How to Use Voltage Testers

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Two-Wire Volt Tester

A two-wire volt tester consist of two leads, one that is connected to a ground reference and one that is used to test for current in a wire.

  1. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 1
    Place one lead on a ground reference. A ground reference can be a box screw, a neutral side of an outlet, or a neutral white wire.
  2. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 2
    Place the other lead on the hot wire. You can place the lead on the hot side of an outlet, which is the shorter side of the plug, or on black or red wire.
  3. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 3
    Read the results. If you have not properly disconnected the electric current, then the voltage tester light will be activated.
Method 2 of 3:

Using an Outlet Tester

Outlet testers are the simplest type of voltage tester to use. These testers usually have three lights. The key on the top of the tester will explain how to read the results.

  1. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 4
    Plug the voltage tester into the outlet.
  2. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 5
    Read the results by referring to the key on top of the tester. If no light is activated, then you have disconnected the current appropriately.
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Non-Contact Voltage Tester

Non-contact voltage testers do not have to actually touch live wires or outlets to provide a reading. Instead, place them close to the outlet, fixture or switch that you want to test.

  1. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 6
    Place the non-contact tester near the fixture that you want to test. Place the tester as close to the circuit as you possibly can.
  2. How to Use Voltage Testers Picture 7
    Read the results. Live current will activate the light on the voltage tester.
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