Testing Receptacle-Type GFCIs
Inspectors should test GFCI protection using the buttons on the GFCI receptacles. If you use the trip button on your tester, you may hear the reset button click at a receptacle located behind a mountain of boxes stacked against a wall, all of which will have to be moved to reset the circuit, or the homeowner and both agents may be unhappy with you!
If the “RESET” button pops out but the light does not turn off, the GFCI has been improperly wired. Contact an electrician to correct the wiring errors.
If the “RESET” button does not pop out, the GFCI is defective and should be replaced.
If the GFCI is functioning properly and the lamp turns off, press the “RESET” button to restore power to the outlet.
Note! When testing for GFCI protection of electrical circuits by activating the trip button on a 3-light testing device, the inspector may then be unable to locate the GFCI outlet controlling the circuit to which he has shut off power. Affected outlets are sometimes in another part of the home or hidden behind the occupant’s belongings. Using the test button built into GFCI outlets will prevent this problem.
Recognizing GFCI Breakers
GFCI breakers are easy to recognize by the additional white conductor and the label.