Amprobe ST-102B Socket Tester with GFCI (Fоur Paсk)

I bought two of these small, lightweight Amprobe ST-102B Socket outlet testers to mail to my siblings to test their regular electrical outlets and their GFCI electrical outlets.I tested both of the units that I purchased with my home's GFCI electrical outlets and non-GFCI outlets, and both testers work as designed.The GFCI outlets, (also known as GFI's), are the electrical outlets that are designed to trip, or turn off, instantly, whenever it senses electrical current passing from hot to ground. These type of outlets are required by the National Electrical Code for almost all electrical outlets that are within 6 feet from any water source, and all outside outlets. (Sometimes the normal electrical outlet is protected by a GFCI circuit breaker inside your electrical panel) The GFCI electrical outlets and GFI circuit breakers help prevent deaths from electrocution. This device is a TESTER, which is used to quickly inform you if the electrical outlet in your house is wired correctly and also to ensure that your GFCI trips when you push the little black button in the center of this tester. You must then RESET the GFCI circuit breaker (if you have one), or press the RESET the button on your GFCI electrical outlet to restore the electrical power to the outlet. If you have large fingers, you might need to use something like a pencil to push in the reset button on the GFCI outlet far enough to reset it. If pushing the black test button on this tester does NOT trip your GFCI outlet, either the GFCI outlet needs to be replaced, or, (and I've seen this too many times) the GFCI outlet was wired incorrectly (it may have been wired electrically backwards, which will allow the outlet to work, but not trip off ). In most locations, one GFCI outlet can protect one or more "normal" electrical outlets, which are sometimes located in other rooms or outside electrical sockets. If you use this tester on what appears to be a normal non-GFCI electrical outlet and push the test button, and the outlet becomes de-energized, you need to find the GFCI outlet or CFGI circuit breaker that controls the power to the outlet you just tested, and reset it. This tester has six different basic wiring result outcomes and it has a little chart, or table, illustrated on the top of the unit to inform you if the outlet is wired correctly, or if the circuit is dead or wired incorrectly in four other ways. This tests both regular 110 to 120 volt electrical outlets and the GFCI electrical outlets. The instructions state that the unit does NOT test for a missing ground wire. This tester will only TEST your electrical outlets - it won't FIX your problems. There are some good videos on the internet (youtube dott comm, and others) that will help to give you some electrical knowledge. As with all things electrical, if you don't know what you are doing, pay an electrician to diagnose and repair your electrical problems. If you can plug this tester into an outlet and compare the bright lights you see to the illustration on the chart, and if you can push a button, then you can determine if your electrical outlet is good. It's that easy!

I've had at least two of them go bad within weeks of coming out of the package. I've had testers from the 80's that lasted decades, and this cheap crap won't even last a month.

One of the led lights stopped working after a few months rendering the tool worthless. I realize its not an expensive tool, but I expected it to last a few years. Looking to buy another one but not this brand.

Someone stole my Ideal so I saw this one, and yes it is a bit more than others, but WOW... it is solid, easy to grip, and the test function works beautifully. That LED indicator is nice touch to show that it has sent the 4-5mA current to the ground to test the GFCI function. I have owned at least four different brands and this one is my favorite!

Completely worth the money! The GFCI feature is a nice bonus. That said, it's true the codes are printed on only one side, but they are much too small to be read by anyone over 50, so you'll need to make a larger version anyway and carry it in your pocket. I was having problems with a bathroom circuit and was going to call an electrician but decided to try this first -- and it told me exactly what was wrong. Saved me at least $100 house call.

I used this tester every day testing probably 20-30 outlets. Great tester and very reliable.......unless you drop it. I have had two break from dropping from approximately waist high. In both cases it cracked one of the plastic lenses. Both of these tested then failed to give proper test readings. There must be something that comes loose from impact. Still have not found a style that I like better. The lights on this tester can be seen from an angle. Some testers require you to be directly in front of them. Wish it was more durable.

Works great for identifying various wiring situations, and for tripping grounded GFCI outlets. As stated in the instructions, this will not trip a GFCI outlet with an open ground, or one that is improperly wired. Outlets places upside-down may prove difficult to read as the chart on the tester faces down in this situation. This Does not affect readings whatsoever in this position. Great device, I'd recommend it.

I've tried several of similar less expensive units sold on Amazon. This is the best one.The construction is solid. The indicator legends are highly visible. The GFCI test button functions smoothly and trips the GFCI as it should. The prongs are solid metal and the case is heavy plastic. It's a solid little chunk of test gear. The package does not get destroyed when you open this up. It is reusable and will help to keep the tester safe in a toolbox.I highly recommend this. I like it so much, I purchased a second one as a gift.