If you don't have a circuit tester, you can use a small electric lamp to test outlets. To view a multimedia demonstration of this tutorial, click here . The demonstration requires Macromedia Flash 4 player. If you don't already have it, click here to get it. Before you map out your electrical circuits, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of electricity.
Electricity is the flow of electrons through a conductive material.
The force with which electrons are moving is measured in volts. The speed that the electrons are moving is measured in amperes or amps. If you multiply volts times amps, you get the number of watts that the circuit can safely provide. Watts is the amount of power required to run anything electric. Plumbing and electricity have very similar operating principles.