This tester is a wonderful unit that is troubled with the same flaws as the cheapo testers, except that it fits so nice in my hand and is easy to read in the daylight. But is it worth 46 times a $3 3-light tester? Does the fact that it has both AFCI & GFCI testing sweeten the deal enough to pry open your wallet? I doubt that any of you will justify the $139 investment, but if you do it will becaome your everyday 3 prong tester of choice for most situation.

NOTE: This tool is purely a luxury and not needed to perform Electrical Outlet Efficiency Testing.

GFCI TESTING: 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

Receptacle Tester Instructions - 61-056 - PDF

Operator Instructions

Always test on a known live circuit before use to assure the unit is in operating condition. Plug SureTest® Arc tester into receptacle.

The combination of bright lights on the top or at the base of the unit indicates wiring sequence.

AFCI TESTING

• 1. Consult the AFCI manufacturer’s installation instructions to determine that the AFCI is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
  
• 2. Check for correct wiring of receptacle and all remotely connected receptacles on the branch circuit.
  
• 3. Operate the test button on the AFCI installed in the circuit. The AFCI must trip. If it does not – do not use the circuit – consult a qualified electrician. If the AFCI does trip, reset the AFCI. Then, insert the SureTest® Arc into the receptacle to be tested.
  
• 4. With the tester plugged into the receptacle and both outside lights lit, simply push the AFCI test button on top of the tester. The blue test light will turn on, indicating the activation of the AFCI test. The AFCI should trip, and the blue AFCI light and wiring indicators should go out, indicating a properly functioning AFCI.
  
• 5. If the SureTest® Arc fails to trip the AFCI, it suggests: (a) a wiring problem with a totally operable AFCI, or (b) proper wiring with a faulty AFCI. Consult with an electrician to check the condition of the wiring and the AFCI.
  
• 6. Caution: AFCIs recognize characteristics unique to arcing, and AFCI testers produce characteristics that mimic some forms of arcing. Because of this, the tester may give a false indication that the AFCI is not functioning properly, when the problem is within the circuit. If this occurs, recheck the operation of the AFCI using the test and reset buttons. If the AFCI button test function demonstrates proper operation, consult with an electrician to check the condition of the circuit.
  

NOTE: After many repetitive AFCI tests, the unit may display blinking red and blue lights. This is a normal indication that the internal thermal protection is allowing the unit to cool (typically less than a minute) in order to assure long-life of the AFCI circuitry.

GFCI TESTING

• 1. If the receptacle under test is GFCI protected, you have automatically tested for nuisance tripping. (If insertion of the tester tripped the GFCI, either there is additional leakage to ground or the GFCI trip level is set too low.)
  
• 2. Consult the GFCI Manufacturer’s instructions to determine that the GFCI is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
  
• 3. Check for correct wiring of receptacle and all remotely connected receptacles on the branch circuit.
  
• 4. Operate the test button on the GFCI installed in the circuit. The red test light will turn on, indicating the activation of the GFCI test. The GFCI must trip. If it does not – do not use the circuit – consult a qualified electrician. If the GFCI does trip, reset the GFCI. Then, insert the SureTest® Arc into the receptacle to be tested.
  
• 5. With the tester plugged into a GFCI receptacle and both outside lights lit, simply push the GFCI test button on top of the tester. The GFCI should trip and both lights should go out, indicating a properly functioning GFCI.
  
• 6. If the SureTest® Arc fails to trip the GFCI, it suggests: (a) a wiring problem with a totally operable GFCI, or (b) proper wiring with a faulty GFCI. Consult with an electrician to check the condition of the wiring and the GFCI.
  

NOTE:

• 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 probably common improper wiring conditions.
  
• 3. Refer all indicated problems to a qualified electrician.
  
• 4. Will not indicate quality of ground.
  
• 5. Will not detect two hot wires in a circuit.
  
• 6. Will not detect a combination of defects.
  
• 7. Will not detect reversal of grounded and grounding conductors. Warranty limited solely to repair or replacement; no warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or consequential damages.