How To Test A Circuit Breaker With Multimeter

Circuit breakers are a vital component of any electrical system, as they protect against overcurrent and overheating. Whether you’re an experienced electrician or just an everyday home owner, knowing how to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter is essential for ensuring the safety of your electrical system.

A multimeter is the most reliable and accurate way to test a circuit breaker. With a few easy steps and the right tools, you can quickly find out if your circuit breaker is in working order or needs to be replaced.

The first step in testing your circuit breaker is to power off your circuit breaker. This ensures that no voltage is running through the system, making it safe to test. Once the power is off, you can use your multimeter to measure the continuity of the breaker. To do this, set your multimeter to the continuity setting and touch the probes to the terminal screws of the circuit breaker. If the multimeter reads “OL” or “Open Loop”, then your circuit breaker isn’t working properly. If the multimeter reads “Closed Loop”, then your circuit breaker is working as intended.

After testing the continuity of your circuit breaker, you should also check the trip level of your breaker. The trip level is the maximum amount of current your breaker can handle before it trips. To test the trip level of your breaker, you’ll need a specialized breaker testing device, such as the Extech 5200. Using your multimeter, you can measure the trip level of your circuit breaker and make sure it is within the acceptable range.

Knowing how to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter is a valuable skill that can help you ensure the safety and reliability of your electrical system. With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can quickly and accurately determine whether or not your circuit breaker is in good working condition. Remember: when in doubt, always call in a professional before attempting to repair or replace your circuit breaker.