How do I use a digital multimeter to check house plugs?

Answer 1

Set the meter to read scale no less than 250 total on AC voltage.

Then go from copper(black wire) to the round ground you should read 110 volt. there.

Then try from light(white wire) to ground you should get NO READING.

You can look at plug and see the copper side and light side of the male plug in.

If you get a 110 between white wire and the round ground hole you got the wires reversed in the box.

Remember, white wire and non insulated copper go to same ground in the main panel. Black wire is hot side.

Answer 2

Also, you should have 2 straight slots and one round/half round hole. The copper/(black wire) James M mentions should always be the Short slot.
With meter set to volts a/c or VAC,
1) From short slot to tall slot should read between 105VAC to 125VAC.
2) From short slot to round/half round hole should read 105VAC to 125VAC.
3) From tall slot to round/half round hole SHOULD read 0 VAC. This be a little more than 0 VAC depending on how the ground circuit is installed, but usually not more than 2 or 3 VAC.
There is also a tester you can buy that is designed to test GFCI circuits. This uses LEDS to tell you the condition of the wiring.

Answer 3

Just set it to AC Volts and stick the leads into the wall socket. It doesn't matter about polarity with AC.

Answer 4

if it`s a newer receptacle it will have two slots and one hole, one slot longer than the other. the short slot is the live slot, the long slot is the neutral, the hole is grounded. in your distribution panel neutral should be bonded to ground. you can test between the short slot and either of the other two and read110 volts. between the long slot and the hole should be zero volts.

Answer 5

YOU DON`T, you call an electrician,get a mate thats a leco or pay the cash, Your familly is worth it. If you need something to do `` Paint a room or something``, At least that won`t kill you or your FAMILLY !!!!!