What is the proper way to test a receptacle?

The simplest way to test a receptacle is to use a plug-in type receptacle tester. This tester indicates either proper operation or common miswirings of the receptacle. If the receptacle is a GFCI, there is a special type of plug-in tester that has a GFCI trip button on top. This tester indicates the same things as the other one. In addition, you can press the test button to create a small ground fault, which will trip a properly operating GFCI. ---- IF YOU'RE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

If you do any work yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work and always use a meter or voltage indicator to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.