Outlet Tester
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: March 2, 2011
It’s easy to take your electrical outlets for granted. When we plug something in we get the power we need.
But electrical outlets can be dangerous, they can shock, short circuit and even cause electrical fires.
Here is a quick tip that will help you know what's going on behind the outlet.
You can checkout how well a three-pronged outlet is working with a “receptacle tester”. A neon circuit tester will work well for a two-pronged outlet.
Just plug them in and they will tell you how well your outlets are working.
A three-pronged receptacle tester usually has three lights and the way the lights light up can tell you exactly what is wrong or even if everything is fine. A two-pronged electrical tester would be used in older homes with only two pronged outlets, it will light up if all is working well and it won’t light up if something is wrong. If you find something is wrong with your outlet call a qualified electrician right away. Don’t try and fix it yourself.
If all is well with your outlets you can rest assured your outlets are working properly when you need them to work for you.
Here is some more information about electrical outlets!
Safety is of utmost importance when working with electricity.
Develop safe work habits and stick to them. Be very careful with electricity. It may be invisible, but it can be dangerous if not understood and respected.
Safety glasses or goggles should be worn whenever power tools are used, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Always work in a clean, dry area free from anything wet.
Never splice wires together and conceal them within a wall without a junction box.
Never attempt to strip wires with a knife. Aside from endangering your fingers, you will nick the wire metal, which will create an electrical hazard.
Ground fault circuit interrupter out- lets should be used under damp conditions (basements, bathrooms, out- doors, etc.), as required by the National Electric Code.
Don't create fire hazards by over- loading an outlet or an extension cord.
Never change the size of a fuse or breaker in a circuit.
Have wiring that shows signs of fraying or deterioration replaced.
Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead.
Never by- pass safety to save money or to rush a project
Here are some electrical terms you may find useful:
Ampere. Measures the number of electrically charged particles that flow past a given point on a circuit (per second).
Breaker box (breaker panel). Houses the circuit breakers or fuses, distributes power to various parts of your house.
Circuit. All wiring controlled by one fuse or circuit breaker.
Circuit breaker. Protective device for each circuit, which automatically cuts off power from the main breaker in the event of an overload or short. Only a regulated amount of current can pass through the breaker before it will "trip."
Fish tape. A long, flexible metal strip with a formed hook (to which you fasten the cable) or wire to pull through walls, raceway, or conduit.
Main breaker- Turns the power entering your home through the breaker box on or off. This is sometimes found in the breaker box, or it may be in a separate box and at another location.
Neutral bus bar- The bar to which the neutral wire is connected in the breaker box.
Roughing-in- Placement of outlets switches and lights prior to actual electrical hook-up.
Volt- Measures the current pressure at receptacles and lights. Average household voltage is 120.
Watt- The rate at which an electrical device (light bulb, appliance, etc.) consumes energy Watts equals volts x amps.
Remember to call in a professional whenever working with electricity if it is not handled properly it could cause you serious harm.
But electrical outlets can be dangerous, they can shock, short circuit and even cause electrical fires.
Here is a quick tip that will help you know what's going on behind the outlet.
You can checkout how well a three-pronged outlet is working with a “receptacle tester”. A neon circuit tester will work well for a two-pronged outlet.
Just plug them in and they will tell you how well your outlets are working.
A three-pronged receptacle tester usually has three lights and the way the lights light up can tell you exactly what is wrong or even if everything is fine. A two-pronged electrical tester would be used in older homes with only two pronged outlets, it will light up if all is working well and it won’t light up if something is wrong. If you find something is wrong with your outlet call a qualified electrician right away. Don’t try and fix it yourself.
If all is well with your outlets you can rest assured your outlets are working properly when you need them to work for you.
Here is some more information about electrical outlets!
Safety is of utmost importance when working with electricity.
Develop safe work habits and stick to them. Be very careful with electricity. It may be invisible, but it can be dangerous if not understood and respected.
Safety glasses or goggles should be worn whenever power tools are used, especially if you wear contact lenses.
Always work in a clean, dry area free from anything wet.
Never splice wires together and conceal them within a wall without a junction box.
Never attempt to strip wires with a knife. Aside from endangering your fingers, you will nick the wire metal, which will create an electrical hazard.
Ground fault circuit interrupter out- lets should be used under damp conditions (basements, bathrooms, out- doors, etc.), as required by the National Electric Code.
Don't create fire hazards by over- loading an outlet or an extension cord.
Never change the size of a fuse or breaker in a circuit.
Have wiring that shows signs of fraying or deterioration replaced.
Use the proper protection, take precautions, and plan ahead.
Never by- pass safety to save money or to rush a project
Here are some electrical terms you may find useful:
Ampere. Measures the number of electrically charged particles that flow past a given point on a circuit (per second).
Breaker box (breaker panel). Houses the circuit breakers or fuses, distributes power to various parts of your house.
Circuit. All wiring controlled by one fuse or circuit breaker.
Circuit breaker. Protective device for each circuit, which automatically cuts off power from the main breaker in the event of an overload or short. Only a regulated amount of current can pass through the breaker before it will "trip."
Fish tape. A long, flexible metal strip with a formed hook (to which you fasten the cable) or wire to pull through walls, raceway, or conduit.
Main breaker- Turns the power entering your home through the breaker box on or off. This is sometimes found in the breaker box, or it may be in a separate box and at another location.
Neutral bus bar- The bar to which the neutral wire is connected in the breaker box.
Roughing-in- Placement of outlets switches and lights prior to actual electrical hook-up.
Volt- Measures the current pressure at receptacles and lights. Average household voltage is 120.
Watt- The rate at which an electrical device (light bulb, appliance, etc.) consumes energy Watts equals volts x amps.
Remember to call in a professional whenever working with electricity if it is not handled properly it could cause you serious harm.
