A circuit tester is a handy electronic device that is primarily designed to test the flow of current through electrical circuits.
Premeditatedly designed for DIY needs, a circuit tester has a simple functioning and can be employed for various domestic electrical purposes. A tester detects the flow of electricity in a circuit and then indicates the result with a lighting LED.
In accordance with basic current combinations, circuit testers are classified in three major types. AC/DC tester, AC circuit tester and DC circuit tester. Although, these testers are practical in different electrical conditions, they work with a universal principle.
Using a Circuit Tester
Before we begin with the testing procedure, it’s important to ensure safety under appropriate guidelines.
Firstly, turn off the electricity supply to the circuit from the main source. In case you have an appliance, simply unplug it from the switch. However, such doings are omitted when testing with batteries.
Testing an electrical outlet
All wall sockets are designed under an identical configuration with three pronged plugs. The left and right slots are termed as neutral and hot respectively. However, the solo plug either above or below the two is called ground.
For testing, the two metal ends of a circuit tester must be inserted in two corresponding slots of a wall socket.
In case, the wires assembling the wall socket need to be tested directly, one needs to be more precautions. Ensure that the two wires are bowed and separated at an adequate distance and they don’t rattle with each other.
Now, position one lead of the circuit tester with the hot wire, which will probably be black in color. The other end of the tester should then be sited on to the neutral wire with white or green color.
In both the cases, the LED light with the tester will confirm the completion of electrical circuit. If the electrical circuit has the right supply of electricity, the LED on the tester will turn on.
However, if the tester shows no light, the electrical circuit might be broken or incomplete.
Testing with batteries
Checking the flow of current in a battery is relatively easier than to an electrical outlet.
Just identify the two electrical terminals on the battery and bring in the circuit tester. Now place the red end of the tester on the positive terminal of the battery. In the same way, put the black end of the tester on the negative terminal.
Similar to the case with electrical outlet, a LED on the tester will indicate the flow of current in the battery.
However, when testing an appliance, one end of the tester should be connected with the appliance whereas the other end must be linked with ground.
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