How do I test/check output from a wall socket UK 230 V with Multimeter?

[VladKEasternTiger]

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

[Squirrel]

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.

[armandas]

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.

[jimmc]

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 these
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223573
(similar units cheaper on ebay)

Jim

[EEVblog]

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.

[VladKEasternTiger]

Thanks Everyone, Point taken

[VladKEasternTiger]

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 these
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223573
(similar units cheaper on ebay)

Jim

Jim
Thanks for the video, that is enough to scare the shit out of anyone

TThanks

[Neilm]

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 these
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223573
(similar units cheaper on ebay)

Jim

That 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.asp the video clip is half way down on the left

[Simon]

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 !

[VladKEasternTiger]

Where do you suggest? we dont have Radioshack and online will add delivery charge so suggestion?

[rossmoffett]

Ask in some forums for electronics in your local area, they'll know for sure.

[Simon]

Where do you suggest? we dont have Radioshack and online will add delivery charge so suggestion?

depends 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