How do I test/check output from a wall socket UK 230 V with Multimeter? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 04:41:14 pm
content: Hi everyone, Im wondering how do I test the output of current from my wall sockets in the home with a basic multi meter, If you can tell me where to put the leads we have a 3 pin plug system here and 230 volts Ive been told. Any help?Thanks fellas

author: Squirrel
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 05:10:06 pm
content: You can put your leads and try all of those 3 different position and try. As long you remember, when you contact with voltage with othre leads, that voltage are also other leads. your meter should be AC-voltage range.If you do not know what you are doing, be extra carefull. You can not be too mutch carefull.

author: armandas
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 06:21:57 pm
content: If you have to ask this, you really shouldn't be doing it. If you just want to play with your multimeter, measure batteries. If you are trying to fix something, do yourself a favour and call an electrician.

author: jimmc
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 09:49:12 pm
content: I have to agree with armandas, if you have to ask don't use a multimeter on the mains.It's not jut the risk of a shock, short the mains and a smaller version of this can happen...If you want a safe way to monitor the voltage and current, get one of thesehttp://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223573(similar units cheaper on ebay)Jim

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 09:54:44 pm
content: I concur as well.If you don't know how to measure mains voltage then you shouldn't be doing it, it can kill you.And it sounds like you are confusing voltage and current.Learn the basics of measurement on low voltage battery powered stuff first.Dave.

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 10:20:48 pm
content: Thanks Everyone, Point taken

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2010, 10:23:14 pm
content: Quote from: jimmc on March 03, 2010, 09:49:12 pmJimThanks for the video, that is enough to scare the shit out of anyoneTThanks

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2010, 08:08:18 pm
content: Quote from: jimmc on March 03, 2010, 09:49:12 pmThat is a typical industrial 3 phase industrial setup. If you go to the ERA website (they are a professional test outfit) you can see the results of a short circuit with a fake (unsafe) fuse. For those of you who don't know the UK system each plug has a fuse contained in it. The video clip is of a typical consumer molded plug that has a fuse in a holder on the underside of the plug. If you click on this link (http://www.era.co.uk/services/devices.aspthe video clip is half way down on the left

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 05, 2010, 08:21:29 pm
content: and by the way maplin is one of the most expensive and poor quality supplier, go there only as a last resort, 50 % of stuff I have bought has been faulty and/or returned !

author: VladKEasternTiger
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2010, 12:18:39 am
content: Where do you suggest? we dont have Radioshack and online will add delivery charge so suggestion?

author: rossmoffett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2010, 01:57:20 am
content: Ask in some forums for electronics in your local area, they'll know for sure.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 06, 2010, 07:18:58 am
content: Quote from: VladKEasternTiger on March 06, 2010, 12:18:39 amdepends on where you are, I use the major suppliers like RS and Farnell, Digikey is also available but exspensive. There is al Rapidonline and if its a power measuring device your after I got one in a local dicount supermarket called lidl. Obviously I don't know in what part of the world you live though. You can get some good deals on ebay. Maplins basically is as dodgy as ebay for quality but 2-3 times the price