
The ground port is the “U”-shaped hole above the other ports. The neutral slot is usually the longer port on the left of the outlet, while the hot slot is the shorter one on the right. Stick the positive multimeter probe into the hot or live port, and stick the negative multimeter probe into the neutral port. As we all know, three-prong outlets typically have hot, neutral, and ground ports. Now, you stick your multimeter probes into the appropriate outlet ports.
Stick Multimeter Probes Into Outlet Holes. Plug in the large end of your probes into the appropriate holes on the multimeter.Ĭonnect the red “positive” lead to the port labeled “+” and connect the black “negative” lead to the slot labeled “COM”. You get the most accurate results this way. This is typically represented with “VAC” or “V~”.Īdditionally, since you intend to diagnose a 220V outlet, you make sure the multimeter dial is set to a range close to 220 volts (usually 200V). To make appropriate tests, turn your multimeter dial to the AC voltage setting. Your home appliances make use of alternating current (AC Voltage), and this is what the outlets in your home give out. Using one hand to hold both probes is also advisable, to minimize the impact of electric shocks. You also avoid allowing the metal probes to make contact with each other, as this may create a short circuit. This means that there is a risk of electrocution and, with the amount of voltage we are dealing with, you want to take measures to prevent this.Ī safety precaution to take is using insulated rubber gloves during the procedure.
To determine if an outlet is producing the right amount of voltage, you need current to be flowing within its circuit. There are a lot of other things you need to know and we go into further details now. If the multimeter does not display a value close to 220 VAC, the outlet is bad.
Set the digital multimeter to an AC voltage range close to 220 VAC and 240 VAC, stick the black multimeter probe into the neutral port, and stick the red probe into the hot port.
#220 volt outlet how to#
How To Test A 220V Outlet With A Multimeter How To Test A 220V Outlet With A Multimeter.