How to test GFCI plug?

[PEQ]

I have a gfci plug for a small enclosure.

is there a way to force a trip to see if the GFCI actually works? The customer is asking for this.

Thanks!

 

[davidbeach]

True, there should be an open ground indication, but the GFI test function doesn't work the same way as the push button on the receptacle.

 

[waross]

I agree with both DavidBeach and IR stuff.
If the tester shows an open ground, the GFCI test may not work properly on a good GFCI.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[itsmoked]

I agree with all three of you! If the ground is missing I can't see how a tester that small could work.


And checking we see the technical cop-out:

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[waross]

Nice Keith. Thanks.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[itsmoked]

Very annoyingly they never explain what that LED is in the center. Not a peep that I could find. Maybe it shows ground-fault current as 5mA will light a LED just fine. That would show a glow when pressed but since a functioning GFI outlet would trip instantly extinguishing it. You would only see that LED on if the GFI didn't correctly trip. Hmmm.

PDF One page User Manual for that tester

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[FreddyNurk]

Over here there are more expensive items that test RCD or RCBO circuits (what the exact differences are between RCD / RCBO and GFCI I'm not sure) but they display the trip current and trip time, as ours generally have a set do not exceed leakage current (i.e. 10mA for hospitals, 30mA general). These devices are usually battery powered and have a standard plug that can be used to connect to the circuit under test.

They're generally safe enough for non-technical people to use them as well.

EDMS Australia