Tricks to Test Voltage On Electrical Connectors

Probing to test voltage in electrical connectors on farm equipment can be a challenge. Here are some tricks:

A straightened paper clip fits the sockets on many electrical connectors. It’s easier to make contact with a voltmeter’s probe against a paper clip inserted into the connector than to fit the bulky probe into a tiny socket.

Whenever possible, identify and use the ground circuit in any wiring harness connector for testing rather than by grounding to the machine’s frame. Low-voltage computerized systems are often grounded all the way to the battery via dedicated ground circuits. Grounding-to-frame can give faulty readings.

When it’s necessary to test a “live” circuit, it’s better to back-probe into the rear of a harness connector than to pierce or shave the insulation from a wire. Once insulation is disturbed on small gauge wires it’s difficult to completely seal the disturbance against moisture. Back-probing a connector with a straightened paperclip is an option; there are also special tools specifically designed to back-probe connecting plugs.

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