In case of a failed power line, you might want to check the breaker before working with the wires. Also, it pays to check your breaker from time to time to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Turn the breaker to the "on" position.
Turn the voltage meter or multimeter on and set it to read
voltage.
Touch the red power lead of the meter to the screw that
feeds power into the breaker. The screw will be connected to the breaker by a
black wire.
Touch the black or neutral probe of the multimeter to the
grounded box. Read the voltage on the multimeter. If there is no voltage
reading, then the breaker is bad and needs to be replaced. If there is a
voltage reading, and the voltage will read either 120 or 220 volts, then the
breaker is good.
