I've got a GFCI outlet in a bathroom. If I test it by inserting one of
those 3-light testers that has a GFCI test button, it works fine. I
press the button, and *blam*, it trips right away.

However, if I test by using the test button built into the GFCI, the
light on the GFCI goes out while the button is pressed, but it does not
trip, and the light comes back on as soon as I release the test button.

Is this a serious "don't use that outlet until it is fixed" issue, or a
"go ahead and use it, but replace the GFCI at your convenience" issue?

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--Tim Smith