[PLUG-TALK] Strange A/C electrical issue

[John Jason Jordan]

On Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:18:43 -0800
Galen Seitz <galens at seitzassoc.com> dijo:

>Another tool I've considered purchasing but never did is this:
><https://www.amazon.com/Sperry-Instruments-GFI6302-Receptacle-Professional/dp/B000RUL2UU>

I have one of these, except mine doesn't have any brand name on it, and
I got it for $3 or so at Harbor Freight a long time ago. Handiest tool
in my electrical tools box. After completing the wiring for an addition
the city inspector pulled the exact same tester from her tools and
stuck it into all the outlets to test them. I pulled mine from my
pocket and held it up for her to see, whereupon she laughed and signed
the form that my work had passed.

Re the GFI outlets, it might be simpler to replace the breaker in your
entrance panel with a GFI breaker. Take the old breaker with you to
the store to be sure you get the right replacement. GFI breakers need
an earth ground, so a few feet of #14 ground wire (bare copper or green
insulation) might be needed. While you're at it you might identify
circuit(s) for the kitchen and other wet areas and replace with GFI
breakers as well.

And one final thought - more than once I have had an outlet fail,
especially one that gets stuff plugged in and out a lot. And when they
fail there is often a display of fireworks, and sometimes the failure
is silent. And note that the problem may be a loose wire in the outlet
just before the three dead ones.