# How to Locate the Open Electrical Circuits in House Wiring
When you plug an appliance into an electrical outlet, you expect the appliance to work properly. When it does not, one possible cause of failure is a broken or defective appliance. Another possible cause of failure is a faulty outlet or faulty wiring, often referred to as an open circuit.
Things You'll Need
- Multimeter
Instructions
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1
Position the dial on your multimeter to AC voltage. Different multimeters use a variety of symbols for AC voltage. Select VSC, AVC or V with a wavy line under it.
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2
Grip the insulated end of the red probe and the black probe extending from the multimeter.
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3
Slide the bare metal end of the black probe into one of the vertical slots in the electrical outlet, then slide the bare metal end of the red probe into the second vertical slot.
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4
Inspect the dial or the digital readout on the multimeter. A properly working outlet displays a voltage between 108 and 121 volts. A voltage readout of zero means there is an open circuit.
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General Home Safety
- How to Upgrade the Electrical Wiring in a House
- How to Add Circuit Wiring to a House
- The Tools Needed for the Electrical Wiring of a House
- How to Add a Plug to the Wiring of a Dishwasher
- How to Hook Up the Electrical Wiring for a Dishwasher
- How to Ghost Wire House Circuits
- How to Locate Damaged Electrical Wiring in a Wall
- The Cost to Check the Electrical Circuits in a House
- How to Change the Polarity of House Wiring
- How to Locate Electrical Problems in Underground Wiring
- Precautions in House Wiring Circuits
- How to Map Out Electrical Wiring Circuits for a New House
