How to Use Electrical Testers

Electrical testers are perhaps the most important safety feature in any amateur, or professional for that matter, electrician's tool kit. Electrical testers indicate whether or not there is power running between two points. Electrical work should never be done when power is still running to an appliance. Current running to an electrical appliance can cause serious injury, or even death, if it is not cut before work has begun.

To test for power, electrical testers typically have two leads running off a handheld device that are used to test for power between two specific points. These safety devices usually include an indicator or display that will show when power is running to the device. The separate leads on the electrical testers are touched to two points on the appliance and the indicator will display if power is running between those two points.

Although electrical testers are the most important safety feature in any electrician's tool kit, they are certainly not the only one. Many different items will be needed if you are doing your own wiring and electrical testers work best when combined with other tools that will help you to get the job done properly. Along with an electrical tester, these items should also be added to your tool kit before attempting repairs:

Pliers: both needle-nose and standard models.

A variety of different types of screwdrivers that are insulated. These will help protect you if minor electrical discharges occur. Screwdrivers that are small will also be helpful in reaching tight or cramped locations.

Wire connectors come in variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. These are used to connect loose wires and establish a connection. Some connectors will require crimping tools but, for most connectors, pliers will work just as well.

Electrical tape is essential and will solve a lot of problems when working with electrical wiring. It can be used in place of connectors or as a makeshift harness for wires that are cumbersome.

A utility knife or combination tool is ideal for cutting or splicing wires. Some combination tools are also made to crimp wire connectors or splice wire at certain gauges. Although it can be done without, a good combination tool will make home wiring a much more pleasant project in the end.

Making sure you have the proper electrical tools, along with a working electrical tester, will help ensure that serious injuries are prevented when you’re working around the house.

More information on electrical testers