How do you test if an outlet is actually grounded?

Question

I know the round bottom hole is supposed to be wired into the earth but is there a way to test that it actually is?

Answer 1

There are quite inexpensive testers for such situations. I bought one last year at HomeDepot, I think, for about $5. You simply plug the device into the outlet, and observe the various lights which light and do not, and match it to the instructions provided.

Answer 2

You can buy a little circuit tester, it fits a standard 120 volt receptacle (outlet).....most have 3 lights, and depending what lights come on, a legend on the tester will tell you if it is grounded, shorted, or open, or if it's normal. It will tell you what is wrong if anything, but it won't fix it. If theres a problem, be sure to get someone licensed to fix it if you're the homeowner, unless you have good knowledge yourself. For one, electricity is dangerous; 2, it only take 1/5 of 1 amp to kill someone under the right circumstances; 3, it could start a fire; and 4, if God forbid something should go wrong after someone has fixed it, your insurance will NOT cover the damages caused by it unless you have a receipt from a licensed contractor. Good luck, and please be careful.

Answer 3

in the uk u can buy a socket tester that will check all the connections maybe the same will work for you