How to check the voltage in the outlet with a multimeter - step by step instructions

If any of the household appliances does not turn on, then before diagnosing it and checking the entire electrical / wiring circuit, you should make sure that there is / is no power supply. Even if the light in the room is on, this does not mean that there is voltage in a single outlet. You can verify this (or the opposite) using a special indicator probe (probe) or a multimeter. The latter device is even better, as it allows you to determine the numerical value of this parameter of the intra-house network.

If you check the voltage in the outlet with a simple multimeter, you can make sure that the voltage rating is within tolerance, whether it is enough for the correct operation of technical devices.

Initial settings

Multimeters are different in design (electronic, pointer) and modifications. But the procedure for working with them is absolutely identical.

• Measurement mode (ACV) – alternating voltage (U ~). For those who have forgotten - there is no constant in the home network!
• Measurement limit (V) - 750. Industrial / voltage characteristics - 220V / 50 Hz. Therefore, the measurement limit is set large. In old type multimeters, the scale gradation is somewhat different, but in any case, you need to select the switch position to a value of at least 250.

Operating procedure

Insert the probes supplied with the device into the corresponding sockets on its front panel. In some modifications of multimeters, they can be located on the end of the case, at the top. Polarity in this case is not important, since the voltage in the outlet is variable.

It is not necessary to remove the cover from it. You can insert the measuring ends of the probes (probes) into the socket sockets like this.

What to consider when checking

• Tolerance. Our GOST provides for maximum deviations from the face value of 10% in any direction. That is, if the voltage in the outlet is within 198 - 244 V, then this is considered normal.
• Before using the multimeter, you need to check the integrity of the insulation of the wires and probe handles. An elementary precaution, since we are talking about voltage - nothing more.
• Particularly expensive household appliances can be protected from damage due to sudden surges in the network by connecting them through a control relay. These devices partly perform the function of a voltage stabilizer, allowing you to visually determine the current value of this network parameter. This means taking appropriate action in a timely manner.

That's all. There is nothing difficult in checking the voltage in the outlet with a multimeter. Anyone can do this, and it is not necessary to wait for the arrival of an electrician. If there is no voltage, then one of the probable reasons is the knocking out of the circuit breaker. .