How to test a light fixture's wires with a multimeter?

Hi, I've changed electrical outlets and light switches in the past, but this is my first time changing a light fixture, so I need to know how to use a multimeter on the wires connected to the old fixture to check for wires. I found the switch to turn off the power to the light, as when I flip the switch, the power to that light is off even if the switch is on. But I want to make sure it's off using a multimeter. What setting would I have to put the multimeter on, which holes should I connect the black and red leads into on the multimeter, and which parts of the wires should I touch using the metal part of the leads? Will touching the insulation work? Or will I have to take off the wire nuts and make the multimeter touch the part of the wires without any insulation? This is just a regular multimeter, not a neon one or light up one, it has a digital display to show the exact voltage.How to test a light fixture's wires with a multimeter?Set your meter on AC 600 volts. Where the light bulb screws in put one meter lead on the side inside the socket and the other lead on the little metal strip at the bottom of the screw in base. With the switch on you should read 120 volts.



To check the bulb with the meter put the setting on continuity beeper and touch the two leads together. You should hear a beep then touch one lead to the side of the bulb where it screws into the socket and touch the other lead on the little metal tip at the end of the bulb. If it beeps the bulb is good and if not it is bad.How to test a light fixture's wires with a multimeter?The 200 volt AC range should be sufficient in the US. If you are in the UK, any AC voltage setting above 250 will work. Place one lead on the outside edge of the socket and the other on the tab in the center. With the power off, you should read ZERO. With the power on, you should read about 110 - 120 in the US or 220 - 240 in the UK. Anything more than 10 volts off indicates something is wrong.