How to Use a Wire Tester

A wire tester is a useful device that checks for wiring without piercing the wires. These devices come in many different forms and can be used for a variety of functions. There are testers that can check for insulation and cross wiring. Wire testers are very easy to use and come with different adapters for different types of wires or cables. For certain types of wires and cables, special testers may be needed. However, ordinary ohm meters can be used to test wires. Here is how to use a wire tester.

Step 1. Remove the Wires from the Power Source

Electric power running on the wires may give wrong readings. Segregate wires that are conducting electricity from non-conducting wires to get an accurate reading. Also, make sure that the wires are not mixed with other wires on the area.  

Step 2. Check for Any Signs of Damage

Weed out physically damaged wires and replace them with new ones. Checking wires that are physically damaged could waste a lot of precious time.

Step 3. Ground the Wires

For safety purposes, connect the conducting ends of the wire to the ground. To do this, connect one of the alligator clips to the ground and attach the other end of the alligator clip to one of the wire’s pins. Grounding the wires will get rid of any static electricity that may have been stored in the wires. This stored electricity can damage the wire tester or give wrong readings. 

Step 4. Attach the Wire to the Tester

Before attaching the wire to the tester, make sure to use the correct adapter. Companies design their own adapters for the specific wires they manufacture. Check out the electrical supply shop for the right type of adapter. Attach the wire to the wire tester. Make sure that both ends of the wire are connected to the tester at the same time. The tester will check for any breakage in the wire, the continuity of the whole wire, and for cross wires.

Step 5. Test the Wire

There are different types of testers in the market. Some are analog, while some are digital. Analog testers need to be read manually, while digital ones display results automatically on an LCD. To test the wire, simply turn on the tester while the wire is connected. If the wire is not broken, the tester will display a reading. Wire testers can also test for resistance in ohms, voltage in volts, and current in amperes. Ohmmeters can be easily used to test for any wire damage. To test for current and voltage, it is best to use a multi-meter. Testers usually have a red and black lead: red for positive terminals, and black for negative terminals.