As you walk into a room, begin testing with the first duplex on the left.  Then go clockwise with consecutive numbers.  When testing duplex outlets, consistently start with the top or the bottom outlet.  It doesn't matter which one, but consistency is the key to ensuring that someone else coming into the room at a later time can identify the proper receptacle.  The normal numbering of outlets should be RE-1, 2-2, 3-3...etc., where RE-1 is the first duplex and then 2-2, 3-3 etc. represent the remaining duplex outlets.

• What do I do if the first outlet tests Bad?

If the first outlet tested is bad, complete testing of the outlet and then move the power/reference cord to the next outlet.  An outlet that tested good is needed for the reference point to insure that all of the tests conducted on the subsequent outlets are valid.

• How do I number outlets if the first outlet tested bad?

If the first outlet tested bad, you will need to test another outlet to establish a good reference point.  First increment the outlet number to 1 and then decrement it back to RE and test the next available outlet.  Continue this process until an outlet has tested OK and then move the reference/power cord into that particular outlet.  Continue testing the remaining outlets in the room using the numbering described above.

• How do I test a double duplex outlet (Four receptacles within one box)?

After testing one duplex go to the area room display and increment the outlet number up one and then back down to the original number.  (It doesn't matter if you increment the number or decrement the number just so long as you change the number and "fool" the analyzer into thinking you have moved to the next outlet.  The quad outlet will be identified in the report as having four lines of data associated with the outlet (Ex. RE-1, 2-2-2-2, 3-3...).

• What do I do if outlets are failing Ground to Ground Resistance?

It is important to keep the pins of the reference/power cord and the test probe clean.  Any corrosion build up on the pins could cause high resistance readings.  This is also true for the receptacle itself.  Many times an outlet will fail the first test and then pass if tested again due to the fact that the outlet was essentially cleaned while the first test was being performed.  It may be helpful to use a dummy plug to clean the outlets before the test is actually performed.  If the problem continues call NST to have your analyzer returned for evaluation.

• What if the all outlets are failing any one specific test?

If all outlets are failing the same parameter on a consistent basis, call NST to discuss the problem with a technician.  Most likely the analyzer will need to be evaluated.

• How do I test Isolated Power outlets?

Most importantly you need to be sure to select the Isolated Power note from the Notes Menu prior to testing any Isolated Power Outlets.  This will insure that the analyzer will not trip the Isolation Monitor.  We suggest that you use a standard outlet as your reference point instead of an Isolated Power outlet.  Over time we have determined that this method is most successful.

• How do I test GFCI outlets?

Most importantly you need to select the GFCI note from the notes menu prior to testing any GFCI outlets.  This will insure that the analyzer will not trip the outlet.  After selecting the GFCI note you can test the outlet as if it were a standard outlet.

• What is the outlet on the back panel of the analyzer used for?

This outlet is used ONLY to perform a system check on the analyzer.  NEVER USE THIS PLUG TO POWER ANOTHER DEVICE AS IT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ANALYZER.  Select the System Check note from the notes menu and plug the test probe into the System Check outlet.  The analyzer will test the internal wiring to insure that it is performing properly.  If this test fails on a consistent basis, call NST to have your analyzer returned for evaluation.

• How do I number the Areas and Rooms?

Carefully choose letters and numbers to identify the area and room.  Be both systematic and creative but don't choose anything that you might not understand in the future.  Be consistent each time you do the tests so that comparing data will be easier.

• How do I number outlets in large rooms and long hallways?

The analyzer is capable of testing up to 63 duplexes per room number.  If you have rooms or hallways that have more than 63 duplexes, we suggest that you divide them into sections.  For instance if you divide a room in half you can label the first half ROOMA and the second half ROOMB.

• Why does the outlet continue to fail even after replacing the outlet?

Although the analyzer is named the Electrical Receptacle Analyzer it is actually testing the outlet and the associated wiring.  If you replace an outlet and it continues to fail, the problem could be with the wiring associated with that outlet.  This will require more testing of that particular circuit to determine the cause of the failure.

• Why does the same outlet pass the second test after failing the first test?

There could be several reasons for this occurring, from voltage spikes to leakage currents.  However, the most likely reason is corrosion build up on the ground contact.  The analyzer is very sensitive and most likely detected the additional resistance caused by the corrosion.  The first test actually cleaned the outlet, allowing the analyzer to properly measure the resistance on the second test.

• Why is the long reference cord needed?

The reference cord is necessary for the analyzer to do tests between two outlets.  The analyzer performs voltage and resistance tests between the ground pin of the reference cord and the ground pin of the test probe.

• Why can't the analyzer be Battery Powered?

The reference cord is necessary for the analyzer to do tests between two outlets.  The analyzer performs voltage and resistance tests between the ground pin of the reference cord and the ground pin of the test probe.