How can I check to see how much voltage is going through a power cord, without disconnecting anything?

Question

I realize I can use a clamp meter. . . but they say I have to check it seperate from the neutral wire, I can only do that right at the box, or seperate the wire? I want to check how much is going throuigh a line when I am up in the attic crawling around, all the insulation and what not, causes all wires to set off the little voltage detector, so I want to be able to read how much is in there. Is there a clamp meter that can do this?

Answer 1

Technically you can't. The "voltage" is not going through the wire, only the consumed current in any one leg can be read. You can read the voltage at the source, it is the same throughout the system. I have no clue what your "little voltage detector" is or how you are setting it off, just crawling around in the attic. You can monitor the current in any leg as others have suggested, but the voltage is the same through out the system.

Answer 2

Find a qualified electrician and have him use an extension cord that has had the outer jacket removed (about 4 - 6 inches) and he/she can use an "amp clamp" to meter the hot wire.

Answer 3

You can only chack amps with a clampon. If the wires are thick enough you can take the leads of the voltmeter and stick the leads into the wire. carefull doing so. Then after the reading wrap it with electrical tape.