Testing Ground Fault Breakers

[Jon Errickson]

I use an Ideal SureTest ArcTester. I plugged it into a circuit lacking a ground but protected by a ground fault breaker and pressed the GFCI button, but the circuit breaker didn't trip. It did respond to the test button on the breaker. Do the Ideal SureTesters not trip ground fault breakers? I was able to trip other GFCI outlets in the house with the tester.

[John Arnold]

The Ideal needs an equipment ground to test GFCI devices.
Since the breaker tripped with its own test button, it's ok.

[Derek Guridi]

I believe the only UL approved method of testing GFCI devices is the test button.

[Jim Port]

Both Derek and John are correct about the testing methods and the need for an EGC in order for the tester to trip the GFI.

[Eric Barker]

I believe the only UL approved method of testing GFCI devices is the test button.
More specifically - GFCI and AFCI device manufacturer's will only recognize the test buttons on the device. In other words, any AFCI/GFCI tester you carry is useless for testing applications.

[John Kogel]

I've said this before but I like saying it.
The test button doesn't prove the circuit was wired correctly. For example, the circuit or the receptacle might still be live with the breaker tripped.