The Leviton GFTR1-W Self-Test SmartlockPro Slim GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Outlet represents the evolution of home electrical safety devices. As a professional in home technology and electrical systems, I’ve had the opportunity to examine this product extensively through both personal installation experience and analysis of numerous user reports. This 15-amp, tamper-resistant outlet with LED indicator light offers crucial protection in areas where electrical safety is paramount, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor spaces where water proximity increases shock hazards.
Design and Build Quality
Physical Construction
The Leviton GFTR1-W showcases excellent build quality with a durable white housing that meets modern aesthetic requirements. The tamper-resistant design adds an extra layer of safety, particularly valuable for households with children. The outlet features a “slim” profile compared to older GFCI models, though it remains somewhat bulkier than standard outlets due to the necessary safety components.
The construction is solid with high-quality screw connectors on the sides used for both back and side wiring. This is notably superior to the cheaper “push-in” type of back wiring holes used on some outlets that make limited contact with the wire. The sturdy terminals create reliable connections that withstand the test of time.
Installation Dimensions
While marketed as a “slim” model, potential buyers should note that this GFCI outlet is still substantially deeper than standard outlets. When installing in older electrical boxes, especially those from the mid-20th century, space can be tight. Several users noted challenges fitting the unit in smaller boxes, particularly when dealing with multiple wires. This is not unique to Leviton but is inherent to all GFCI outlets.
The outlet housing is approximately 1/8 inch smaller on each side than the electrical box, providing minimal clearance. For older homes with shallow boxes, installation might require some careful wire management.
Key Features
Self-Testing Functionality
The most significant advancement in this GFCI outlet is the self-testing feature. The outlet performs frequent self-tests to ensure proper functionality, providing peace of mind without requiring manual testing. This automated testing helps identify potential failures before they become safety hazards.
LED Indicator System
The LED indicator provides peace of mind, showing the operational status at a glance. When functioning correctly, a green light remains illuminated. During testing or when the GFCI trips, the light turns off. If the outlet detects a problem or requires replacement, the LED will display a red light (either solid or flashing depending on the issue).
Some users noted that the always-on green indicator light might be distracting in bedrooms or dark spaces. One reviewer mentioned, “I hate how there is a bright green outlet on all the time; I only need to know when the outlet is off (light turns red in this case).” This is worth considering depending on the installation location.
SmartlockPro Feature
The SmartlockPro feature prevents the receptacle from being reset if it’s been miswired or if the GFCI protection is lost, adding an extra layer of safety. This prevents scenarios where an outlet might appear functional but lack the critical safety protection.
Tamper-Resistant Outlets
The tamper-resistant design helps prevent foreign objects from being inserted into the outlet, reducing shock risks for children. This design is particularly important for households with young children, adding an extra layer of protection against accidental electrical shocks.
Installation Experience
Ease of Installation
For those with basic electrical knowledge, installation is generally straightforward. Installation was straightforward according to most reviewers. The outlet includes clear labeling of LINE (power source) and LOAD (protected outlets downstream) terminals, which is crucial for proper function.
One reviewer with limited experience noted: “I’m a total amateur at electrical work… I did as the instructions said and after fiddling with the test and reset buttons, I must have done it in the correct order and much to my relief, it worked as intended.” This suggests that even with minimal electrical experience, successful installation is achievable.
Instruction Clarity
There were mixed reports regarding the instruction clarity. Some users found that “The instructions seemed to make sense to me and followed it exactly. Everything works well.” However, several reviewers encountered challenges with the wiring diagrams.
One reviewer stated: “I’ve been using Leviton products for over 30-years and never questioned their well earned reputation for good quality or design until now… The switch wiring illustrations in the instructions are incorrect unless you want whatever is being fed downstream of the GFCI to be controlled by the switch instead of just the GFCI outlet itself.”
