ExtechET10 GFCI Receptacle Tester, green

When testing for circuit issues like bad connections, I previously used a load (12 Amp portable heater), a current clamp, a DMM, and a current clamp line separator. Now I use this device. The CT70's Voltage drop reading (by applying an instantaneous load) is identical to the readings I got with my previous set-up, but much faster and without all the extra equipment. Plus you get the GFCI tester and the proper wiring indicator. Great for inspectors or homeowners checking wiring in houses. Super product!

This comparative review is for:- Klein Tools RT200 GFCI Receptacle (Outlet) Tester- Extech Instruments ET 10 GFCI Receptacle Tester- Triplett 9610 "Plug-Bug 2" GFCI Receptacle Tester- Gardner Bender GFI-3501 Outlet and GFCI TesterOVERVIEW:-----------All 4 can be used to look for common faulty wiring in common U.S. household outlets and GFCI outlets, as well as test if GFCI functionality is operable, aka it will trip and cut things off when called on to do so.All except the Gardner Bender have the mini-LED for GFCI testing to confirm the test button made contact, though that alone shouldn't be a deal breaker I would think.All 4 work.Let's find a way to help choose one over the other.(1) INSTRUCTIONS:-------------------Klein's Instructions:The Klein's instructions are excellent, probably the best. However, after reading the others instructions Klein's instructions could further benefit from much more detail on cautions/warnings/limits and useful commentary.- EASY-TO-READ details broken out by 2 USAGE SCENARIOS and done STEP-BY-STEP flow chart style.- MINI DATA SHEET spec info you normally don't expect, and some would argue need, from such a cheap tool. I liked it's inclusion.- Printed on quality multiple page folded white cardboard pamphlet, certainly the nicest, most durable presentation, folks might actually keep it. Its contents and its look belies a more PROFESSIONAL IMPRESSION of the product.- One negative is I think is the THINNESS OF THE CAUTIONS/WARNINGS as is obvious when you read the Triplett instructions (See below).Triplett instructions:- CAUTIONS/WARNINGS ARE THE MOST DETAILED, most useful.- The actual INSTRUCTIONS ARE THE WEAKEST and hardest to read of the three, almost no granularity or flow to the step by step.- The instructions and warnings were fitted into one side of a very thin sheet of paper the size of an index card. SCREAMS CHEAP. But again, the Cautions/Warnings are the best.Extech instructions:- The instructions are better than the Triplett's, though less detailed and usable than Klein's.- The Cautions/Warnings/Limits are perhaps tied with Klein's, though significantly less detailed and usable than Triplett's.- One-half of a cardboard backing the size of an index card is what you get for instructions and/or warnings.Gardner Bender instructions:- I like the separating of regular outlet and GFCI outlet testing instructions for the layman.- I like that there are some environmental engineering specs noted.- I like the list of what products like this don't do, the suggestions to use a qualified electrician to fix issues, the reminder to shut the power off to the outlet if you are going to work on it, and other safety advice.- The instructions are on glossy black&white and show some care. Not quite the attention to detail for instructions that Klein showed, but certainly adequate and quality enough not to detract from the product impression.If this is important to you, I give Klein, and in second place Gardner Bender, the edge here.(2) BUILD QUALITY, FIT & FINISH:--------------------------------The plug PRONGS for all of them don't wiggle, their ground prongs are fully formed, not the cheap looking u-style some have, and they all push into sockets easily.The CASES of all except the Gardner Bender are almost exactly alike except the Klein case appears better manufactured, next best manufactured was the Extech, and finally the Triplett. The pieces fit together best and more flush with the Klein than the other two, there are less gaps between the plastic pieces and fewer surface imperfections.The Gardner Bender CASE is different than the others and its build quality is excellent, at least on par with the Klein, it looks the least cheap of the four.The Gardner Bender instructions announce that the unit is double insulated, "the tester is protected throughout by double insulation or reinforced insulation". I don't know how this compares to the other three.I give the Gardner Bender and the Klein the edge here.(3) ON-METER LEGEND LEGIBILITY:---------------------------------The text describing the meaning of the LEDs is easiest to read on the Gardner Bender, Klein, and Extech. The colored circles that match to the text are easiest to read on the Extech, next is the Triplett, then the Klein, then the Gardner Bender. On none of them is the text or colored circles too difficult to make out, though the text on the Triplett is pretty bad.I give Exatech the edge here.(4) TRYING TO GET PEOPLE TO READ INSTRUCTIONS:---------------------------------------------------The Gardner Bender says in easy to see white text on black, and Triplett says in big bold black text on white on the products to read instructions before using. On the Klein and the Extech the same warning is near invisible molded into the case in the same color as the case.I give Gardner Bender and Triplett the edge here.SUMMARY:----------Overall I choose the Gardner Bender or Klein due to the quality of the instructions and a sense that someone cared more about their manufacture.They all appear to work and none of us are going to test a random sampling of 100 of them nor probably break them open to examine them, so we'll probably never be able to estimate their true comparative durability.If any of the manufacturers wish to comment here on having addressed any issues raised here I will adjust the review accordingly.TRIPLETT'S PUBLISHED "CAUTIONS/WARNINGS":---------------------------------------------To help users of all these kinds of outlet testers I've included here Triplett's good list of cautions/warnings as they may prove informative to the casual user of most of these type of outlet testers.- To help avoid erroneous readings, all appliances and equipment must be unplugged/disconnected from the circuit being tested.- Do not press the TEST button on (this meter) for more than 6 seconds. Now this is interesting as pressing it for 7 seconds is one of the steps on the Klein Tools test instructions. Note: Does it go into why you shouldn't press it for 7 seconds? Why of course not :).- This tester does not indicate the quality of a ground connection.- This tester may not indicate the presence of a hot wire. That is, it is possible for a hot wire to be present when none of the indicators light.- This tester will not accurately indicate a combination of wiring problems.- This tester will not test GFCI's installed on 2 wire (non-grounded) electrical circuits.- This tester does not perform a comprehensive test. It only checks for probable common improper wiring conditions.- 120 VAC is dangerous and may cause user injury of death. Use all appropriate cautions. Note: Does it then go into appropriate cautions? Why of course not :).- Use only on 110 to 125 VAC receptacles.- GFCI receptacle or GFCI branch circuit protector must be installed in accordance with the manufactures specifications.- All corrective action must be made by qualified electrician. Note: Amen.SOME ADDITIONAL EXTECH'S PUBLISHED"CAUTIONS/WARNINGS" THAT MAY APPLYTO YOUR MANUFACTURER'S UNIT (reworded):-------------------------------------------I'll add these additional ones from the Extech instructions.- If the circuit doesn't trip after hitting the GFCI button, either the GFCI is operable but the wiring is incorrect, or the wiring is correct and the GFCI is inoperable.- Tester will not indicate 2 hot wires in a circuit.- Tester will not indicate reversal of ground or neutral conductors.ADDITIONAL GARDNER BENDER PUBLISHED"CAUTIONS/WARNINGS" THAT MAY APPLYTO YOUR MANUFACTURER'S UNIT (reworded):-------------------------------------------I'll add this additional one from the Gardner Bender instructions.- The more the other appliances or equipment on the circuit are unplugged the less chance there is for an erroneous reading.

