How to Test an Electrical Outlet With a Voltmeter?
Testing an electrical outlet with a voltmeter is easy. The voltmeter is a device that can determine if there is electrical current present. When an electrical outlet isn't working properly, the voltmeter will help you diagnose the problem. There are two types of voltmeters. The two types of voltmeters will be discussed here. Understanding how to use the voltmeter will help you with other electrical projects as well. There are many brands of voltmeters, but they all have the same basic function. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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How to Test an Electrical Outlet With a Voltmeter?
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Take out the voltmeter. Does if have a numerical display, or a dial with a pointer? If it has the numeric display it is called a digital meter. If it has a dial with a pointer, it is called an analog meter.
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2
Look at the voltmeter. Underneath the display is a knob. It is used to select what you are going to check. Most meters check several things. They usually check ohms, amps, AC voltage (alternating current) and DC voltage (direct current). The outlet uses AC voltage. AC voltage will be designated by the words AC voltage, or with a wavy line. DC voltage will be designated by the words DC voltage, or with a long solid line over a dashed line.
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Turn the knob to the section with the wavy line. The numbers will vary from meter to meter. Unless you know exactly what voltage is going to the outlet, it is best to put the meter on the highest setting for the initial test. You can damage the meter by testing at lower settings than the actual electrical current.
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Connect the test leads to the meter. Most meters have loose test leads that have to be plugged into the meter. Plug the red lead into the positive, or red plug, and plug the black lead into the negative, or black plug. If the meter has the leads permanently attached to the meter, just go on to the next section.
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Look at the outlet. There will be two slots and a round hole. One side of the outlet has a longer slot than the other. The round hole is to ground the outlet.
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Plug the probes into the electrical outlet. The probes are colored. Plug the red one into the narrow slot on the outlet, and plug the black one into the longer slot. Alternating current goes in each direction, but the narrow slot is the "hot" wire, and it is best that you hook up the leads properly incase there's a short in the return wire.
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Check the meter's readout. On a digital meter, it will have the voltage displayed. These meters are very user friendly. On an analog meter, the needle will point at the voltage. Be sure that you are reading the correct numbers. There may be two to four different set of numbers. Look on the far right and it will have the number that matches number on the knob. That's the set of numbers to use. If the needle is low or nonexistent, then turn the knob to a lower setting until the voltage is obvious.
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Pull the probes out of the outlet. Be sure not to touch the metal parts of the probe. The plastic or rubber insulation parts is what you should touch.
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Turn the meter off.
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Tips & Warnings
Always place the meter so that you can read it.
Never touch the metal portion of the probes while testing. Always keep your hands on the plastic portion of the probes. If the plastic becomes worn or damaged, replace the probes immediately.
