Originally Posted By: dmetzler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I was testing a GFCI outlet in a bathroom with a GFCI tester and when I pushed the button to trip the circuit, it tripped at the main breaker, not the GFCI rectacle. Is this a hazard? Does it mean the GFCI outlet is not functioning properly and should be replaced?
Originally Posted By: kmcmahon This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Same thing happened to me today also with a combo gfci outlet & gfci breaker…they doubled up when it wasn’t needed. As long as it did what it was supposed to do I don’t see the problem with it.
Originally Posted By: dmetzler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It was the main SERVICE panel, not the main breaker, and it was on a GFCI breaker. Does it really matter where it trips other than convenience of resetting a recepticle vs having to go the panel?
Originally Posted By: pdickerson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I frequently see redundant GFCI protection. There is nothing wrong with it that I am aware of. It may be a sign of Harry Homeowner at work, so be on the lookout for more of his fanciwork.
Originally Posted By: Jay Moge This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
if you have a gfci outlet on a gfci breaker, the outlet will trip the breaker, but testing the breaker will not trip the outlet. it is redundent and inconveniant, and unneeded. besides the fact that if the outlet trips you have to reset both, there is no hazard. if it is not a gfci breaker and it tripped, that’s an indication that the outlet is wired wrong.
Originally Posted By: pabernathy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Now as a HI and a EC I look at this in many ways but it is I guess my main concern is that most new home owners hardly ever go in their panel and really do not know what breakers are beyond the “things they flip” to reset their errors…lol
But having the redundancy causes many calls sometimes to electricians when the people say....the button tripped on the GFCI but I can't reset it and they do not even think to go to the panel...trust me I had that call the other day......cost me time on the phone to explain it...
So....the short of that story is...if you notice a redundancy like that go out of the way to atleast explain it to the buyer so they know where BOTH reset features are.....just a courtesy is all...
But on the HI side.....not really a hazzard or anything I would report as such.
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