Common mistake with plug-in testers

[@shawnpitman876]

No useless information, no life story, no pretentious rambling. You're a breath of fresh air sir.

[@Brian-py9rf]

Yea seriously.

[@donh6416]

Code also requires that when replaceing a 2 wire (no ground) receptacle with a 3 terminal receptacle, the outlet must be identified with labeling to indicate "No equipment ground".

[@Trollnatioon]

Yessir . Good info bossman.

[@CJRock-xn5qf]

AND any downstream receptacles also protected by the GFCI device.

[@okaro6595]

Yes, the label tells that you should expect open ground from a tester and will not treat it as an error. Some people are so worried of the open ground that they resort to tricks.

[@outsider344]

There a professional looking way to do that label? I've only ever seen people do it with crappy stickers.

[@rupe53]

@@outsider344 Those stickers are approved by NEC.

[@FreezerBurn.]

Let’s be real. No one is reading the back of that unless it’s plugged in upside down. Great info!!👍. I learned something valuable today.

[@lidlett9883]

That is why there are stickers saying "No Ground connected/No ground source "

[@Straigo]

I can across your channel just 2 nights ago and this has quickly became the best electrician channel on KZbin that I’ve come across. So much good info. As one who uses these probably more than the average electrician, I really appreciate your videos on multi wire branch circuits.

[@oceanricky261]

Your explanations are so good and informative

[@jp34604]

I learned so much from you with so few words. Perfect no fluff thanks

[@GailsonPvPwtf]

This is because the GFI tester works by connecting the hot to the ground through a resistor which allows a tiny amount of current to pass through to the equipment ground. If that equipment ground isn't there or isn't making an actual connection to ground it will not trip.

[@MichaelEvanick-de2tw]

Finally an electrician that speaks common sense and not recite code books! I have been working on old houses for decades and troubleshooting them! I can appreciate honesty!

[@sqooot]

As a new electrician apprentice in my second career after a decade of doing something entirely unrelated, I really value your channel and your knowledge you pass along. Thank you

[@AzeveidoMateus]

Also if you have a 60’s home with those shallow metal boxes, Leviton makes these low profile gfcis that are a lot easier to fit without straining the conductors. Or even if you don’t have shallow boxes and you just want some extra space.

[@tom73055]

The ceiling electrical to the light looks like it might pass code . LOL T. hanks i enjoy and learn a few things while watching you

[@teryncromer7560]

You just solved an issue for me that I had last weekend. Thank you sir!

[@marvinhamilton562]

Excellent point Steven

[@cpannbacker]

Great channel Man! Appreciate you.

[@ceebeeu4974]

Thanks boss it's the smallest information that makes the difference. The truth was told!.

[@mrindependent1]

One of my favorite electricians on KZbin Thanks for your knowledge brother

[@urielalba1973]

You have a gift please keep on sharing your knowledge love all your videos👍👍👍

[@PRenard2012]

Perfect presentation sir! And thank you.

[@LokeNygren-gb6wu]

Thank you electric keemstar

[@GEERUP]

i’m loving your channel. You’re hitting bull’s-eye.

[@Sean_y4k2l5]

interesting thank you. so i assumed assumed that the integrated "test" button on a gfci actually causes a ground fault current but now i realize it doesn't... or else it wouldn't be able to trip it without a ground wire. the button must be testing the mechanism, but not the full system.

[@paulgawlik2590]

And you must label outlet if no groud wire a old ungrouded outlet.

[@Kat-on3nm]

A-WIGGY electrical tester will; hot to neutral even down stream or hot to ground, if a path to ground exists

[@whip714]

That is awesome info That will put a few hud inspectors In there place

[@Adam_Poirier]

This guy really knows what's going on, we need him to go speak at technical schools

[@andytraiger4079]

Thanks! I never thought about this before. Makes complete sense.

[@alfonsomartinez6800]

Very enlightening indeed! Thank you sir.

[@nevillewhite3451]

In Chicago, homes are required to have conduit. All boxes must be metal and grounded. We are an exception to your message.

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@nevillewhite3451 i would like to know if all those extra codes and cost have actually reduced house fires.

[@greggpurviance7252]

Highland Park (a high dollar residential area within Dallas) required conduit too. Don't think it has reduced fires, but not sure

[@imthedoctor10]

This is the 2nd video of yours that I’ve come across and I’m glad I subscribed on that 1st one! Great stuff my good sir 👍

[@rkyyrs9477]

Always read prior to purchase!

