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Various continuity testers, multimeters, and circuit testers are available at hardware and electrical parts stores.
A continuity tester can tell you whether electricity can flow through a cord. |
Electricity needs a continuous path or circuit in order to flow. It's like a two-lane road from point A to point B and back. If one or both lanes are blocked, traffic—in this case, electricity—stops. A continuity tester is useful for checking cords and wires to make sure they can conduct electricity. Here's how:
- Disconnect the cord from the power source (electrical receptacle). Make sure any switches on the device are ON.
- Attach the alligator clip to one prong of the cord.
- Touch the tip of the continuity tester to the other prong. If there is continuity, the tester will light up. If not, it won't.
Here's how it works: The continuity tester sends electricity from an internal battery through one cord prong and down the wires. If the light gets electrical current from the other prong it lights up, meaning that the path is good. Otherwise, something is stopping it. You can remove the cord from the appliance and test each of the two wires separately to see which one doesn't work. If both work, the short is in the appliance itself. You can buy a continuity tester for less than $5.00.
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