Now seems like a good time to bring up a perhaps less versitile device, but all the more important for anyone who doesn't see a need for a multitester...the simple outlet tester. Nowhere nearly as talented, but a great thing to have handy when it becomes neccessary to check an outlet for juice. Is the light/device/appliance DOA, or have I just popped a breaker? That old switch cover is nasty looking, how 'bout a new one from Home Depot? The outlet tester might save you a few bucks, save your life, or just keep you from trying a new hairstyle...

Another makeshift device for checking to see which breaker controls which circuit is a good ole fashioned plug in radio...plug it in, tune to a strong station & crank it up...that way you can hear for yourself if you've cut power to an outlet without running back & forth from one end of the house (or up & down the stairs)...

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