Big Receptacle Tester ,,, Little Receptacle Tester

[Inspector1]

Any ideas as to why this is happening? This has only happened (a few times) when I'm checking the outlets in shops. When inserting the big tester into an outlet I get a bad ground reading. If I double check it with a smaller tester it shows the same outlet to be wired properly.

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[Marc]

I'm aware of shortcomings in a particular circuit design used by most of those little testers in the current market. Perhaps the larger of your two testers has a better design.

You might consider the Tasco Line Load Simulator. I've an older model and have not seen anything that works better.

Marc

[mlparham]

Any ideas as to why this is happening? This has only happened (a few times) when I'm checking the outlets in shops. When inserting the big tester into an outlet I get a bad ground reading. If I double check it with a smaller tester it shows the same outlet to be wired properly.

Click to Enlarge

24.36 KB

Click to Enlarge

24.94 KB

[:-magnify [:-monkeyd

My Sure Test analyzer will detect false grounds but my pocket tester will not. The Sure Test will also indicate a false ground if the receptacle within 15-20 feet of the panel.