Test outlets - brittag/maintenance GitHub Wiki
| Aspect | Info |
|---|---|
| Context | Residence |
| Date started | 2017-01 |
| Date finished | 2017-01 |
| Status | Complete |
| Summary of outcome | Success |
Background
Residence built in the 1920s.
Problem
The home had signs that some of its electrical outlets were incorrectly installed, including that a power strip with a "grounded" indicator didn't light up as expected.
Approach
Used a socket tester like this one ($13) to check each of the receptacles and find out whether they were properly wired. It's really easy to use.
Outcome
Some of them were wired wrong, including problems with hot/neutral reverse and open ground.
Next steps
In this case, the next step was to contact the responsible party with a list of problems and ask them to fix everything. It worked.
Other things to check, especially in old homes and any homes that have been poorly maintained:
- Are all outlets near water sources (such as kitchen and bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, etc.) GFCI outlets? This inspector training guide says outlets within six feet of water sources should be GFCI.
- Check whether GFCI protection is working.
- It's possible to have a GFCI-protected outlet that looks like a normal outlet, usually close to a GFCI outlet with the usual test/reset buttons. It should have a "GFCI Protected" marking (usually a little sticker).
- Are any outlets loose (they don't hold a plug well) or show signs of melting or other damage? They should be replaced. This is an inexpensive part ($1.50 for a basic one!) designed to be replaced relatively easily by anyone qualified to mess with wires.
- Are any cover plates damaged, such as missing chunks of plastic? They should be replaced. A new plate is less than $1 and can be replaced with anyone with a screwdriver.