Tamper proof outlets - Testing with with probes

[Sierrasparky]

Hi do any of you have a particular method of sticking probes into a tamper proof outlet. These ones on a job recently I could not insert my test probe. I tried all sorts of ways. I just wound up leaving the plug tester partially out and use the exposed prongs.

 

[MannyBurgos]

Hi do any of you have a particular method of sticking probes into a tamper proof outlet. These ones on a job recently I could not insert my test probe. I tried all sorts of ways. I just wound up leaving the plug tester partially out and use the exposed prongs.

Both probes at the same time. Ive gotten atleast 5 calls from clients this year saying their TR receptacles dont work. I had to provide tutorials.

 

[Sierrasparky]

Both probes at the same time. Ive gotten atleast 5 calls from clients this year saying their TR receptacles dont work. I had to provide tutorials.

I tried both at the same time. Do some brands require a more broad faced probe?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I usually pull the cover off and catch the screws on the side of the device to make sure I have a good contact. I used to have leads that had an end like a male receptacle.

 

[MannyBurgos]

I tried both at the same time. Do some brands require a more broad faced probe?

Haven't had any problems with the Leviton's i install which are pretty much the only brand TR i install for residential... maybe a faulty shutter. Or like Dennis said, just take the cover off and test the terminals. I usually line both probes up on the slots and kind of slide the probes on the shutters as i push the probes in...

 

[flatlander]

I usually pull the cover off and catch the screws on the side of the device to make sure I have a good contact. I used to have leads that had an end like a male receptacle.

I'm gonna just carry a cube tap or something. I don't like placing a probe on the side terminals of those small gem boxes. Had a guy make a big black mark on the wall once.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I'm gonna just carry a cube tap or something. I don't like placing a probe on the side terminals of those small gem boxes. Had a guy make a big black mark on the wall once.

I am usually working on plastic boxes- you would have to be careful with a metal box. Those flat leads were great for testing in receptacles

 

[Sierrasparky]

I'm gonna just carry a cube tap or something. I don't like placing a probe on the side terminals of those small gem boxes. Had a guy make a big black mark on the wall once.

I like that idea. A cube tap or two prong adapter.

 

[mjf]

occasionally I've experienced having to "loosen them up" by plugging something in and out several times, then I was able to get my probes in.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The ones I have played with, I have had no trouble inserting two objects at different times.
The sales reps at the trade shows get mad at me when I do that and walk away from the display leaving the conductive objects sticking out of the tamper resistant receptacle.

 

[Sierrasparky]

The ones I have played with, I have had no trouble inserting two objects at different times.
The sales reps at the trade shows get mad at me when I do that and walk away from the display leaving the conductive objects sticking out of the tamper resistant receptacle.

I bet:happyno:

We these were not Leviton. I had the darndest time sticking the probes in.
I did not have a screw driver with me. I was just checking for voltage.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I bet:happyno:

We these were not Leviton. I had the darndest time sticking the probes in.
I did not have a screw driver with me. I was just checking for voltage.

I don't remember the brand.

 

[Ponchik]

I usually plug in a 3 prong cord with open conductors exposed on the other end with smaller alligator clips.

 

[kwired]

The ones I have played with, I have had no trouble inserting two objects at different times.
The sales reps at the trade shows get mad at me when I do that and walk away from the display leaving the conductive objects sticking out of the tamper resistant receptacle.

The more people have tried to "tamper" with them the easier they do give in has kind of been my observation on such displays.

 

[Sierrasparky]

I usually plug in a 3 prong cord with open conductors exposed on the other end with smaller alligator clips.

Now that could be dangerous

 

[kwired]

I usually plug in a 3 prong cord with open conductors exposed on the other end with smaller alligator clips.

Now that could be dangerous

I have such a test cord, It has insulated covering over the alligator clips. You still need to take some care as the clips still have a small portion of exposed area.

 

[cmaki]

I haven't done this on TR outlets but in the past I have stuck a plug into a receptical that hasn't been wired. I use the ones that the top and bottom fold away exposing the screws. test from right there. when your done close the top and bottom concealing the live ends and pull. just a thought.

 

[480sparky]

I just plug in a ground adapter plug and insert the probes into that. Easy peasy.

 

[Nutmegger]

I use the cord for my Ideal 61-165:



"Cheater plug" would have worked just as easily, as the previous post says..

 

[Sierrasparky]

I use the cord for my Ideal 61-165:

View attachment 10943

"Cheater plug" would have worked just as easily, as the previous post says..

much safer