HOW TO USE A CIRCUIT TESTER

A circuit tester is an important electrical testing tool that can be used in many different situations. This is why so many handymen own a circuit tester in NZ.  

If you haven't used this particular piece of equipment before, then here is a short guide on how to operate it. 

TESTING 

If, for example, you suspect you need to change a switch due to a grounding problem, then you can use a circuit tester to check that the ground wire is doing its job. This is simple and doesn’t take a minute to complete. Just follow the steps below. 

TURN OFF POWER

Turn off the switch at the main panel then check that the power isn't still running to it by using a voltage tester. Always use a voltage tester – never just assume the power is off. 

UNCAP NEUTRAL WIRES

Neutral wires need to be uncapped to give easy access. 

DISCONNECT WIRES

Disconnect the wires but make sure they do not touch each other. Once you have done this, turn the power back on.

CHECK FOR POWER

Use the voltage tester to identify the live wire. Remember, be careful when you do this as the power is back on. 

USE THE CIRCUIT TESTER

Touch the ground wire with one lead of the circuit tester and the live wire with the other. If the red light shows, then the wire is grounded properly. 

METAL BOXES WITHOUT A GROUND WIRE

If you have a metal box without a ground wire, check to see if the box itself can act as ground. To do this, follow the procedure above but touch one wire to the live wire and the other to the box. If the red light shows, then the box is grounded. If the box isn't grounded, you will need to contact an electrical specialist to work out a solution.  

Obviously, when dealing with live wires, extreme caution is always needed. Don't touch an exposed live wire with anything uninsulated or allow live wires to touch each other. Only ever touch the insulated section of the wires while in use. If you are in any doubt that the power is off, do not proceed with anything that may put you or others at risk.  

If you're looking to buy a circuit tester in nz, then we can supply you with top-of-the-range equipment.