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Electricians and engineers regularly use multimeters to check the voltage of circuits. However, these handy tools are now widely bachelor and affordable enough for anyone to buy one. You might want to use a multimeter to check the voltage of an outlet and ensure that the casing is safe. To examination an outlet with a multimeter, read the instructions that came with your device first and be conscientious not to touch the metallic prongs. If you exercise, you could exist electrocuted. The process of checking an outlet's voltage is quick and easy, and you can also check the casing of an outlet to make sure it's safe.

  1. 1

    Read the instructions that came with your multimeter earlier you use it. Even if you've used a multimeter before, the instructions of different models can vary and it's of import to read them to keep yourself safe. Read the instructions that came with your multimeter and check for specific data on how to safely test an outlet with the device.[1]

    • It'due south peculiarly important to make sure that the multimeter is capable of testing the voltage of the outlet. If the voltage is also high for the multimeter to mensurate, you lot may suspension information technology by trying to measure information technology.

  2. ii

    Turn on the multimeter and switch the punch to the AC setting. Air-conditioning stands for alternating current and it is normally represented by an A with a squiggly line beside or above information technology, such equally ~A or A~.[ii] Locate the ability switch on the multimeter and switch it on. Then, plow the dial on the forepart of the multimeter to the AC setting. The dial may be conspicuously marked to signal what the Air conditioning setting is, or you might need to bank check the transmission if information technology uses symbols.[3]

    • Bank check your multimeter'due south manual if you lot are unsure of how to turn it on.

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  3. 3

    Insert 1 prong into the left side and 1 into the right side of the outlet. The multimeter should accept 2 prongs, ane red and one black. Insert 1 of them into the left side of the outlet and the other into the right side of the outlet.[4]

    • Even though the prongs are different colors, information technology doesn't matter which ane yous put into each side of the outlet. The colors just matter for testing circuits and other types of electrical currents.[5]

    Warning: Concord the prongs by the insulated parts just. Do not touch the metal parts or you may electrocute yourself![6]

  4. 4

    Cheque the reading on the multimeter to make up one's mind the outlet's voltage. Once the prongs are in identify, look at the front of the multimeter. If it's a digital multimeter, the number will be displayed conspicuously on the screen. If information technology's an analog multimeter, look at where the needle is pointing to become the reading.[seven]

    • A typical reading for a household outlet in the United States is 120 volts. Yet, if it'south lower or college, the outlet may be malfunctioning.
    • Pull the prongs out of the outlet and switch off the multimeter afterward y'all're washed checking the outlet.

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  1. 1

    Switch on the multimeter and turn the dial to the Air conditioning setting. Air-conditioning stands for alternating current and this setting measures the volts that an outlet is putting out. Find the power switch on your multimeter and switch it on. And then, locate the dial on the front of the multimeter and plough information technology to the AC setting. The punch may be marked to betoken the Air-conditioning setting, such equally with an A followed past a squiggly line.[8]

    • Expect at your multimeter's instruction manual if you are not certain how to turn information technology on or select the AC setting.

  2. ii

    Printing the blackness prong against a spiral or other metal office of the fixture. To ensure that no electricity is reaching the outside of your outlet, hold the black prong by the insulated part. Then, press the metal tip of the prong confronting a screw or another piece of metal on the outlet fixture.[9]

    • Practise non touch the metal prong at any point while you're doing this!

  3. three

    Insert the red prong into the bottom pigsty of the outlet. Adjacent, concur the cherry-red prong by the insulated function and insert the metal prong into the bottom hole of the outlet. This hole is round with 1 flat edge. If the pigsty is grounded as it should be, no electricity should come out of it.[10]

    Tip: If yous desire, you tin can also check the left side of the socket while pressing the black prong against a screw. No electricity should come up out of the left slot of your socket either. Only the correct side of the socket should take an electric electric current.

  4. 4

    Await for a reading of 0.001 on the multimeter screen. In one case the reddish prong and the black prong are in place, look at the screen or analog punch on your multimeter. The reading should be 0 or 0.001 volts. This indicates that no electricity is reaching the outside of the outlet and information technology is well grounded. If the number is higher than this, the casing is a potential electrocution hazard. Phone call an electrician for aid.[xi]

    • Remove the prongs from the outlet and switch off the multimeter when y'all're washed.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    Why are polyethylene outdoor Ethernet cables more resistant to harm from extreme temperatures than regular Ethernet cables?

    Ricardo Mitchell

    Ricardo Mitchell
    Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie

    Ricardo Mitchell is the CEO of CN Coterie, a fully licensed and insured Lead EPA (Ecology Protection Agency) Certified construction visitor located in Manhattan, New York. CN Coterie specializes in full home renovation, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, cabinetry, furniture restoration, Adjuration/ECB (Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings/Environmental Control Board) violations removal, and DOB (Section of Buildings) violations removal. Ricardo has over 10 years of electric and construction experience and his partners accept over 30 years of relevant experience.

    Ricardo Mitchell

    Electrician & Construction Professional, CN Coterie

    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this skilful answer.

    Well, the polyethylene cables are designed to be used outside, so they're meliorate at withstanding farthermost atmospheric condition and temperatures. The polyethylene is just a tougher material than the stuff they usually use to make Ethernet cables.

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  • If a fuse is broken, the excursion will read equally an open line on a multimeter.[12]

  • Yous can become a bones, inexpensive multimeter for effectually $20 USD.[xiii]

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  • Concord the prongs on the multimeter past the insulated parts only. Do not bear upon the metallic parts or you may electrocute yourself!

  • Although multimeters are easy to use, it'south of import to practise caution when using your multimeter. Using it improperly may lead to injury or harm the multimeter.[14]

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