Hello,
Have the typical Leviton GFCI dual outlets (as sold by ACE Hardware) around our house.
One has the electric garage door opener plugged into it. It has recently tripped, but on pushing back in the red button, it seems to work again.
Another, the outlet on our Deck, has tripped, but the red button will not stay pushed in (nothing plugged into the outlet).
Both are about 3 years old, and worked until now.
Neither one has the small green indicator light, which I see the new units in the store now have on them.
Questions:
a. For consumer grade Leviton GFCI outlets like these, how reliable are they generally ? Should they have to be replaced in 3 years, e.g., normally ? Are they both likely defective ?
The Deck one is in a more-or-less weatherproof box, but of course does see the cold. The one in our garage also gets pretty cold down there.
b. I understand the basic principle of how these function, but was wondering if they also would trip (as a normal house circuit breaker would) for a short circuit or an excess current draw over 15 amps ?
Or, do they just solely protect against stray current going through an individual ?
c. Are there better brands or models available ?
Thanks, Bob