How to Test Electrical Outlets for common Wiring Problems

This article shows how to test standard electrical outlets for common wiring problems using a three-prong outlet tester.

This test is inexpensive and quick and is recommended for any new homeowner, aspiring homeowner, renter, real estate agent, home inspector - or anyone else who wants to test standard electrical outlets for wiring problems!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Outlet tester

1. You will need an outlet tester. These are only about $5-10. Pick one up at your local home improvement store (e.g. Lowes, Homedepot, Ace, etc.).

2. Put the outlet tester into the outlet you want to test.

3. Check which lights come on on the outlet tester.

4. 
    
   Outlet tester.

   Compare the lights on the outlet tester with the table printed on the outlet tester.

5. 
    
   This outlet has an open ground!

   EXAMPLE for PROBLEMATIC OUTLET
   
   Only one yellow light lit up! This outlet has a problem! Reading from the table we learn that this outlet has an open ground! Mark the outlet with a sticker and/or note the location of the faulty outlet. It will have to be repaired!

6. 
    
   Everything OK with this outlet!

   EXAMPLE for UNPROBLEMATIC OUTLET
   
   Two yellow lights came on. This outlet tested negative for the most common electrical wiring problems. Everything seems correct here.

7. After testing all the outlets see which outlets need to be worked on. If you have any faulty outlets do NOT use them anymore and visibly mark them (e.g. with a sticker). Have a professional electrician repair the problematic outlets.

Tips & Warnings

• If no lights come on when you put the outlet tester into your outlet see if the power is on. If the power is shut off, you will not be able to perform a test with the outlet tester!
• You cannot test 240V outlets with this tester!
• The outlet tester tests for the most common wiring problems found in standard residential outlets. Of course it will not test for ALL possible wiring problems and all problems there might be with an electrical system. If you need a comprehensive evaluation of an electrical system you will have to hire a professional electrician to do an inspection.
• Any work on the electrical system should only be performed by professionals!