Protection AND Fault!

Anonymous user · ‎2021-06-28

APC SurgeArrest Personal ,about 6 yrs old.------------

Why are both the working protection light AND site wiring fault light on?

EZ_Button_apc · ‎2021-06-28

The protection working LED means the components are operating properly, while the site wiring fault tests the outlet that you're plugging into. While the unit is working properly, there is a problem with your wiring.

Often the cause is the following:
1) Missing or loose ground wire
2) Overloaded neutral (there is voltage on the neutral line that is more than a few volts)
3) Reverse polarity (the hot is wired as the neutral and the neutral is wired as the hot)

I personally live in an older house and some of the outlets were never grounded, so this can be rather common. I'd suggest trying other outlets and see if it's an isolated problem. Also, test another surge protector with the same functionality in that outlet to make sure it's not isolated to the unit. If you see it throughout the house, contact and electrician.

See Answer In Context

EZ_Button_apc · ‎2021-06-28

The protection working LED means the components are operating properly, while the site wiring fault tests the outlet that you're plugging into. While the unit is working properly, there is a problem with your wiring.

Often the cause is the following:
1) Missing or loose ground wire
2) Overloaded neutral (there is voltage on the neutral line that is more than a few volts)
3) Reverse polarity (the hot is wired as the neutral and the neutral is wired as the hot)

I personally live in an older house and some of the outlets were never grounded, so this can be rather common. I'd suggest trying other outlets and see if it's an isolated problem. Also, test another surge protector with the same functionality in that outlet to make sure it's not isolated to the unit. If you see it throughout the house, contact and electrician.