[@fernandodelrio4839]

Thanks for tip!! 😊 What’s up with that receptacle and light pigtailed to Romex not in a junction box, also feeding a ceiling light. Is that to code? 😂

[@fernandodelrio4839]

😊

[@TomCee53]

Not to code, but I suspect that it’s temporary, so likely negotiated with the inspector. Good catch, btw.

[@zatomb2574]

One thing not mentioned is that the led code on the device should clearly show no ground even without pushing the button. I wonder how the inspector thinks the test button will be able to draw current to trip the gfci. Maybe only young inspectors that didn't check the led code first could make such a mistake.

[@jerryc3050]

excellent info. Got an old house & was concerned about plug tester not showing green. (DIY guy)

[@zjtr10since80]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@riccarter4784]

Originally back in the early 2000 NEC. Said if there was no ground for the GFCI you’re supposed to take silicone caulking and fill in the ground hole. I believe they did away with that and you’re just supposed to market as no equipment ground.

[@thomasmarable6818]

Never had to do that because it was not in the NEC

[@MrSlowestD16]

Learned this the hard way. Luckily didn't spend too much time before I found it said 3-wire only.

[@brnmcc01]

That's unbelievable there's still inspectors out there that can't read, "For use on 3 wire only" is pretty simple, it's not like building a space shuttle to go to the moon.

[@TOGAB]

Good point. I've seen an awful lot of GFI's put in wrong too.

[@MrZedblade]

Couldn't they still make a GFCI outlet where this works? Like detect the fact that current is returning on the third prong rather than the neutral and still trigger the GFCI? Seems like it would be safer, maybe you touched live plus the grounded metal case of the appliance.

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@MrZedblade So like the non-contact voltage detecting pen we all have and hate whatever technology is in there have it connected to the ground pin and if it's the text voltage on the ground pin it trips a GFI something like that seems like a good idea to me I'm using voice to text can't proofread this I hopefully it made sense

[@23Noble]

Thank you, finally the wisdom I was searching for

[@konbsandiegopod9204]

Correctly called a GFCI. Ground fault circuit interrupter specifically designed to protect personnel in case of an electrical fault. A GFI is designed to protect the electrical system in case of an electrical fault. ❤

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@konbsandiegopod9204 GFCI protects people GFEP protects equipment. GFI is what electricians say at job sites , the term GFCI and GFEP will only be used in classes or in paper work

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@konbsandiegopod9204 most electricians hate the term GFCI because the C is redundant and useless. What else you it interrupt except the circuit.

[@herbiesnerd]

@@Stevenj120voltsIt’s just habit. Code says GFCI. If that’s all you ever refer to it as, it rolls off the tongue, and it’s correct. GFI is less correct.

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@herbiesnerd I would say correct GFCI is the code correct term GFI is how people talk at job sites. The main comments distinction between GFI and GFCI is nonsense

[@greggpurviance7252]

Had an inspector tell me I had to hook the ground to the neutral so his tester would work. Told him it was against the code & dangerous. He said his tester had to work. Boot leg the ground. Passed inspection. Came back the next day to remove boot leg ground. Charged customer a service charge for living in city where inspector is stupid

[@eddiec8435]

Thank you . Sir, for great information...🙏

[@jonathanhughes380]

And the reason is because the GFCI receptacle reads an imbalance between the Ungrounded conductor and the Grounded conductor. The Inspectors really should have to Under go the 760 hours of in classroom learning.

[@pudmina]

More correctly between the line and common or hot and neutral.

[@topseller17]

Great job as always steve

[@defilerwolf]

I'm not sure about this, but I thought the Canadian electrical code needs to have a ground line ran back to the panel some how. I could be wrong, or perhaps my code reference maybe out of date

[@hatersaywhat8986]

Can you go over bonding please?! I see so many people loose their minds over bonding for the most ridiculous reasons? It’s not hard as they try to make it and certainly don’t comprehend the idea!

[@wirenut9062]

I had a gfi connected with no ground. Went from hot on the gfi to a cold water pipe with a meter. I had voltage but it wouldn't trip the gfi. It also wouldnt trip with test button on the receptacle. Any ideas? I connected the gfi with a ground and it was fully operational

[@jordanneff3952]

Can you put a link to the video showing how to test with multimeter?

[@LawFarin]

Inspector’s be like… That ain’t right

[@yourim1900]

You also need a gfci breaker in the panel to communicate together with this gfci plug

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@yourim1900 incorrect

[@anru2774]

Didnt know that, thanks for teaching us👍

[@kalijasin]

Good explain 👍

[@shawnr771]

Thank you for the information.

