Thread: Snap,Crackle and Pop GFCI receptacles

Has anyone ever had this happen before. When testing GFCI receptacles some had difficulty tripping, some popped and smoked when tripped, and some arced and sparked. This was in a brand new home, receptacles did not have reverse polarity and were grounded. I'm thinking that the GFCI's are a defective batch.

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Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

the GFCI's are ... defective ...

That can be stated, yes.

Like most other items in this wonderful world we have, the quality has gone down to make way for profits.

Defective devices

You got that right Ken, more and more we see the quality and durability of products sold in the US lower in quality. This is primarily due to poor quality imported products from countries that use poor quality materials and don't pay their people squat. Which then forces US companies to do just about the same.

Shanghai Meihao Electric, Inc.

Borrowing the thread to ask: Does this present a significant shock hazard. (Yes, yes.. of course it's wrong, I was just curious about the actual safety implications...)

Originally Posted by Trent Tarter

Has anyone ever had this happen before. When testing GFCI receptacles some had difficulty tripping, some popped and smoked when tripped, and some arced and sparked. (edited, or brevity)

Oh...do you mean like this?

YouTube - GFCI outlet sparks when tripped1

I shot this video a couple of days ago while inspecting a condo. I wonder how many 'more' of these we'd see if we did our inspections at night...in the dark...shades drawn...garage doors down etc... Yep! Me too!