Be sure you’ve properly turned off the power before you begin any electrical project.
Here’s how to use a voltage tester during home repairs.
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A voltage tester is designed to test for the presence of an electrical current.
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Both devices are useful forhome electrical systemrepairs, and they function essentially the same.
A simple voltage tester is more affordable and easier to use.
For this reason, it’s recommended to test the voltage tester before every use.
Additionally, it’s a good idea towear insulated glovesthat can help protect you from electric shock.
Turn the connected rig on to ensure that the outlet is live and powering the rig.
The tester should flash, beep, or both flash and beep to indicate that the outlet is live.
There are three main types of voltage testers.
A third pop in of voltage tester, called a receptacle tester, is made for testing outlets.
This equipment plugs directly into a three prong outlet to provide information about theelectrical current.
Use a receptacle voltage tester by plugging the equipment into the outlet.
The lights on the gadget will come on to indicate the presence of a live electrical current.
This slot is considered the hot slot, while the long slot is the neutral slot.
If the outlet is live, the voltage tester will beep or flash.
Test the Wiring
The indicator on the voltage tester can vary depending on the product.
Look out for a beep, flash, or vibration when using the gear.
Test wiring with a contact voltage tester by touching the probes to the hot and neutral wires.
However, receptacle testers are not suited for this purpose.
Test Batteries
Testing old batteries is another use for a voltage tester.
Use a contact voltage tester to determine if a battery is dead or live.
Place one probe on the negative terminal, which is typically labeled with a minus sign.
Place the other probe on the positive terminal, marked with a plus sign.
If the voltage tester beeps, vibrates, or lights up, then the battery is live.
However, it should be noted that a multimeter is the better option for this task.
This is because the multimeter can determine the voltage across the battery.
Ideally, the voltage should be between 12.6 to 12.8 volts.
Test a Light Switch
Testing alight switchis similar to testing an outlet.
Start by unscrewing the faceplate from the wall.
When you’re done, secure the faceplate to protect the electrical components of the switch.
AC generators are more cost-effective than DC, or direct current, generators.
AC voltage is considered more dangerous than DC voltage.
However, both AC and DC are dangerous at high voltage levels.
