Mr. Badger

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#1

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


I tried your experiment icon_biggrin.gif


(don't try this at home kids )

The GFCI receptacle wasn't grounded, so obviously, the tester wouldn't trip the device, but the internal test button worked as it should. . .



So I get out my wiggy (cuz the faucet is right there ), but it didn't trip when I applied a "ground fault" from the hot conductor to the faucet



As it turned out, I didn't actually apply a ground fault as the faucet wasn't bonded to the system



If at first you don't succeed. . .



I grounded the conductor to the light fixture and it worked

So now that I've learned an additional method of "testing" the function of a GFCI receptacle, I'll be looking for the scenario we discussed in another thread.

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

#2

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


Do NOT try to test a GFCI with a bolted fault. It can destroy the GFCI.


Usually you can trip one by grounding the neutral if there is any other load on the circuit.


If you insist on grounding the hot wire, do it through a 20k resistor.

#3

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


Cool, I should say that using your wiggy to trip the GFCI is more of an indication the GFCI works it is not a ‘true’ test as the wiggy draw well above the 4 to 6 ma that is the GFCI setting.


However it can tell you if it is wired properly or if a given outlet has GFCI protection.

As Greg mentioned never ground out a GFCI with a direct connection, along with a possible fried GFCI explaining all the sparks to anyone around can be tough. ![icon_redface.gif](upload://f7DX2EWhmUfsDapWaYT3oJHMCj1.gif)

--
Bob Badger
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Moderator at ECN

#4

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


Jeff, sounds like you might be in the process of cooking one of those Zinsco’s

–
Dale Duffy


Inspect Arizona Companies Inc.

#5

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


Greg Fretwell wrote:
a bolted fault.


Greg - I've heard you use this term before. What do you mean by "bolted fault?"

--
Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
#6

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


Bolted fault


That means a dead short, as if you “bolted” the two conductors together.


Generally anytime you create a fault path that will not blow open before something else (like the breaker) opens. In the case of a GFCI, the relay inside will smoke long before the breaker operates. It can either fail open or shorted. I have had GFCIs survive but it wasn’t one of those cheap Asian deals.