Before doing any kind of electrical
work, or completing even the easiest fix, put your safety and the
safety of others around you first by testing receptacles and switches
with electrical voltage testers, a receptacle analyzer or
a voltage detector.Many people make the mistake of thinking
as long as they don't touch wires together, they'll be okay. Others
assume that as long as they've turned off the fuse to that specific
box or switch, they'll be all right. Yet more people are electrocuted
every year because they inadvertently touched a hot wire, or started
to work on something that they thought was safe, and wasn't.
There are several different types
of voltage testers out there, many of them specific to particular
tasks. Some basic knowledge and some minor expense may mean all
the difference between intending to start that job and finishing
it.
Listed below are some of the most
common types of electric voltage testers.
Receptacle Analyzer: This gadget is
a small tool that comes equipped with prongs, just like those you
would find on any plug. It is inserted into the wall socket receptacle.
Lights will flash, telling you if the receptacle is working properly,
or if it's grounded or polarized. Some vibrate and make noise,
so it's just a matter of finding one that suits your purposes and
skill level.
Voltage Detector: This handy tool
will find your live wires, whether you're touching them with the
tool or not. It looks sort of like a fat fountain pen, and when
held in the vicinity of a live wire, will glow. So, if you're not
sure if that wire running beneath your living room carpet is good
or not, this tool is convenient to have on hand.
Four-Level Voltage Tester: This one
looks like a small, black torpedo and has two wires extending from
it; usually one black and one red. This type of tester is best used
in wall receptacles or to determine if wiring for a light switch
is working. Using the prongs on each end of the colored wires, you
can touch a screw on the switch itself with one wire, and the grounding
box with the other, to determine if you have juice.
Continuity Tester: This tool will
allow to you see if certain devices are working properly, such as
thermostats or alarm system devices. After first completely removing
the device from the wall and detaching all wires, you attach the
continuity tester's alligator clip to a terminal on the item
and then use another probe to touch another part of the device.
If the device is in good working order, the light will glow when
the device switch is turned on, then disappear when it's turned
off.
Play it safe. Never assume
anything when it comes to electricity.
