How to Check for a Shorted Wire

Determining the source of an electrical problem is the first step in fixing it. Checking for a short in a circuit is a simple process that involves strategically eliminating the possibilities. The best method is to start with the appliances that were plugged in when the short occurred, followed by any receptacles in the circuit, and then finally going along the circuit itself with the ohmmeter, checking for a disruption in continuity.

Ohmmeter
Screwdriver
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Check the appliances that were plugged in when the short occurred by unplugging them and resetting the breaker. If the electricity is returned to the outlet you can be assured that the problem lies the appliance.
- 2
  Turn off the breaker or power supply. Confirm that there is no electricity in the circuit by connecting an ohmmeter.
- 3
  Remove the receptacle by taking out the screws that hold it into the wall. Pull out the wires with pliers.
- 4
  Connect one lead of the ohmmeter to the black wire and one to the white wire. Observe the reading. If the ohmmeter displays "infinite ohms" then the problem exists in the receptacle, which will need to be replaced. If it reads continuity, then there is a short somewhere else in the wiring.
- 5
  Probe the circuit with the ohmmeter systematically, attaching the ends of the tool on various segments and on either sides on all connections. The short will be identified where the ohmmeter no longer reads continuity.

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