What is the main purpose of a circuit tester?

The main purpose of a circuit tester is to check for the presence of voltage in a circuit. This function is essential because it allows technicians and electricians to determine whether electrical circuits are live or not, ensuring safety when working with electrical systems. Voltage presence is a critical indicator that helps identify whether power is being supplied to the circuit and whether it is safe to proceed with repairs or modifications.

While measuring total resistance, testing continuity, and identifying load capacity are all important tasks in electrical work, the primary role of a circuit tester is rooted in verifying voltage levels. This function establishes a baseline for diagnosing issues, as detecting voltage is fundamental in troubleshooting electrical faults. If a tester shows no voltage, it indicates that there may be a break in the circuit or that a circuit is turned off, guiding further action. Thus, checking for voltage presence is crucial to understanding the health of an electrical system.