Steering Column Repair: Ignition Switch, fusible links, generic answer

Question
QUESTION: How do you che3ck ignition switch to insure its getting power?

ANSWER: Hi Dave:
You don't say what kind of vehicle you are working on or what you are trying to solve, so I can only give you a generic answer.  You test the wires going in and coming out with a test light.  In each of the different positions of the key different wires should illuminate the light.
One or two of the wires should be hot all the time as they  are the feed form the battery.

Good luck
Doug

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: working on 86 monte carlo 350 motor.i can jump the starter and it starts but got no power to key.have checked all fuses and changed ignition switch.

Answer
Thank you David:
The power that feeds the ignition switch comes from two wires that attach to the starter and have 'fusible links' soldered in the harness to protect the rest of the wiring.  If they have burned, you will lose the power that feeds the ignition switch.  
There should be 3 wires connected to the large terminal of the starter.  One from the battery and the other two are the fusible links I  am talking about.  Tug on those wires and see if they are still intact or if the wire inside them has burned.  If they are burned and broken , the wire will feel spongy and will break.  Usually, the fusible link burns inside the insulation, so looking at them will not help you.  If need be, use a test light and probe 2, 4 and 10 inches from the starter to see if you have power there.
That's most often the problem.

good luck
Doug