Testing new circuits before walls are closed

[pgray007]

I've done my first electric rough in and wanted to check everything before closing the walls, just to make sure nothing got cut or stapled during the project.

Am I correct in assuming I can tie all the grounds and neutrals together at the boxes, and tie/cap hots and turn on the breaker, and that if anything is amiss it will trip?


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[rockwithjason]

You can detect shorts that way, ground faults may or may not trip the breaker. Open circuits will not trip the bteaker.

 

[pgray007]

You can detect shorts that way, ground faults may or may not trip the breaker. Open circuits will not trip the bteaker.

That makes sense. My biggest worry is that I (or a helper) put a staple through a cable that I haven't seen during my check.

Everything else I should be able to fix without removing drywall, right?


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[matt_i]

Switches and outlets are easy. Plus one can use an outlet tester which will indicate crossed hot and neutral. Hardwired lights/fans more difficult although one could carefully energize and verify voltage at the hot and neutral with alligator clips. I'd take a gallery of pics to show what is where behind the walls.

 

[gptom]

+ 1 on taking pictures. Find a tester that will also check GFI. GFI is required with cement floors

 

[laser3kw]

before the breaker is energized: use DMM and test for continuity between terminals.
"hot" to "neutral" = infinite or "open"
"hot" to "ground" = infinite or "open"
"Neutral" to ground = continuity or very low resistance reading

 

[Kaizen]

maybe not the preferred method but I install the switches and outlets taking off the rabbit ears. hang cheap porcelain lights from light outlets. just have to remove them before ceiling install and be a little careful if using a rotozip around the boxes. as a hack I measure and cut the boxes and then finish with the drywall over the box.