How to Use a Receptacle Analyzer

A device plugged into an improperly wired outlet may become damaged. A receptacle analyzer is handy tool for checking if an outlet is wired and grounded properly. It indicates the outlet problem so you can fix it before plugging in a device.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Receptacle analyzer

1. Remove all items from the receptacle and turn all switches on the same circuit to the off position, but leave the power on to the receptacle.

2. Insert the analyzer into the plug as you would plug in any other device.

3. Look at which of the three lights come on when the analyzer is plugged in.

4. Compare the lights to the diagram on the analyzer to determine what the combination of lights you are seeing means.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare the lights on your analyzer to this chart. This chart should be accurate for most analyzers (N means "not lit" O means "lit") N_N_N – The hot wire is not attached properly N_O_N – the ground wire is not properly attached N_O_O – The receptacle is correctly wired. O_N_O – The hot and ground wires are reversed O_O_N – The hot and neutral wires are reversed N_N_O – The neutral is not attached
• Buy a GFI receptacle analyzer to test GFI outlets. Many basic receptacle analyzers will cause a GFI outlet to trip. A GFI receptacle analyzer also comes with a button to test if the GFI trips correctly.
• Be careful when working with electricity because it is dangerous and unforgiving. If you are shocked you can be injured severely or even killed.