[@harlanbaker7476]

A+ video dude.

[@whochecksthis]

Yup. So many HI fails i have to recertify due to this mistake.

[@leopfaltzgraff2981]

Wow actual useful information and not trying to sell me s***. thank you

[@louistoscano3830]

Slam dunk. Simple. Love ur vids

[@AD-kr9gm]

Ty for all your knowledge

[@asbestosfibers1325]

This is part of why these things lost alot of their safety ratings a few years back if im not mistaken

[@vince6829]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@JasonSmith-qx3zh]

Great info thank you!

[@vincentpereira8416]

What about if it has just 2 hot wires that is 220v What do you do can you put gfci in that box

[@greggpurviance7252]

Higher an electrician, don't touch it.

[@comancheclub3449]

Why doesn't a gfi tester trip the breaker when used on a normal outlet? Doesn't a gfi tester simply create a dead short? Assuming there is no gfi outlet anywhere in the circuit?

[@pudmina]

Nope, the GFCI bypasses a very low current ( about 5 - 10 milliamps) to the common/neutral line internally from the hot line internally in the receptacle which the GFCI circuitry senses and triggers a relay/contacter to disconnect power to the receptacle. If shorted the GFCI will not trip, just the regular overcurrent breakers in the panel.

[@comancheclub3449]

@pudmina Thank you. 👍🏻

[@pudmina]

@@comancheclub3449 you're welcome :)

[@FrustratedBaboon]

Why do they give you a ground screw on the GFI?

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@FrustratedBaboonSo you can connect the equipment grounding conductor to it. This is about a code exception for replacements in existing houses that did not run equipment grounding conductors to the receptacle. If it's a new install it needs to have an equipment ground and conductor run to it. This video is just explaining the mechanism inside the GFCI receptacle that provides the GFCI protection does not need an equipment grounding conductor connected to the receptacle in order to work.

[@kaimcloughlin8981]

Irish Sparks here, love your channel

[@dccerezo7612]

Oh, home inspectors lol😅 "A lot things homosexuals get wrong" 😅😅😅😅 I swear that's what I heard! 💀

[@michaelhanson5773]

I never understood the point of the test button on thise outlet testers when you can just press the button on the outlet. I guess it allows you to test the koad side of them to ensure they trip, but again you oress the button on the outlet and everything on the load side should not be powered anyways ..

[@jimmyhughes5392]

has to short to ground to safely overvolt circuit to trip gfi

[@rener44]

Even in sec 8 housing inspectors get this wrong all the time. Or they will miss the grounded outlets down line from the GFI as well

[@Calico5string1962]

Absolutely correct. I've run into this very scenario on many occasions. Damn inspectors think the chicken-shit $10 tester is the absolute gospel, when in fact a "groundless" installation is perfectly safe & Code compliant.

[@tpformybunghole1974]

Home inspector told me none of my outlets were grounded. Mind you all were 3 prong and the house was built in 1976 not 1918. I said are you sure your tester is good??? I went and bought my own and it said everything is fine.

[@WhoOwl-o4f]

So basically the orange machine isn’t meant to read old houses correct?

[@OBXHeloMedic]

I had no clue about that test button needing the ground!!😮

[@okaro6595]

Yes the tester requires the ground but the built in test button does not as it has access to the internals and can bypass the test coil.

[@JayAlfredoG]

Yes, but, was the outlet labeled?

[@pudmina]

It will be :)

[@icthruyou4824]

Nice little fun fact , thanks bud

[@jayphagan5270]

Good info. Thanks.

[@maintenanceman1015]

Wonder how a GFI would work if it can`t find ground .

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@maintenanceman1015 GFI do not measure or interact with the ground wire. They just monitor to see that the hot and neutral have equal current

[@rebeuhsin6410]

While a GFCI outlet can technically function without a ground wire, it best practices to ground it. It is time to rewire the home. It is illegal to install normal 3 prong outlets.

[@pudmina]

No it is not. As others stated you can replace an old 2 wire ungrounded receptacle with a 3 wire receptacle by attaching a sticker that states "No equipment ground" which are available free from Leviton, Lutron, etc. Grounding 2 wire receptacles means rewiring the house costing many thousands of dollars.

