Don't get shocked!
This is a nice little tester, and is compact and easy to carry.
I plug this into every outlet after I've done any wiring work with it to double-check that I didn't miswire it. Also, sometimes when cramming an outlet back into a tight fitting box, a wire will get disconnected. This will identify that immediately.
A disconnected ground wire will generally not stop something from working when it is plugged in, but could increase the chance of electrical shock. Crossed hot and neutral lines will also not stop the item from working, but, again, can increase the risk of shock.
Don't take chances -- test them.
It is very common for additional outlets to be wired to a single GFCI "downstream" of the main one. This allows a single GFCI outlet to protect multiple, non-GFCI equipped outlets in the same area.
The test button built into all GFCI outlets (required by code) will test the mechanism in that single outlet, but is not as useful for testing outlets that are wired downstream from the GFCI. They will turn off when the main GFCI is tripped, but then you have to test them for power when the GFCI is both on and off to make sure they are properly wired, which is a real time waster and is not as comprehensive.
So, make sure you get a tester with a ground fault button to check GFCI circuits. Not all testers like this have one, and it is worth the modest extra cost.
The little black button fell off of mine, though I can still press it with a fingernail. So, minus one star for that, but otherwise a very nice little unit for quick tests.
Sean P. Logue, 2008
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Electrician's Mate
This tester takes the guess work out of installing house wiring. It helps me check my work and diagnose problems with existing wiring. I like the simple "light up" indicators with the explaination marked right on the tester. That pinpoints any problems immediately, and it hasn't been wrong yet. Saves great amounts of time and agrivation. Thanks, Amazon!
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