When dealing with electrical systems, the ability to safely test a circuit breaker is an important skill. If a circuit breaker fails, it can cause an unexpected power outage or even electrical fires and other hazardous issues. This is why it is important to know how to test a circuit breaker with a voltage meter.
To begin, make sure that the breaker is powered off. You should also verify that all power sources are turned off and that the circuit breaker box is secured shut. Once the area is safe and secure, you can use a voltage meter to test the circuit breaker.
Start by attaching the red probe from your voltage meter to the terminal of the breaker. Then, using a single conductor wire, attach the black probe from the voltage meter to ground. Set the voltage meter to read AC voltage. Most meters will read in kilovolts and volts.
Now that the voltage meter is ready, flip the switch on the breaker to turn it on. The voltage meter should read somewhere between 0 and 240 volts. If the meter reads any other number, the breaker is bad and should be replaced.
Once the meter has been tested and confirmed that the breaker is good, you can turn the breaker back off and unplug the voltage meter. Finally, make sure the area is safe, turn the power sources back on and unlock the circuit breaker box.
Testing a circuit breaker with a voltage meter is not complex, but it is important to take safety measures and double-check to ensure that the breaker is working properly. By following these steps, you can quickly and easily assess the condition of a circuit breaker, allowing you to take the appropriate action.
