Circuit Tester

Circuit Tester (Click to enlarge) Voltage Tester (Click to enlarge)

If you're planning to change out a light fixture, change a switch or do other electrical jobs around the house, it's absolutely necessary to check and make sure that the power is off before you begin to work.

One way to check is with a circuit tester. Inexpensive yet effective models can run about $2. Just place the black probe into the short slot, the red into the other, make sure they've made a connection and look at your tester. If the light comes on, that means that power is present.

Another tool is the voltage detector. Look for a detector with a meter that tells you how much current you're dealing with.

One final safety note: Whenever you're working around the electricity always make sure that you read the directions that come with your products thoroughly and that the power is off at the breaker box until you're completely finished.

Also in this Episode

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-216
•	Fluorescent Light Fixture
•	Broken Gate Fix
•	Walled-In Window
•	Circuit Tester