This video brings us back to the basics with a few added tips for inspectors testing receptacles in commercial buildings.
At 12:08 he says the GFCI is not working because it is missing a ground but just prior he states that it is “technically” (his word) working. He must be confused because we all know that GFCIs are recommended for outlets without a ground and work exactly as intended (provide proper protection). This kind of misinformation will confuse new inspectors because it is incomplete.
You can test the complete operation of an outlet with a solenoid tester as I show in this slide presentation and have a more accurate knowledge of proper wiring.
I left a shorter, similar comment on TouTube…
Agree… which is the same problem I have regarding my comment!! There is an inference that a GFI is not operational if tripped with an outside source… which is confusing!
Thank you Bob for your comment. The commercial inspector, providing inspections using the ComSOP should be testing GFCI receptacles using this standard:
6.5.8 O. and test all ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) receptacles and GFCI circuit breakers observed and deemed to be GFCIs using a GFCI tester, where possible;
The GFCI receptacles that I am referring to are those which are around water or follow the NFPA standard for wet locations and not those which may be located in older homes where grounding may not be present. The testers that most inspectors use are the small hand testers and not solenoid testers you show on your video.
I appreciate that an electrician might have a more technical testing device but in most cases an inspector will have the smaller device that was illustrated in the video. Our goal was to show how to test the GFCI receptacle using that type of testing tool as well as to show one of the more common issues. One being, the internal operation of the test/reset button working but the external source (testing tool) not tripping the receptacle.
There are times that context might be confusing or poorly articulated and if it is, we/I would gladly accept any assistance to make sure these videos are as clear and accurate as possible. Please feel free to reach out to me any time to help us through this process. My email is rob@ccpia.org.
Rob, the ungrounded GFCI should be identified with a sticker that states “No equipment ground.” These stickers are supplied with the GFCIs. To that extent the installation is incomplete. This information should ne included in the video.
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Thank you Bob. For reference, I understand the sticker and know where that reference is but, that would most likely not be present on a commercial building but rather residential. Correct?
It should be in place anytime the GFCI protected outlet does not have an equipment ground. That is what was demonstrated. The sticker would be needed commercial or residential.
Thank you. I will rescript that video to include that information. Clarity and accuracy is important. That being said, the receptacle in question was wired incorrectly to show the failure and not intentionally used to show the lack of equipment ground. This was filmed in an InterNACHI House of Horrors and not in an operational setting.