Testen von GFCI Outlets
Elektrische Sicherheitsprüfung
Alle GFCI-Steckdosen haben einen wenig bekannten Fehler: Ihre Schaltkreise verschleißen schließlich, normalerweise nach etwa 10 Jahren, zu welchem Zeitpunkt sie nicht mehr richtig funktionieren. Hier ist die ganze Geschichte.
Test Ihres GFCI
GFCI-Testers
Der Reset-Knopf allein sagt Ihnen nicht, ob ein GFCI-Ausgang vor 2006 noch ordnungsgemäß funktioniert - Sie müssen ihn mit einem speziellen Tester überprüfen.
Durch die Erkennung eines gefährlichen Stromflusses und die sofortige Abschaltung von Strom sparen Erdschlussunterbrecher jedes Jahr Hunderte von Leben. Aber nach etwa 10 Jahren verschleißt die empfindliche Schaltung in einem GFCI. Und normalerweise sagt die Testtaste am GFCI nicht, dass etwas nicht stimmt: Wenn Sie die Taste drücken, wird die Stromversorgung wie immer abgeschaltet. Die einzige zuverlässige Möglichkeit, einen älteren GFCI zu prüfen, ist ein Schaltungstester, der seinen eigenen GFCI-Testknopf hat (der in Heimzentren und Baumärkten verkauft wird).
Schließen Sie den Tester an und drücken Sie seine Testtaste. Wenn der Strom ausfällt, funktioniert der GFCI. Drücken Sie die Reset-Taste, um die Stromversorgung wiederherzustellen. Wenn der Strom nicht erlischt, ersetzen Sie den GFCI.
Ihr neuer GFCI wird niemals einen Circuit Tester benötigen. Alle nach 2006 hergestellten GFCIs sollen Ihnen sagen, wann sie versagen. Die überwiegende Mehrheit weist auf einen Fehler hin, indem sie die Stromversorgung dauerhaft unterbricht. Eines Tages wird Ihr GFCI (und alle anderen damit verbundenen Verkaufsstellen) einfach aufhören, Strom zu liefern, und Sie müssen es ersetzen.
Erforderliche Tools für dieses Projekt
Sie benötigen einen speziellen GFCI-Tester.
FAQ - 💬
❓ What are the 3 types of GFCI?
👉 Three types of GFCIs are commonly used in homes – the GFCI outlet, the GFI circuit breaker and the portable GFCI.
❓ How can you tell if a GFCI outlet is bad?
👉 If the GFCI won't reset or the button doesn't pop out when you press the "test" button, there may be no power to the GFCI or you may have a bad GFCI. Pro tip: If the "reset" button trips again every time you press it, there may be a dangerous current leak somewhere on the circuit.
❓ What happens when a GFCI outlet won't reset?
👉 If you test and reset your GFCI outlet, but it still won't stay reset, a good idea is to check the breaker box to make sure the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Try resetting the outlet. Once you reset the outlet and it still doesn't reset, moisture buildup in the wiring or outlet may be the culprit.
❓ What are the 5 types of GFCI?
👉 What Are the Different Types of GFCI Outlets?
- 15 Amp Duplex Receptacle. Formerly known as the standard electrical outlet in American homes. ...
- Basic GFCI. ...
- Tamper Resistant GFCI. ...
- Weather Resistant GFCI. ...
- Self-Testing GFCI.
❓ Is there a difference between GFI and GFCI?
👉 Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) are the exact same device under slightly different names. Though GFCI is more commonly used than GFI, the terms are interchangeable.
❓ What is the difference between a GFI outlet and a GFCI outlet?
👉 There really is no difference. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) and ground fault interrupters (GFI) both refer to the same exact device. The terms are interchangeable, so we felt we should clarify that in case you've heard both terms and wondered what might be different about your particular outlet; nothing.
❓ Can I replace a GFCI outlet myself?
👉 If you have basic knowledge of electrical wiring, you may be able to install a GFCI without professional help. However, if you have older wiring and outlets, it may be best to let a certified electrician handle the job.
❓ How do you fix a GFCI outlet that keeps tripping?
👉 3. Overloaded Circuit
- Unplug all the appliances connected to the circuit in question.
- Reset the circuit on your fuse box.
- Wait several minutes.
- Plug an appliance back in and turn it on.
- Check to see that your circuit has not tripped.
- Plug in the next appliance, turn it on, check the breaker, and so on.
❓ Why does my GFCI outlet keep tripping with nothing plugged in?
👉 If your GFCI outlet trips consistently, it could be an electric fault resulting from faulty structural wiring. An electrical outlet connected to the same circuit could also be the source of the problem, especially if it was not part of the original wiring of your home.
❓ Can you put 2 GFCI outlets on the same circuit?
👉 You may use two or more GFCI rated outlets on one circuit if you like. However, if one trips or goes bad, all the outlets/GFCIs down the line will be affected. That's why you should test your GFCI's monthly to ensure proper operation.
❓ Is it better to use a GFCI outlet or breaker?
👉 GFCI breakers offer complete protection of every outlet in a circuit, while GFCI receptacles protect ordinary receptacles or outlets. They can be single-location or multi-location GFCI receptacles, which manage to protect other downstream outlets. Expect to save more on initial costs when you opt for a GFCI receptacle.
❓ How to test a GFCI outlet?
👉 In the face of a quality GFCI outlet, between two sets of slots, there are two buttons that are rectangular, they are labeled TEST and RESET. In order to test the state of your GFCI outlet, use your finger and press the TEST button. You will then hear a snap sound which will trip the outlet and turn the power off to the two plug connection.
❓ How do I know if my GFCI is bad?
👉 To test your GFCI, simply press the test button with your finger. You will hear a snap sound that trips the outlet and cuts off the power to the two plug connections. To confirm that the power is off, plug a lamp or radio into each half of the outlet; the lamp or radio should not turn on.
❓ How often should GFCI circuit breakers be tested?
👉 GFCI circuit breakers also should be tested monthly. The test is similar to testing GFCI outlets. You simply open the door on your home's service panel (breaker box) and press the test button on the GFCI breaker.
❓ How long do GFCI outlets last?
👉 GFCI outlets typically work reliably for many years, but they can fail and lose their primary safety function. GFCIs also can be wired improperly, disabling the safety feature of the outlet.
Autor Des Artikels: Alexander Schulz. Unabhängiger Konstrukteur und technischer Experte. Arbeitserfahrung in der Baubranche seit 1980. Fachkompetenz in den Richtungen: Bau, Architektur, Design, Hausbau.
