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How to Use an Electrical Tester

How to Use an Electrical Tester

Dealing with electrical issues can make you feel out of control. Flickering lights, buzzing appliances, and a total lack of ability to fix things on your own are frustrating.

Learn how to use an electrical tester for troubleshooting electrical problems. Our electrical testers help in many situations but don't take our word for it - check out Neighborhood Electric to discover how easy electrical testing can be!

What Is An Electrical Tester?

Electrical testers are tools used to determine whether a circuit is live or whether power is being supplied to the device you are working on. Some testers are as simple as a light that displays whether there's a current running through a circuit or not.

Some testers have multiple indicators and can be used to determine the polarity of electric circuits. Other testers can be used to determine the voltage of a circuit. Some even test electric wires for continuity and ground faults.

Types of Electrical Testers

There are several different electrical testers, and they each have their own purpose. There are voltage testers and continuity testers. The most common kind of voltage tester is the neon tester which has a single light that glows when electricity is present. These testers will not tell you what type of voltage you are dealing with, so it's essential to be careful when using them.

Some electrical testers can differentiate between AC and DC current and between different voltages like 110V and 220V. 

Continuity testers do not test for voltage but test for continuity in the circuit from end to end. If there is no continuity, the circuit is broken somewhere in the line and needs to be fixed before being used again. Continuity testers usually have a light or a tone that indicates when there is continuity through the circuit. Still, some more advanced models can be used to locate where the break in the circuit is by using sound waves or resistance.

How to Use an Electrical Tester

Follow these steps to use an electrical tester:

• Look at the outlet to make sure nothing is plugged into it.
• Remove the cover plate from the outlet.
• Press the end of the tester into one of the holes in the outlet. A green light indicates power going to the outlet, while a red light means that there is no power going to the outlet.

Safety should be your number one priority if you're working with electricity. That's why you need to know how to use an electrical tester. These handy devices can help you avoid getting shocked or electrocuted while checking a circuit. If you have any concerns, it is time to contact an affordable electrician, and Neighborhood Electric is ready to help.

Neighborhood Electric Is Here To Help

In short, if you have any electrical concerns in your home, the best way to have them addressed is with professional help from a licensed electrical repair service. Neighborhood Electric is qualified to check for problems with your electrical system and fix any issues that need to be addressed.

Contact Neighborhood Electric today for an assessment and peace of mind!