
#3
07-22-12, 07:30 AM
GFCI testing - outlets don't trip with tester Read more: http://www.doityoursel
They appear to be grounded (after seeing the connections to the device, 2 wires plus bare ground.
Should I go back and replace the 15 amp gfci? (put the 20 amp gfci back in )
Still there must be something that does not allow my tester to trip these devices. I want to be reasonably assured that the gfci's function properly.
Should I go back and replace the 15 amp gfci? (put the 20 amp gfci back in )
Still there must be something that does not allow my tester to trip these devices. I want to be reasonably assured that the gfci's function properly.
#4
07-22-12, 07:49 AM
Member
Still there must be something that does not allow my tester to trip these devices
#5
07-22-12, 08:20 AM
Should I go back and replace the 15 amp gfci? (put the 20 amp gfci back in )
Still there must be something that does not allow my tester to trip these devices. I want to be reasonably assured that the gfci's function properly.
What do the LEDs on your plug-in tester show?
#11
07-22-12, 01:29 PM
You should have ~120 volts. Anything under 90 volts you probably don't have a good ground.
For many years NM (AKA Romex) cable has not been available without a ground so any one adding a circuit to an old original circuit would have had to used grounded cable even though there was no where to connect the ground to the original wiring.
For many years NM (AKA Romex) cable has not been available without a ground so any one adding a circuit to an old original circuit would have had to used grounded cable even though there was no where to connect the ground to the original wiring.
#13
07-22-12, 03:08 PM
will my gfci trip if needed?
A GFCI without a ground connected will not trip when tested with a plug-in, push-button tester, because that test uses the ground.
Tester shows correct alignment.
#15
07-22-12, 03:20 PM
he tester reports correct wiring. Yes, it tests for open ground, reverse, open hot, etc
#16
07-22-12, 03:30 PM
The tester reports correct wiring. Yes, it tests for open ground, reverse, open hot, etc.
connected to the line side(correctly) w/ no downstream wiring involved
To test the circuit, turn the power off and remove the GFCI. Separate the wires and turn the power back on. Use a multimeter to test for voltage between hot and neutral and between hot and ground.
#17
07-22-12, 06:34 PM
Member
Casual Joe. It's made by Commercial Electric. MS6860H.
#18
07-24-12, 06:26 AM
Member
Should I go back and replace the 15 amp gfci? (put the 20 amp gfci back in )
If you do this the GFI police will come and put you in jail.
unish:
.
#20
07-25-12, 07:49 AM
Nashkat1: I have replaced both 20 amp Gfci outlets with 15 amp Gfci tamper resistant outlets. I suspect that this issue has an improperly tied in ground wire, probably at a junction box. If I can locate this Jbox I may be able to resolve this. I also suspect that the Jbox in question is probably hidden from from sight. (definitely a no-no)
#21
07-25-12, 11:43 AM
I have replaced both 20 amp Gfci outlets with 15 amp Gfci tamper resistant outlets.
I suspect that this issue has an improperly tied in ground wire, probably at a junction box.
