TR GFCI Receptacle

I’ve never run into this situation before on an apparent new TR GFCI receptacle.
I could not get the 3-light tester (tried 2 different testers) to insert into the receptacle… a little too resistant

2 Likes

the picture would indicate your leaning to 1 side…..upon insertion

Every now and again I encounter cranky TR outlets, seems to be the ones rarely used, stiff shutter or spring apparently.

3 Likes

That was just for the Photo!
I was wondering if someone would notice that nice catch :face_with_monocle:

1 Like

I am not a fan of TR receptacles. Sometimes you get one that is almost impossible to get a plug into!

6 Likes

It (difficult to use outlets) seems to happen in waves. Sometimes a house will be full of them. “wiggling” the tester seems to help… sometimes.

2 Likes

I have heard from others, and it sometimes seems to me that…
The pin configuration (polarity) of a polarized two-prong plug that matters for safety, and the design of tamper-resistant (TR) outlets facilitates this by accepting the plug only in the correct orientation.
IMO, this is why we sometimes have difficulty with our 3-prong testers, as they typically do not have a polarized prong, which the TR feature is attempting to reject, thinking you are a small child with a butter knife!!

4 Likes

I’ve found that wiggling the plug constantly when trying to insert it into the TR receptacles help getting it in on the Hard to enter ones. Repeat a few times and the TR mechanism loosens enough to work normally. Occasionally, you’ll find that no matter what you do you cannot plug in to the TR receptacle. No choice but to replace these receptacles since something screwed up with the TR mechanism at the factory

2 Likes

…Or the previous inspector before you!!

1 Like

The worst are some exterior receptacles where the flaps prevent you from getting a straight shot at it…. let alone being able to wiggle to get it in.

5 Likes

Morning, Neil. Hope to find you well.

I have had that happen in new or newly erected buildings. Tamper-resistant (TR) outlets.

Cuase: Likely due to the outlet being tamper-resistant type.
#1: Push both buttons to reset.
#2: Internal spring-loaded shutters require prongs be inserted evenly and simultaneously. A slight wiggling can help engage new or stiff mechanisms to operate.
#3: Debris inside slot/s. Wiggle & push plug to dislodge any debris or free the shutters. I used liquid air, to clean PC parts, to blow out debris.

1 Like

That was this one for sure. No problems with others throughout the house as this was a flip and no one has lived in the home since the upgrades.

Is that what she said? :thinking:

Ran into a new type of TR receptacle cover I have never seen before. I like it. You just use the prong of the plug to slide the cover over. Cover is spring loaded.

5 Likes

Those have been around a while for child proofing older receptacles. Unfortunately they cannot be used in lieu of the TR receptacle in locations that require tamper resistant receptacles.

2 Likes

Wondering if it’s a regional thing…. I’ve seen a lot of those over the years. Not in new builds or in a whole house but as a homeowner install.

2 Likes

My WAG is a Momma Bear thing. :man_shrugging:

2 Likes

1 Like

Confirmed.

Dad’s give you screwdriver and tell you not to stick in the socket… then when you get zapped “I told you not to do that” :rofl:

Wouldn’t take long for a kid to figure out how to defeat that cover. Next to worthless.

2 Likes