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Electrical Wire and Cable


Testing Appliance Circuits

Testing Appliance Circuits -Appliances may be tested one component at a time with the circuit power OFF or while the appliance is NOT plugged into the power source or receptacle outlet.


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Voltage Readings for Circuits
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I have noticed several times that when an electrical appliance ceases working, when I test the plug with a plug-in tester, that BOTH terminals light up positive for a time.
HOW can this be?

Additional Comments: Thank you….VERY helpful
Background: Steven, a Handyman from Athens Greece

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Steven.
Steven, I believe that you have a 220 volt system there in Athens Greece, so it may be normal to get a reading from both terminals with your tester. Be careful with the screwdriver when you are testing the circuit.

Testers for Appliance Circuits

I would strongly suggest that you purchase a good quality voltage tester that has an actual digital or analog read out display and not just indicator lights.

Testing Appliance Circuits
Appliances may be tested one component at a time with the circuit power OFF or while the appliance is NOT plugged into the power source or receptacle outlet.
A ohm or continuity test for each segment of the internal appliance circuitry will reveal where the fault is occurring. Often it is found that high limit switches or internal thermal fuses will fail over time an prevent the appliance from working. If all of the other components of the appliance check out ok then the thermal fuse may be replaced. Heating elements found inside some appliances may fail as well which could also be determined with a continuity test.

The Following  will assist you with Electrical Testing

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

Electrical Testers
digital-tester
Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.

For more information about Other Electrical Issue
Other Electrical Issue
Other Electrical Issue
Other Electrical Issue
Home Electrical Wiring Issues

This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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