This tester is the most common electrical tool used by home inspectors, general contractors, and code enforcement officials.

You can invest anywhere from $2 to $35 on this tool, but before your do realize that there is very little difference in the technology between the cheapest of cheap and the more expensive models.

GFCI TEST BUTTON: It is my recommendation that you do not invest in the version with the GFCI button. All that I have found that it can do is get an inspector into trouble as the temptation to use it in an occupied home. Pressing it while listening for the sound of a GFCI to trip is scary when the tester goes dead and no sound was heard. I used to waste a lot of time looking for the concealed GFCI until the day I realized that there is a better way.

Find all of the GFCI’s and test all of the outlets. Next trip the GFCI’s and then go test all of the areas where they should be installed to confirm that they are dead. Then reset the GFCI’s and retest the outlets they control again to make certain that the GFCI’s fully reset. Some faulty GFCI’s partially reset and give Revers Polarity or Open Neutral readings.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

For use on 110 volt - 125 V.A.C.

• 1) All appliances or equipment on the circuit being tested should be unplugged to help avoid erroneous readings.
• 2) Not a comprehensive diagnostic instrument but a simple instrument to detect nearly all probable common improper wiring conditions.
• 3) Refer all indicated problems to a qualified electrician.
• 4) Will not indicate quality of ground.
• 5) Will not detect 2 hot wires in a circuit.
• 6) Will not detect a combination of defects.
• 7) Will not indicate reversal of grounded and grounding conductors.

WARNING: The directions are rarely read and understood by the tool’s user. This is especially true in the home inspection profession. Let’s revisit instruction #1. If there are items plugged into the circuit then all bets are off. This means that using the tool in an occupied home will reveal questionable readings at best.