Warning: My apprentice's question about GFCI testing made me feel old

I was showing a new guy how to test a GFCI outlet in a kitchen remodel yesterday. He asked why we still use the 'test' button on the device instead of just a plug-in tester every time. I told him that's the proper way, but he said his trade school instructor showed them a meter method to check the actual trip speed. I had to look it up later, and sure enough, there's a spec for how fast it should cut power. I've been in the field for 15 years and just trusted the button. Has anyone else switched to using a meter to verify trip time on important circuits?

2 comments

2 Comments

hugobarnes1mo ago

Wait, there's a spec for the trip speed? I've been hitting that test button for years thinking if it clicked, we were good. You're telling me it could click too slow and still not be safe? That's wild. Makes me wonder what else I've been taking for granted just because it's the way we've always done it.

kaip111mo ago

Yeah, saw an article about that last year. They said a slow trip could mean the mechanism is worn out and might fail in a real fault. Makes you double check everything now.