What Tests Do You Perform on a Multimeter to Diagnose Outlet Issues?

Like most homeowners, you may need to know lots of things that can go wrong with your residential electrical system. From faulty outlets to overloaded circuit breakers because of electrical issues, it’s necessary that you might be able to troubleshoot these issues when they arise.

However, a digital multimeter is a useful tool that can help you with troubleshooting residential electrical issues. Continue reading the post and know what tests you need to perform on the multimeter to diagnose outlet issues.

What does a Multimeter do?

A digital multimeter is a device used to measure voltage, current and resistance. It can be useful in testing continuity and diodes. Most digital multimeters come with a built-in LCD screen to display the readings. A digital multimeter helps in troubleshooting electrical issues by checking loose connections, broken and dead outlets.

How do you use a Multimeter?

It’s important to understand the basics of using a digital multimeter with an electric outlet.

Generally, a digital multimeter is a device used for electrical testing purposes like measurement of AC or DC voltage, resistance and continuity. You can use it to test for current in a circuit.

If you want to use a digital multimeter, connect the black probe to the COM – Common Terminal. Usually, it’s the black port on the digital multimeter.

After that, connect the red meter probe to the VΩmA – Volts/Ohms/Miliamps port. Usually it’s the red port on the digital multimeter.

Once you are done, you are to get the testing started.

What are the tests you can run on a digital multimeter?

Now you have the basic knowledge of using a digital multimeter. Now you should know different tests you can do on multimeter to diagnose outlet issues.

AC voltage –

If you want to test for the AC voltage, you can touch the multimeter probes to the COM terminal and red probe to the VΩmA terminal.

After that, switch on the digital multimeter and touch the probes to black and white wires of the outlet. If the reading remains between 0 and 120 maximum voltage, the outlet is working fine.

Continuity –

Are you thinking to test continuity on a standard outlet? You should set the Continuity Test mode on the multimeter. That’s why you will have to press the Mode button until you see the “Continuity” word displayed on the screen.

Resistance –

To test the resistance, you have to set the Resistance Test mode on the digital multimeter. Then, touch the black probe to one end of the circuit and the read probe to the other end. You will see reading on the screen of the digital multimeter. If it shows “0”, then the circuit is complete.

DC Voltage -

While testing for DC voltage, you will have to set the DC Voltage Test mode on the digital multimeter. You will need to look for a reading between 0 and 12 volts.

Current -

For current measurement, set the Current Test mode on the multimeter. Do it by simply pressing the Mode button until you see the word “Current” on the screen display.

Use the ammeter clamp to measure the cable you want to measure the current.

Bottom Line –

Now you know how to use a multimeter to measure voltage accurately while putting your knowledge to the test. You can use these tips on testing an outlet to ensure that outlets are in proper working condition.

Like always if you ever need help with resolving an electric outlet problem, it’s always suggested to have a qualified electrician in West Palm Beach from American Light & Electrical Services to help you. For any kind of electrical outlet issues, please contact our qualified electrician in West Palm Beach at 561-689-4854.