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What are the different types of testers?
1 Battery testers: battery testers can be set to test specific types of batteries and let you know whether batteries are ready for replacement or if they're still functional.
2 Voltage testers: most voltage testers can detect current in wires without contact, quickly letting users know which wires are live and which are safe to work with and help diagnose failures in circuits.
3 Receptacle testers: these plug into outlets and receptacles to test and visually indicate faults with wiring.
4 Multimeters: while their functions can vary between models, most multimeters can measure AC and DC voltage, current, amperage, and electrical resistance in circuits. Multimeters are a must-have for complex electrical or electronics projects.
How do I use an electrical tester or multimeter?
A multimeter allows you to set the device to test your chosen electrical value and has a positive and negative prong that allow you to test individual components or parts of a circuit. Specialized electrical testers are generally easier to use, receptacle testers just need to be plugged in, voltage testers can read voltages from up to 4 feet away so you can test wires behind walls.
What features should I look for when buying a multimeter?
Make sure the multimeter you choose can take the readings you need, as their functions and precision can vary. A digital display is a good feature to look for as it can make it easy to read precise measurements. Clamp multimeters (sometimes called clamp meters) make measuring current easy and are safer, as they don't need direct contact to take readings.