Another user found a solution after encountering issues: “Like others have mentioned, the load wires and line wires are wrong in the directions. When I installed everything, I got a green light but nothing plugged in would work and I couldn’t reset the GCFI… if you get a green light and nothing plugged in works, switch the BLACK LOAD WIRES with each other, and then switch the WHITE LINE WIRES with each other. This solved the issue for me.”
Reset Button Operation
Multiple users mentioned that the reset button requires significant pressure to operate. As one reviewer explained: “With the Leviton, I had to really sink my finger on the button, and I have skinny fingers. If you have large fingers, you might need a screwdriver or some other object to press the buttons.” This could be problematic for users with limited hand strength or mobility issues.
Another user shared: “The buttons on the Leviton GFCI outlets he has installed in the past few months have been so hard to push that he thought at first they were defective… It did take some pressure to get it to work.” This appears to be a common observation rather than isolated incidents.
Performance and Reliability
Protection Effectiveness
The primary function of any GFCI outlet is protection from electrical shock, and the Leviton GFTR1-W excels in this regard. One homeowner shared a significant experience: “Recently a space heater cord wore out and sparked. The socket tripped, turning off the circuit, most likely preventing a fire.”
Another compelling testimony came from a user who stated: “This morning, the ancient old garbage disposal unit leaked water onto its electrical input. It tripped the outlet, causing the whole kitchen to go dark… And it also saved me from a potential fire in the kitchen. I am now a big proponent of AFCI & CAFCI devices.”
Longevity and Durability
Multiple users reported that “Every unit I’ve installed has worked flawlessly”, suggesting good reliability across installations. The self-testing feature also ensures that the outlet maintains its protective capabilities over time.
One important consideration is the occasional report of units failing shortly after installation. One reviewer noted: “I gave this product 4 stars because I purchased 3 receptacles and one of the receptacles would trip once or twice a day with very little load on it, no water around the device plugged into it. The other two are still running strong with a decent load on them. I must have just got a lemon.” While such failures appear to be outliers rather than the norm, they highlight the importance of testing after installation.
Compatibility with Appliances
Most users reported good compatibility with various appliances. However, some noted sensitivity with certain devices. One reviewer observed: “If you run a large microwave that’s ‘underloaded’ – in other words you are warming up just one slice of pizza or a hot pocket in a big, 14,000 watt microwave… it is probably going to trip the outlet.” This reflects the sensitive nature of GFCI protection rather than a product defect.
Additional Features and Variants
Face Plate Inclusion
There appears to be inconsistency regarding the inclusion of a face plate. One reviewer mentioned: “It was a bit difficult to purchase because the product description did not indicate if it came with the coverplate. The picture does show it with the plate, but the page indicated in the ‘frequently bought together’ that people buy it with a coverplate.”
Another user noted: “Ordered from this supplier twice over the past year. First order of GFCIs also included the cover plates and screws. This time, just the outlets. Not really a deal breaker but if you’re replacing a standard outlet with a GFCI, you’ll need to buy a cover plate if the outlet is not a ‘decora’ type.” Potential buyers should clarify whether a face plate is included in their specific purchase.
Night Light Variant
Leviton offers variants of this GFCI outlet, including models with built-in night lights. One user enthusiastically shared: “I love the night light feature. I put them in all my bathrooms.”
Regarding the night light functionality, feedback indicates: “The night light feature isn’t the brightest but it does work as an outlet” and “It’s a very soft modest light.” This suggests the night light is suitable for orientation in darkness but not for task lighting.
Some users had preferences about the light color: “I agree with another reviewer that the color temperature of the night light should be warm, not cold bluish white light. Most other plug-in night lights are warm.” This is worth considering for installations in bedrooms or other areas where light temperature affects comfort.
Wi-Fi Connected Models
For those seeking advanced features, Leviton offers Wi-Fi connected models. According to one user: “Put a few in my utility room for sump pump & lift pump. Also put in my garage for feezer and refrigerator. Easy to install & set up to wifi. Nice peace of mind for alerting in these locations if they get tripped.”
