I have a cheap ohm meter or whatever it's called. Haven't used it in a long time. I have an outlet that does not work. I want to test the power supply to see if I have power. Do I just hold one piece of the tester to the hot and neutral wire? does it matter which one I hold where?
2007-08-01 09:15:18 · 8 answers · asked by TB28 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
no..the outlet does not work. I want to test the power supply to the outlet to determine whether there is power there or not. If there is, I'll know it's just the outlet and it needs replaced.
2007-08-01 09:21:56 · update #1
Working with live electrical current can be hazardous. Do not attempt this measurement without the proper tools and safeguards. Always test your test equipment for proper operation before use.
Turn on any wall switches that may control an outlet. It is surprising the number of times an electrician will be called out for a non-functioning outlet only to solve it by flipping a switch. Another thing to check is that the circuit breaker or fuse is intact and that no GFCI outlet controlling the branch has tripped.
Testing an outlet can be as simple as plugging in a light to see if it goes on. Of course, always test your test equipment first. If that light doesn't work and you test an outlet and assume there is no current because the light doesn't go on, you may be in for a shock.
A more thorough way to test electrical outlets involves the use of an outlet tester. This device will not only indicate if the outlet has power, it will also indicate if the outlet is grounded and whether the hot and common wires are reversed.
The device could not be easier to use and costs only a few dollars. Generally, you plug the device in and note the pattern of the lights. The legend printed on the device describes what the lights indicate. Follow all of the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
If a outlet is identified as being miswired or does not have proper ground, you should not use the outlet until the problem is resolved. In the case of a miswired outlet or absent ground, the problem may occur at the problem outlet or somewhere else in the branch circuit. Do some detective work to determine the extent of the problem before attempting any repairs.
2007-08-01 09:23:36 · answer #1 · answered by DanE 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to test the power supply, the power is wired to the contact on the outlet, so testing the outlet is the same as testing the wires. Normally.
At any rate, to test the outlet, put the voltmeter or multimeter on the ACV range and higher enough to cover the 120VAC. Place the red probe in the smaller sized outlet hole and the black into the larger slot. You should have 120V. If not, then take the black lead and place it on the screw on the cover to see if you have 120VAC or not. That way if you have lost the neutral leg you will see the voltage.
If you haven't found the voltage yet, then take the red lead and put it in the larger slot and touch the center screw on the plate to see if you have voltage. This would let you know that the outlet was wired backwards, and you are missing the neutral leg.
On AC voltage it doesn't matter which wire on the tester you put where. I only specified for clarity. Just be sure that the tester is set to AC voltage and the 120V range.
Good luck.
2007-08-01 11:05:00 · answer #2 · answered by Fordman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is basically as you suggest POS+ to LIVE and NEG- to (NEUTRAL), not EARTH!.
But you also make sure that the Multitester is set to the correct voltage range and current; namely; AC or DC (>110v, >220v..e.t.c.).
You would be better off getting yourself a 'testing' screwdriver. They are usually quite cheap and you can pick them up at any electrical store, (Tandy...e.t.c.).
It is always good to have one in the home and a far simpler and safer method than the Multitester. You simply put the blade into the live opening and cover the contact plate on the end of the handle, (don't worry,..you'll see what i mean), and a light will indicate if the socket is under supply.
I hope this helps!,
Good luck and take care, C.J.
2007-08-01 09:34:39 · answer #3 · answered by Chris J 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry but you fell prey to the trap of doing something you do not understand. All of the components you replaced are easily tested with a volt or ohm meter. Test things first. If in fact you replaced everything you said, did you test the centrifugal switch in the motor. There is a switch in most motors that will not allow the heating element to come on unless the drum is turning. They do go bad. Next possibility is the timer. These things usually are not cost effective to replace and I can't tell you how to test one.
2016-05-20 02:10:23 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here are some general safety rules for testing house wiring with a multimeter.
1 use the correct ac voltage range. The it doesnt matter which probe is used for which connection.
2 keep one hand in your pocket. this will prevent a the current from crossing youheart if you are electrocuted. If necessary, use the little jumper cables to clip one connector to one side of the circuit.
2007-08-01 09:31:37 · answer #5 · answered by Niklaus Pfirsig 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Turn the meter to AC volts. One lead on hot and one on neutral like you said. On AC, it doesn't matter which lead goes where. Be careful.
2007-08-01 12:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try and plug in a lamp and leave it on so that you can see the light, Go shut off the breakers until the light goes off, then you know the power is off.Then no electricity.
2007-08-01 09:20:36 · answer #7 · answered by mr.obvious 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There's this gadget sold at home depot, that measures wattage.
2007-08-01 09:19:47 · answer #8 · answered by diamondswintergreen 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