Faulty GFCI's?

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#1

Originally Posted By: jpope
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On an inspection today, I found six of these that I could easily reset improperly. This home was only two years old icon_confused.gif




--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738

#2

Originally Posted By: tallen
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Did you pull the cover plate on at leaste 1 of them to see how or if the neutral was landed? Point is they might have conected the N to the load side? Hot on the line Nuetral on the load? Or I could be wrong icon_wink.gif

–
I have put the past behind me,


where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.


www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
#3

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


No Todd. These were wired properly. They would RESET improperly. The reset button would go in at an angel causing this condition.

–
Jeff Pope


JPI Home Inspection Service


“At JPI, we’ll help you look better”


(661) 212-0738

#4

Originally Posted By: tallen
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Sorry, I missread your question. I still say that if all 6 did the same thing there is a wiring problem. Where is Mike , Bob and Joe when you need them? icon_smile.gif


Did the rest of the outlets test OK?


What did you report? Bad GFCI's??

--
I have put the past behind me,
where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.

www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005

#5

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jeff,


That is a problem inspectors in my area found and reported to Leviton and other manufacturers.

A study was financed (partially by Leviton) and it turns out that about 80% of the older GFCIs were defective in various ways. One of those ways is that they reset with reverse polarity.

The new GFCI requirements are a result of some of the results of that study.

Now, when a GFCI is not wired properly (line / load reversed) and / or defective, there are internal protections against resetting incorrectly. Leviton has a 'Lock Out' system in that it will not reset unless it is wired properly and unless it resets properly.

There is but one solution - replace those defective GFCIs.

By-the-way ... get a GOOD tester. YOU ... ARE ... A ... PROFESSIONAL, don't use those cheap homeowner night lights (that is about what they are good for), they are unreliable and short lived for our use.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

#6

Originally Posted By: tallen
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


6 bad gfci’s in 1 home ? Is there a recall?

–
I have put the past behind me,


where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.


www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
#7

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Todd,


No recall, just new and improved standards they now must meet.

They were even allowed to ship stock and sell warehoused units. The new standard only effected new ones manufactured after the cut off date (of which I am drawing a mental blank right now).

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

#8

Originally Posted By: tallen
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


So Jeff found 6 bad ones in a 2 year old home? That is bad icon_eek.gif

–
I have put the past behind me,


where , however, it now sits, making rude remarks.


www.whiteglovehomeinspections.net

30 Oct 2003-- 29 Nov2005
#9

Originally Posted By: rwashington
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry, what is a good type of tester and what is the cost? [/quote]

–
Richard W Washington


www.rwhomeinspections.com

#10

Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Harbor “Fright” is selling “old standard” GFCIs for about $5. They look like a Leviton but no name on them.

#11

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Richard,


Go to the Members Only section, scroll down, click on this thread.

Suretest 61-155

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

#12

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


tallen wrote:
What did you report? Bad GFCI's??


I reported them as DEFECTIVE GFCI's that tested to be "vulnerable to improper resetting."

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
#13

Originally Posted By: jpope
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


jpeck wrote:
A study was financed (partially by Leviton) and it turns out that about 80% of the older GFCIs were defective in various ways. One of those ways is that they reset with reverse polarity.

The new GFCI requirements are a result of some of the results of that study.


Jerry,

Do you know where I can see the study and results? I am having a bit of an issue with a homeowner on another property where I found this same problem.

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
#14

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


They are not defective. I mean they still work.


The old style will "half engage", my words.

Just fully press, depress, or reset the GFCI.

Mike P.

#15

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


PS


If they will not reset replace tham.

My above post was to let you know what 'might' happen.

You do not want a sparky to come in and say that the HI does not know how to reset GFCI's.

That said, the new GFCI's will 'lock' you out if they are bad.

Mike P.

#16

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Mike Parks wrote:
They are not defective. I mean they still work.

The old style will "half engage", my words.

Just fully press, depress, or reset the GFCI.

Mike P.


"They are not defective."

They sure are. No "half engaging" about it, they reset "reserved polarity" (usually).

ABSOLUTELY DEFECTIVE.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
#17

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Mike Parks wrote:
PS

If they will not reset replace tham.

My above post was to let you know what 'might' happen.

You do not want a sparky to come in and say that the HI does not know how to reset GFCI's.

That said, the new GFCI's will 'lock' you out if they are bad.

Mike P.


Mike,

I hate to take issue with two of your posts in a row, but I must.

"You do not want a sparky to come in and say that the HI does not know how to reset GFCI's."???? This would be one for the books - mark the date and time - it is the ELECTRICIAN who does not know a defective GFCI when he sees one.

A GFCI must reset - PROPERLY - each and every time, and there should be ONLY ONE WAY to reset a GFCI. IF there is more than one way, the GFCI is defective.

If you came after me and said that, you would be coming BACK OUT to replace it, and probably at no charge, because you SHOULD HAVE replaced it when you were there the first time.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
#18

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jeff,


Steve Campolo
SCampolo@leviton.com

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

#19

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry


Please, I know that you are not trying to insult me. Always question what I posted.

What i am saying is ??have you ever reset a GFCI and it did not engage??

The GFCI is still working (for protection) but not functioning per the manufactures specs.

Is it defective or is the person resetting it only pushing in one side of the reset?

This is common with the first generation GFCI's.

Would I replace them yes. Is it a safety hazard no.

Mike P.

#20

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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jpeck wrote:

"They are not defective."

They sure are. No "half engaging" about it, they reset "reserved polarity" (usually).

ABSOLUTELY DEFECTIVE.


Jerry:

Any correspondence or Bulletins from Levitron to support your allegation of being defective??

--
Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.