GFCI tester shows hot/ground reversed, then not reversed

bw777

I just bought a GE 50957 GFCI receptacle tester.

http://www.amazon.com/50957-Tester-I...ef=pd_sim_hi_2

I tested several receptacles last night, both GFCI and non-GFCI, all checked out ok.

This morning I checked a receptacle that is GFCI protected (downstream from a GFCI receptacle), and the tester indicated that hot and ground were reversed. I pressed the test button, and the circuit went dead as expected. I then reset the GFCI and now all receptacles on the circuit show normal.

How could the hot and ground test reversed, then not reversed?

Thanks.

wirenut1110

I believe when those testers show hot/ground reversed, it's an open neutral. Sounds like you may have a loose neutral connection.

TimPa

That tester has 2 functions -
one is a recptacle tester, testing the for proper wiring: hot, neutra,l and ground wires, and their respective locations. it also tests the availability of the proper voltage. the led's show status.

second is a gfci tester. when the button is depressed, it install a resistance between hot and ground so that a small amount of current passes to the ground conductor (this is a ground fault, or short) which should activate the gfci reseptacle/circuit and trip it. resetting the gfci braker is then required. i don't think it is recommended to push the button on non-gfci protected circuits, which is where you're problem may be.

bw777

There is a different code for open neutral. But I have not checked for a loose neutral yet.

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bw777

I tested a non-GFCI receptacle, pushed the button, then tested the receptacle that showed hot/ground reversed this morning, and it tested ok.

There is a freezer on the gfci circuit, in the basement. Maybe it was running or started up when I was testing this morning and caused the reverse test?

Edit - I just read the instructions again, and it does say to unplug all appliances on the circuit before testing.

Saturday Cowboy

Absolutely no reason not to. It is the only way to check the operation of a protected receptical.

__________________
Ragged Trousered Philanthropist


Please follow the code - its there for your safety no matter how inconvenient.

TimPa

are you implying the gfci test button is also recommended for testing the circuit beaker (operation) in the load panel that is protecting the wire? I guess i have never heard that, so i am curious.

brric

The only way that tester will test a circuit breaker is if the breaker is a GFCI. Using it on a standard circuit will do nothing other than to check for correct wiring.