Yes I tested both the top and bottom. Also there were two other receptacles in the same circuit that tested test fine. It was just this one that did not.
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Haha! I appreciate the article to learn!
This is our primary tester. We also have a three light and a proximity type.
Klein Tools RT310 AFCI and GFCI… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PMDRHXB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I don’t care for that tester simply because it uses batteries. Just another item to fail when you least expect it.
A solenoid tester is a better choice. If you can afford it an iDeal Sure test is another way to go.
Although I have an older Sure Test, both that and the Klein tester above are overkill for a Home Inspection. As HIs we are doing a visual non-invasive inspection, as you move away from that with specialized tools you can increase your client’s questions (expectations), your own errors and ultimately your liability.
Keep it Simple Stupid.
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Your non contact tester tests for the magnetic field from electricity. It can be picking up power from a wire in the box a loose wire to the receptacle terminals and power that’s less then what your plug in tester will pick up. You need to get a better plug in tester, I use one that has a screen and will show power at any voltage, has a GFCI trip button and timer to show the time it took to trip it. They are way more useful than the simple 3 light testers. I have the one in the picture and another one with a cord that they don’t sell any more.
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That makes sense. I appreciate it.
That one looks way nicer than mine. I’m thinking it might be time upgrade mine and get something that works better. I didn’t realize it, but I think mine is pretty crappy.
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This is not true! There is no magnetic field without current flow (a closed circuit with a load). You need to read the Fluke article I posted above about capacitive coupling.
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Skip it and buy a wiggy or Klein ET60 LoZ voltage tester. Those fancy looking plug in testers with the display are junk. They have a battery to go dead and they give misleading or confusing readings a lot. Do a search of the forum or Facebook to see what I mean. I bought one when they first showed up in HD and didn’t even use it for a week. The three light testers are certainly old and primitive but reliable for what they are.
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Listen up.
I appreciate it. Because now I am definitely looking for a new tool. So I think that’s the way to go!
You need to start with the basics. A solenoid tester and how to use one. All you need to do is confirm proper wiring at the outlet.
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This is fantastic.
That’s cool I guess. I don’t have time to stick a tester into each outlet three times. And with all the stuff I’m packing anyway a few extra batteries is no big deal for when I have to change the batteries every 70 or 80 inspections.
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Many don’t have time to learn. They already know everything. You are not alone.
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My point and I think what Bob is really driving at, is the battery powered tester doesn’t tell you anything particularly useful where as a low impedance tester like a wiggy does.
That klein looks cool to clients and realtors but adds little to no value. They are more likely to display confusing or erroneous readings than a traditional diode tester. It can show voltage and a time to trip for GFCIs. If you want voltage for some reason you can get that in a non battery powered model. The time to trip is well beyond our scope and frankly if you want to test for that use a better device and know the standards forwards and backwards first.
A low impedance tester is a very useful tool to have. I don’t use it in every outlet, that’s what the basic plug tester is for. The low impedance tester can check 240 receptacles, and help when a plug tester shows something “funny”. Understanding their use, even if you don’t carry one, is extremely helpful for understanding how household wiring works.
I have a pretty good understanding on how residential wiring works. I have a pretty good understanding about how commercial wiring works.
The device I use provides all the information that I need to do a proper home inspection and will fit in places where the little three light units sometimes won’t.
As for knowing everything… it’s a heavy burden.