How-To Project Home Maintenance Dictionary FAQ Help Find a Pro Librarian Testing for Electricity Testing for electricity is fairly easy and safe as long as you are careful. This article will show you where to put the test leads on outlets, switches and light sockets and plain old wire, but does not explain how electricity works.
Electricity is dangerous , having at least a basic understanding is a good thing.
Insert one lead in each opening. The tester will glow red if current is present. If the light glows, the outlet is grounded. If the light does not glow, take the lead from the right slot and put it in the left slot. If the tester does not glow in either position, your outlet is not grounded.