When electric issue rise , these quick receptacle business leader tests will come in handy . acquire how to measure voltage , conduct a polarity exam , and more .
Ever wonder whether great power is reaching an way out ? The voltage reading on a digital multimeter can tell you . When you quiz outlets with a multimeter , you ’ll be able to tell whether the lily-white and black wires are reversed , whether the receptacle is ground correctly , and which cable television entering the box feeds powerfulness to the outlet . If a job arises with an electrical receptacle in your habitation , you may usually diagnose it by running one of the five way out test explained below .
You comport most of these run with the baron on , so function cautiously . To be safe , hold both meter investigation in the same hand so that a shock absorber does n’t pass by through your organic structure .
What Is a Digital Multimeter?
A digital multimeter is a small electronic twist used to measure electrical properties such as potential difference , current , and resistance . It is sometimes also known as a multitester . you could buy a multimeter at a home improvement store , a hardware store , or anywhere tool are sold . monetary value depart from a few dollars to several hundred depending on how precise you need the measurements to be . A basic hand-held multimeter meant for non - professional , at - house use cost between $ 15 and $ 50 .
How to Measure Voltage
Voltage is the amount of air pressure that push the electrical energy through the electric circuit . The higher the electric potential , the more electrical energy is course . To test it , set the multimeter to valuate electric potential . introduce a probe into each one-armed bandit and read the line of work potential mensuration . A decently function mercantile establishment gives a reading of 110 to 120 V . If there is no reading material , contain the wiring and the wall socket .
How to Check for a Properly Grounded Outlet
Aproperly groundedoutlet register voltage when one investigation of a voltage detector , as show , or a multimeter set to mensurate voltage , is inserted into the low outlet slot , and the other probe is placed on the receptacle ’s substance screw . If the light source fails to twist on , the outlet is not grounded correctly and you should conduct a mutual opposition test .
How to Conduct a Polarity Test
A polarity test determines whether all the conductors in an electric installment are properly link up and not erroneously reversed , which can be serious . To do a polarity test , insert one probe of a voltage detector or a multimeter into the big one-armed bandit and the other against the jailer ( scratch off any blusher to control proficient liaison ) . If the voltage sensor light , that mean the red-hot and electroneutral wires are reversed and the wiring should be further checked .
How to Test an Outlet
Before you begin , turn off the powerfulness . Then disconnect the outlet from the wiring . Set your multimeter to Ohms . Put a investigation into one of the way out slot and the other investigation on the near last screw . The multimeter should argue persistence . Test the remaining slot and terminal . Then test the ground slot to the grounding end .
How to Determine Which is the Hot Cable
When two cable length enter a box , one leads to the breaker or fuse box ; the other carries king to other devices on thecircuit . To determine which is the hot cable , first turn off the power , then unplug the outlet and put caps on all the wires except one black one . Then , turn the power back on . disturb a probe to the soil wire or the box and the other probe to the black wire . If you get a reading , that is the hot telegram . If not , it is the telegram conduce to the other devices .
To twofold - deterrent , turn off the major power , move the crown from one mordant wire to the other , turn the magnate back on , and examine the uncapped wire .
