SureTest...again, again

[Paul MacLean]

Yesterday inspecting new construction, I found four receptacle outlets that did nothing on my SureTest...a blank screen. So I got out the trusty old three light tester and it told me there was an open neutral.

I can't find anything in my SureTest instructions that identifies open neutrals.

Any comments?

[crusty]

An open neutral is simply an incomplete circuit and will show up as a blank indicating an improperly wired or dead circuit. I'm not sure tht the other tester could tell the difference between an open hot or neutral could it?

[DonTx]

Paul,

I've seen that happen on my inspectors Sure Test. I have the older ST-1D unit and mine will show an open neutral.

This is only one reason I haven't bought one of the newer Sure Test. Why should I have to carry around a three light tester to tell me about an open neutral?

Donald

[Paul MacLean]

Thanks for the comments!

I only recently started using the Sure Test after January's ASHI convention. So I have the three light tester in my pocket all the time. Basically I use the three light tester and fall back to the Sure Test when things start looking suspicious.

[Jerry Simon]

Paul...me too, but I also find the "newer" SureTest I have especially handy in older homes, circa 1920 and before. Boot-leg grounds, 20%+ voltage drops, you name it.

Sure glad those prior Sure-Test posts convinced me to buy a new "valuable" tool.

[rfarrell]

I purchased a Sure Test back in Feburary or so and attached it to the tool belt. I still use the little three light, faster cheaper, but the sure test saves a lot of time in those two story masonry houses where the receptacles appear to be grounded.

[DonTx]

I actually use my Sure-Test first and only use my three light tester as a second opinion. The three light tester will not tell you about a false ground. If you're only testing a few receptacles with a Sure Test then you could be missing false grounds or excessive voltage drops.

Donald

[Jim Morrison]

I was at the same lecture as Paul and have been Sure-Testing ever since. I still have my plug bug, but almost never use it anymore.

[hausdok]

Hi Paul,

I have an ST-1D. No lights at all is supposed to indicate no juice on the hot conductor. With an open neutral or with a reversed hot and ground you'll have a left and a center light lit and the right light will be out. However, the SureTest will not identify "multiple" deficiencies, reversal of ground and neutral conductors nor detect two hot wires on a circuit, so maybe there is more going on there than just an open neutral.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Paul MacLean]

Gotcha Mike,

I reported "wiring problems (possible open neutral)" and punted it back to the electrician. I was just surprised that the Sure Test treated it like a dead circuit with no suggestion of what the problem might be.

[chrisprickett]

I have issues with the AFCI feature of my SureTest. Today I tested a 5 bedroom, under load, and only two breakers tripped. I find more often than not, at least one AFCI wont trip when I check them. I haven't heard of any definitive protocol for testing.