Diagnose an Electrical Problem Safely

Chapter 1 — Safety First, Diagnosis Second

Residential 120V can kill. 240V definitely can.

Tool: non-contact voltage tester ($15). Test BEFORE touching anything.

Rule 1: if you don’t know what’s energized, assume everything is.

Rule 2: kill power at the breaker panel, not just the switch.

Rule 3: re-test after killing the breaker — some switches don’t fully cut power in older wiring.

A non-contact voltage tester being held near a wire to confirm zero voltage before touching.