110v circuit tester

[Springhook]

Was checking a 110v outlet recently with a Commercial Electric CE-HGT6120. Got a green light,(correct) then a red light, (bad ground). All outlets tested same including pedestal. Progressive EMS did not show errors. I tested CG store outlet with same results. I concluded bad tester. When I got home, tester failed in same way in house. A quick google revealed this tester is unreliable. Can anyone recommend a reliable 3 wire circuit tester.

[RogerR]

I have a Harbor Freight one that looks like that and it never shown a wrong indicator. It has also warned me quite a few times when I had a bad plug in the house, camper or vacation place.


I think you have a bad one and should exchange it.

[GarlicDude]

I carry a multi meter in my toolbox, not quite what you are asking about but handy to have in your toolbox.

[RogerR]

These little gadgets are simple to understand way to check if an outlet is wired correctly. They have 3 lights that show if it is wired correctly. If not they show, for example, reversed polarity, no ground, hot ground and a couple more I can't remember.



If you plug one in it quickly shows you if the outlet is ok. If not, it gives you some idea of what is wrong. Should be simple and foolproof. But the person who started this thread may have a defective unit.

[JimD]

I have an old one I used for work for many years but it is so worn I can't read the labeling. Amazon is my one stop shopping these days and I rely heavly on user reviews. You can get a lot of useful info there.

There is nothing really magical about these outlet testers. They just have lights that come on when voltage is sensed between each of the legs. You can do the same thing with a voltmeter (once again Amazon). I have included a picture on how an outlet is wired and measured. It is easy to tell if the outlet is correct or has reverse polarity which can be dangerous. If one of the readings is missing, you have an open.

[us71na]

Originally Posted by RogerR

These little gadgets are simple to understand way to check if an outlet is wired correctly. They have 3 lights that show if it is wired correctly. If not they show, for example, reversed polarity, no ground, hot ground and a couple more I can't remember.



If you plug one in it quickly shows you if the outlet is ok. If not, it gives you some idea of what is wrong. Should be simple and foolproof. But the person who started this thread may have a defective unit.

I use one of these with a 15 amp to 30 amp adapter to check the pedestall before I plug in our trailer every time we we stop at a new camp ground. I also check the voltage with a voltmeter.

[Vicr]

https://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Industr...63384530&psc=1


Buy one of these. It's what us electricians use.