However, one reviewer clarified the limitations: “You are not able to turn the plug off and on via the app. This is partially on me for not checking to see if that was supported – but I think it’s implied by the phrase ‘smart outlet’. The outlet will send you notifications when it is tripped or reset.” Potential purchasers of smart variants should understand exactly what functionality is included.
Value Proposition
Price Comparison
Many reviewers noted that purchasing through online retailers “tend to be cheaper than my local big box store.” This price advantage makes the Leviton GFTR1-W an attractive option compared to in-store purchases.
Some users found the pricing somewhat high: “Great product but a little bit expensive.” However, most considered the price justified given the safety features and brand reputation.
One user put it succinctly: “Levitron is the best, don’t waste your money on cheap GFCIs.” This sentiment was echoed by multiple reviewers who prioritized reliability and safety over cost savings.
Warranty and Support
While the review data doesn’t extensively discuss warranty information, Leviton typically offers a limited warranty on their GFCI outlets. The company’s established reputation in the electrical components industry provides additional confidence in their product support.
Comparison to Alternatives
Leviton vs. Other Brands
Some users compared this Leviton model with other brands like Legrand. One detailed comparison noted: “Since my other GFCIs around the house are Legrand, and I prefer having the indicator off, and the buttons are easier to press, I’m going with that one. If you want the receptacle slots to light up, or if you prefer having the indicator on, those are the only real advantages I see with the Leviton.”
Another user questioned authenticity of some purchases: “Not sure if they’re really Levington? They don’t seem to work as good as store bought Homedepot ones! Buttons stick and hard to reset compared to store bought!” This raises the importance of purchasing through authorized retailers.
Installation Tips and Best Practices
Based on reviewer experiences, here are some valuable tips for installation:
- Electrical Box Space: Ensure adequate space in your electrical box before installation. If working with an older or smaller box, plan for tight wire management.
- Line vs. Load Wiring: Pay careful attention to the LINE (power source) and LOAD (downstream outlets) connections. Incorrect wiring is the most common installation issue.
- Ground Wire Placement: One user advised: “Be aware of your ground wire. I had so much extra ground wire in the receptacle box that it touched the receptacle line and tripped the GFCI. Push that wire clear of touching any of the white or black wire screws in the receptacle box.”
- Reset Button Activation: After installation, be prepared to apply significant pressure to the reset button. Consider using a non-conductive tool if finger pressure is insufficient.
- Testing After Installation: Always test the outlet with both the test button and a GFCI outlet tester (available at hardware stores) after installation.
Conclusion
The Leviton GFTR1-W Self-Test SmartlockPro Slim GFCI Outlet represents a solid choice for homes requiring ground fault protection. Its self-testing capability, tamper-resistant design, and LED indicator provide comprehensive safety features that justify its price point. The slim design, while still larger than standard outlets, represents an improvement over earlier GFCI models.
Installation challenges, particularly regarding instruction clarity and button stiffness, are noteworthy considerations but not deal-breakers. The occasional report of premature failure reminds us that quality control issues can affect even reputable brands, though these appear to be exceptions rather than the rule.
For homeowners prioritizing electrical safety in moisture-prone areas, the Leviton GFTR1-W offers reliable protection with modern features at a reasonable price point. The SmartlockPro technology provides an additional safeguard against improper installation or GFCI failure, making this outlet particularly valuable in critical applications like kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
When selecting between the standard model and variants with night lights or Wi-Fi connectivity, consider your specific needs and installation environment to determine which features justify the additional cost. Regardless of variant, the core safety functionality remains consistent across the product line.
Given the potential consequences of electrical accidents, investing in a quality GFCI outlet from an established manufacturer like Leviton represents a prudent choice for home safety. The GFTR1-W balances advanced features with reliable protection, making it a recommended option for homeowners updating their electrical systems.
Buy on Amazon: Here
