\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You do not need to mess with a wide range of settings – the device does most of the work for you! Do not touch the metal prong at any point while you’re doing this! If there’s a minus symbol on your display next to the voltage, that means the outlet has a reversed polarity. Examine the reading. Measure the voltage to determine if the outlet has power. Use a Multimeter to Test an Outlet: At first, learn the essentials of outlet testing safety because you are going to perform these tests on a live outlet. To measure the voltage from the socket, insert one lead into the live terminal (right slot) … This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your multimeter should come with a few parts: the meter, a black lead with a probe, and a red lead with a probe. If you are in this situation right now, you have found the right article for you. Instead, it adjusts the range and removes a digit of resolution. The shown number should match your previous reading. Red goes in the smaller slot, black into the larger one. Now, just insert the probes into the “hot slots” of the outlet and note the reading on the multimeter, it must be between 220 to 240 volts. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Testing the voltage of the outlet can help diagnose any number of electrical problems such as light switches not working, dim lights, tripped circuit breakers, and electric shocks among others. There are three different types of digital multimeters: A fluke digital multimeter is primarily used for calibrating volts, currents, and other electrical units. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. In a digital meter, the reading will show on the LCD screen. Almost anyone, whether you’re an electrician or a hobbyist, can use a fluke multimeter to measure electrical components. Do not touch the metal portion of the probes while testing. Therefore, testing whether a part of the outlet is live can be easily identified using simple electrical instrument or equipment. Analog multimeters are inexpensive and rely on a needle that moves over a graduated scale to display readings. Hold the tip of the red probe against the battery’s positive (+) outward-shaped terminal, and the black probe against the negative (-) inward-shaped terminal. Also, inspect your multimeter and its components prior to any use. Well you could test each side of the outlet and you should have 110 volts per side, which equals 220 if you just have the basic outlet tester. Hold the two leads in one hand (to prevent shock) and insert them into various slots on the socket to check voltage. The average household runs at 120V. The red lead should go into the smaller, narrower slot, and the black lead should go into the wider slot. In order to test the state of your GFCI outlet, use your finger and press the TEST button. Never touch the multimeter probes yourself; How to Test Your Outlet 1. It would be best if you referred to your manual to have an idea of the duration that your car modules need to be switched off, and then check whether the control modules have a cycle that is either on or off. In the multimeter voltage section, use the part labeled V and a straight line to measure DC voltage. You do not need to press hard, but you should thoroughly insert the probes. Switch the multimeter from DC mode to AC mode each … On one end is a banana plug, a short and thick connector while the other end has rigid plastic handles in the form of narrow and pointed metal probes. In the face of a quality GFCI outlet, between two sets of slots, there are two buttons that are rectangular, they are labeled TEST and RESET. It would be best if you even considered safety more than ever when dealing with AC as … Look at your multimeter’s instruction manual if you are not sure how to turn it on or select the AC setting. Look at the reading listed on the multimeter. Since you’re working with live wires, there’s an increased chance that you can burn, shock, or electrocute yourself if you’re not careful. The red wire will need to … 9 Best MIG Welder Reviews – Editor’s Picks, Do you have any other questions about any other. Use hand gloves while operating analog meters. If these don’t match, it’s possible the outlet is improperly grounded, or the wiring is reversed. Insert the black probe in the COM or negative jack, and insert the red probe in the V or positive jack, then insert the other ends of the … Having a multimeter in your toolkit is invaluable, especially if you are a DIY hobbyist, an electrician, in construction, or involve yourself in numerous projects around your house. They’re great for almost any type of electrical project in your home or to identify if one of your appliances isn’t working as it should. Insert the red lead into the other slot. Yes it is generally safe to use a multimeter to check the voltage on a wall outlet, but use caution on cheaper meters. 1) Ensure your safety before anything else. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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