When you are going to test the performance of your circuit breaker, the multimeter is a great support tool to provide. This is a handy device that helps you check the voltage in electrical circuits. In addition, it also helps you determine if the tested circuit is using AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). This certain tool will be very helpful in helping you check if your system circuit breakers are working properly or not. Here are some simple steps you can take when using a multimeter to check your switch.
First, you need to open your circuit box. You may find a few switches here, so you need to determine which one to check first. Typically, each of those switches feeds your house in different parts. You can easily tell which switches handle which power by looking at the label. If you can’t find this information, you should label your switches immediately.
Second, you need to turn off all appliances and lights that work with the specific switch you want to check. It is very important to prevent any serious problems such as damaged appliances and lights or even a fire.
Third, you need to think about your safety. Put on a pair of rubber soled shoes and make sure the area near the circuit box is completely dry. In addition, you must also be very careful with the puddles that you can find on the ground. Clean them up right away and make sure the floor or ground is really dry. You really need to check the surrounding environment before testing your switch to avoid the risk of electric shock.
Fourth, you need to unscrew the metal frame around your switches. Just use your screwdriver to unscrew it and you can set it aside. Behind the metal frame, you’ll find wiring running through the switches and also the switches themselves.
Fifth, you can set your multimeter to AC Volts. Most home wiring systems use AC current, so the AC Volts setting allows the multimeter to read current correctly. DC is typically used to test the voltage of battery powered electronics.
Sixth, you should touch one lead of the multimeter to the terminal screw of the switch. You can then touch another tip of the switch to the ground screw. Your multimeter will give you the reading of how much electricity is flowing through your switch. The ideal reading will be 120 or 240 volts. If your meter reads nothing, you should immediately replace your switches.
It’s not that hard, right?