Perfect for checking outlets, circuits, exact voltages, voltage drops, amps and juice. Saves you valuable time!It does exactly what it says. LOVE the color-code screen, which even turns red, if something is out of range, so employees do not even have to think and calculate (errors).

Seems to work great, but need a couple more decimal points of accuracy for the voltages, especially ground to neutral. The instructions are not really written very well, so it is difficult to use at first. Should include more info about the loads being applied for testing.

Seems to work well. One thing I learned from using this device is that you can only run about 70-80 feet of 14awg 15amp romex before it go over the 5% threshold. I was actually able to determine how things are wired in a room based on the voltage drop at each outlet on the same circuit. My only complain is that I have to wait 20 seconds between tests to make sure I don't burn out the resistor. Not even sure what is defined as a "test" ...is it every time you plug it into an outlet or when you cycle through the voltage drop for different amps? I plugged this up on a kill-a-watt and my guess is that it performs a load test the first time you view a voltage drop for each load (12, 15, 20). Once you view the voltage drop, there seems to be no load via the kill-a-watt when you cycle through the different loads.

Great price, great working product. Does what it's supposed to. What else is there to say. Recommended. I would buy again if needed.

We have three of these and always test the circuit we plug into when playing out at a gig. We plug the tester into our power strip and the easy-to-see tester indicator lights help reassure us that our equipment is plugged into a "good outlet." Saved us from a ground fault at one gig, and we rerouted our power cables to a "safe" outlet.

These are absolute garbage. I ordered two of them so I would have a back up. As a property inspector I use testers like this daily. Each of them lasted about 2 days before the ground pin pulled out from the tested. Don't waste your money.

Un bel outil pour vérifier les connexions électriques des prises. Même sur une maison neuve, j'avais 2 prises où la mise à la terre ( ground) n'était pas faites.

Excellent and easy to use. A must have for electrical work.

NC

simplicity

Unit came fast ant works great!Helped me track down an electrical wiring problem in my home. very happy with it!