[@greggpurviance7252]

​​@@pudminait has to be replaced with a 3 prong GFCI or fed by a GFCI. Just putting a sticker on doesn't pass code. But yes, no need to rewire the house

[@pudmina]

@@greggpurviance7252 Yup, my bad. I have used that system in my house as you stated, but just the sticker on an unprotected receptacle isn't acceptable. There is a method that at one time was up to code which was filling the ground connection in the receptacle with epoxy so you couldn't plug in a grounded plug. Not sure if that still applies.

[@davidholmes5910]

Great info, thanks.

[@Wrightwayrecycling]

What about a GFCI?

[@pudmina]

Same thing. There are also AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) and dual purpose GFCI/AFCI receptacle ... which I have in my home. Place in the 1st receptacle after the panel and wire all following to its output and everything in that circuit downstream is protected.

[@Hi11is]

Why install a device that cannot be tested?

[@peterdoubleyouz]

...laughs in Chicago where everything is in conduit...

[@hyoga8340]

Gracias maestro!!!

[@BV4551Pl]

Multimeter to test gfci’s ????

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@BV4551Pl yes, some can

[@mattcimino9016]

thx from a maryland home inspector

[@JuarezDerrick]

You can have three minute shorts now

[@Flippityflop2350]

Finally thank you- i have been looking for the answer to this-

[@brianbalsavich7313]

Arent they GFCI?

[@Stevenj120volts]

@@brianbalsavich7313 Who or what is they?

[@centurionhomeinspectionsin2253]

The ONLY acceptable way to test a GFCI is to use the test button on the device. I use the tester on downstream devices to ensure they are wired to the GFCI. And circuits with no EGC MUST be labeled if GFCI protected “No Equipment Ground”

[@KevinN1969]

Okay, if the receptacle tester's button won't trigger the GFI, will the receptacle's test button not work either???

[@joescott4478]

The test button will work.

[@MrFateorfaith]

The plug tester button shunts power to ground, thus tripping the gfci

[@civildiscourse2000]

The tester doesn't work because its button shunts a little current to ground, so if there's no ground connection nothing happens. In the GFCI, both hot and neutral wires pass through a current-sensing coil. As long as the currents are equal in both directions, their magnetic fields cancel and the coil produces no voltage.* When an imbalance exists (e.g. when someone is being shocked so some current is returning through earth ground instead of the neutral) the coil produces a voltage which is amplified in the detector electronic circuit and the detector trips the contacts open. The GFCI test button causes a little current to flow from hot on one side of the detector coil to neutral on the other, causing a current imbalance that trips the GFCI. No ground is needed, and an external tester can't do this trick. *Same reason you can't use a clamp ammeter to measure current on an appliance cord, extension cord etc. You need to plug in a jig that has separate wires or open the panel and clamp at the breaker so that only one current-carrying wire goes through the clamp.

[@The.bo.you.never.no.]

Finally, someone gets it!

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

At the risk of sounding dumb, can you explain how gfi’s protect in a home with no ground wire? I was under the impression that the ground wire was needed for these types of outlets. New to the trade man do I feel dumb

[@geoffmooregm]

It's basically a comparison of current in vs out. If there is a difference exceeding the set threshold, it will trip. If 5A exists on the hot side but 4A on the neutral, one can assume the current is passing through something else, so it will trip.

[@MrStreetballer5Official]

@@geoffmooregm Thank you!

[@pudmina]

@@geoffmooregm Correct principal but the difference is only in the 5+ milliamp range.

[@geoffmooregm]

@@pudmina That's true. I couldn't recall the maximum limit.

[@pudmina]

@@geoffmooregm And it varies depending on brand and country used in :)

[@davesradiorepairs6344]

Just use the Test Button on the GFI receptacle ?

[@joescott4478]

Yes if it has 2 wires only

[@electrowizard2000]

I think it's more for downstream devices that are expected to be protected, that you can't check them with the tester. I guess plugging the tester (or anything) in downstream and pushing the GFCI test button is the only way?

[@AnthonySomes]

Do they make 2 prong testers?

[@rodneythe3rd122]

They do you usually find in the kitchen utensil aisle

[@packratswhatif.3990]

Yup, thats the way it works !

[@CesarSindoniWingsOfWood]

Thanks for sharing

[@herbiesnerd]

Inspectors should never use a test button when testing GFCIs. GFCIs must trip between 4-6 mA and that can only be done using a rheostat tester, like a Hubbel tester. Less than 4mA and it’s a nuisance. If it doesn’t trip at 6mA it allows too much current. Too low or too high both fail the inspection.

[@GudalupeVillareal]

I'm not an electrician, but that connection on the top left of your head doesn't look right.