Electricity in the house is a common occurrence. Everyone uses it. Everyone knows that there is a voltage of 220 V in the network and all household appliances are rated for this voltage. But rarely does anyone look into the instructions, where the manufacturer indicates the permissible deviation from the nominal voltage at which a particular device can operate without harming its electrical circuit. But it’s worth watching, all the more so to be sure if 220 V is really stable in the network.
In fact, the voltage is constantly changing, unless, of course, special stabilizers are provided for in the house, which equalize all jumps, carefully guarding the equipment. In a conventional outlet, you can observe both 180 and 270 V. Not every technique can withstand such a tough attitude towards itself.
What to do to protect yourself from the risk of loss of electronics? Firstly, it is necessary to put an overvoltage cutoff unit, which are commercially available, at the input of the electrical distribution panel . Secondly, purchase an electronic multimeter. How to check the voltage with a multimeter in the outlet? About this - below.
Measuring instrument: types
Electrical devices are devices that are used to measure electrical quantities. Such values include current strength , voltage and resistance. For each type of measurement, a specific type of device is used, but there is a universal technique that allows you to measure different parameters of electricity.
By type of execution there are analog circuits and digital devices. Analog as an indicator of the value of the measured parameter, use a mechanism with an arrow and a graduated scale. In digital there is an electronic board on which the result of measurements is displayed.
All devices have the following basic characteristics:
- Sensitivity.
- Measurement error.
For semi-professional, these parameters are sufficient to measure the voltage with a multimeter in the outlet.
What parameters can be measured with a multimeter
Multimeters are universal devices. They can measure direct and alternating current and voltage, ring the circuit, check semiconductor devices, determine the value of the capacitance of the capacitor. The measurement limits of the device are switched in several ranges. With this technique, the question no longer arises: how to check the voltage in the outlet? The multimeter is very easy to use.
There are analog and electronic devices. Analog for each type of measurement has its own scale with graduation. The limits indicate the factors by which it is necessary to multiply the numbers obtained during measurement in order to have an idea of the real value of the measured parameter. Electronic ones are simpler because they do not require additional actions - the result is immediately displayed on the scoreboard. You can very easily check the voltage with a multimeter in the outlet.
Functional elements of the multimeter
Most of the produced multimeters that can be found on the market are intended for a wide range of consumers. They have a standard design with an arrangement of governing bodies.
The front panel is equipped with a wide liquid crystal (LCD) display, a round switch for measuring options and their limits, three connectors for connecting the probes of the device, and a connector for measuring transistor parameters. The electrical circuit of the device is powered by a 9 Kron battery.
Marking of the switch positions indicates the following:
- OFF - the device is inactive;
- DCV - DC voltage measurement mode;
- DCA - direct current measurement mode;
- ACV - AC current measurement mode;
- hFE - transistor test;
- ●))) - ringing of an electric circuit or diodes;
- Ω - measurement of the resistance value.
How to check the voltage with a multimeter in the outlet
To make any measurements, the first thing you need to do is connect test probes to the device. They are usually of two colors - one red, the other black. Black, as a rule, is a zero, common or negative probe, so it is connected to the lowest connector with the designation COM. The second, red, is connected to the average for almost all measurements. The upper connector is for the red probe when measuring AC current up to 10 A.
Next, select the operating mode by turning the circular switch to the desired position. If it is obviously known what size the measured parameter should be, then the measurement limit is set slightly larger. This is done so as not to burn the appliance. But there may be a situation where there are no assumptions that the device can show. Then the measurement limit is set as high as possible.
After that, the device is connected to the circuit. If the voltage is measured, then in parallel, if the current is in series. The measurement of resistance or semiconductor parameters is carried out in the absence of power in the measured circuit. Further take readings.
How to check the voltage in the 220V network with a multimeter? The switch is placed in the ACV position at the limit of 750 V and the measurement is carried out. How to check the voltage in the network 380V with a multimeter? Similar. You need to remember that such electricity is life threatening, and be careful.
How to check the network in the absence of the device
If the multimeter is missing, but you need to urgently check whether there is voltage in the outlet, you can use a simple circuit. An ordinary 220 V incandescent lamp is taken and a piece of metal or copper rod with a diameter of not more than 4 mm is firmly screwed to the base (to the threaded part). The rod is ground at the end, and a stranded wire in insulation is soldered to another lamp contact. The result was a probe. Of course, they cannot determine the magnitude of the voltage, but the availability of electricity can be established. You can even check for the presence of a phase, if there is good grounding, because it is known that current can flow between the phase and ground, without requiring a neutral wire from the network. But this option is suitable for more experienced electricians.
Conclusion
If nevertheless there are difficulties, how to check the voltage with a multimeter in the outlet, then a detailed description is given in the instructions for the device. I am glad that such devices have an affordable price.