When testing an electrical outlet with a circuit tester and all three lights come on, what does that mean and how do correct it?

Thanks,

Mike

Give the brand name and model number of the tester.

Did it come with instructions on how to operate the tester?

The "fix" for each problem will be greatly depending on what the problem is, and unique to each installation.

Are you describing the type of tester that looks like a large yellow 3 prong male plug and it has three small diode lights on the back side? Lights can be off, green or red. If so I don't think you can get all three lights on at the same time. What colors do you see?

Those testers are OK, You can also take a Meter and measure between:
Hot(small blade) and Neutral(large blade) should Get 120 volts.
Between Hot and Ground you should get 120 volts.
Between Neutral and Ground, should be 0 volts.
Those testers can't show a Ground and Neutral Reversed. Usually not a problem.
They do show Hot/Neutral Reversed.

Sorry, I wood like to clarify a previous question, as I phrased the question improperly;

When testing an electrical outlet with a "Sperry Outlet Tester", with three lights ( one red, two yellow), what is the cause for all three lights being lit at the same time? The chart only gives reference for any two lights simultaneously.

Thanks

Mike

CM,

My opinion or preference:

I never use that tool. I use a meter, because I want the accuracy.

CM,

My opinion or preference:

I never use that type tool. I use a meter, because I want the accuracy.

Until CM comes back we won't know what tool he is using but his question was how to fix an electrical problem that he did not describe.

CM, since you're unsure of the cause of this, I hope you didn't write up a problem in the inspection report. Sorry to nag about that, but I've seen several reports where inspectors wrote up "issues" that weren't there. They just didn't know. Kudos to you for asking.

Would be nice if we had a model number, Try this:
Sperry Instruments - Accessories
Find your model number and download manual, let us know what you find, or model number.

Have you tried it with a known good outlet? Have you checked the outlet as Stratmando suggested?

Thanks to whoever merged the questions. CM, with a little experience, you will know to keep everything in the same thread.

I feel it is important to use the Report Inappropriate Post to report duplicate questions. Usually the mods respond quickly.

Testing... testing... Hello, is there anyone there?

Cm, did we lose you?

Kind of like the old days... CQ... CQ... anyone still do that?

Make and model number of the tester in question will be a big help.

We have a good bunch of people here just waiting to help you understand the tester you have.

TK,

While we are waiting for CM, how old was the young lady in your avatar when she posed for that delightful picture?

Lady? What lady? Don't tell my wife.

I see a baby. Perhaps your looking at someone else's?

I need to change mine from the baby to something, not sure what.

I found this neat bay GIF , the baby has his arm extended, and brings it in to put his hand on his chin, like he was thinking. Really cute. But I could not get the image to move animated.

So there it sits, until I get the time to do something else.