How to Tell if a Surge Protector Outlet is Broken

Do you want to know if your surge protector is broken let me share an easy way to know for sure if it is broken

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   One way to check your surge protector is to make sure the light on the surge protector is on. If your light is off either the surge protector is not plugged in good, you need to turn on the switch on the surge protector, or the breaker is tripped.

2. 
    

   One way to tell if the breaker has tripped is to unplug the surge protector. Plug up something that you know works into the outlet like a small fan or lamp to see if it comes on. If the lamp or fan works you know the surge protector is bad if you flipped the switch on it several times. Keep in mind if the breaker is tripped most or all of the outlets in the room will be out as well because you have multiple outlets on one circuit.

3. 
    

   If your test equipment fan or lamp doesn't come on in any of the outlets in the room your breaker more than likely tripped.
   Go into another room where the power is working and plug up the lamp or fan. If the lamp or fan comes on you know for sure the outlet has a tripped breaker for the surge protector.

4. If you reset the breaker and plug up the surge protector and instantaneously the breaker trips again you have a short in your surge protector. To be sure the surge protector has a short reset the breaker and plug up a fan or a lamp if the breaker doesn't trip your surge protector is definitely bad.

[lacurcio]

on 11/11/2008 Great tips.