How to Check for Volts at a 120 and 220 Volt Outlets

It's super easy to check a 120 or 220 volt outlet for power. Just remember these outlets should be on while checking so use caution.

On a 120 outlet while facing it the hot is on the right side.

[PadreDProductions]

For those who don't know how to use a multimeter. AC aka household electricity is always represented with the ~ symbol because AC current moves back and forth, hence the name alternating current. So set your meter to the V~ symbol.

Now if you want to measure the voltage of a battery or battery powered circuit such as a car you need to use the DC setting represented with V⎓

The symbols are intuitive once you understand the difference between alternating(AC) and direct(DC) current.

[alexunlv]

Can't say enough how helpful your videos are Dominick. You've helped answer questions so many of us have. Just makes our lives that much easier. Your time and dedication to these videos is much appreciated. Thank you Dominick.

This video helped me address a concern that I had. A licensed electrician came out to my place to install a Nema 14-50 to charge my new Tesla. However, when he was done and showed me the reading - it showed 120V. After departing, I realized it was suppose to read 240V not 120. However, this video explained that in checking the Ground and Hot - it will show 120V. If testing both Hot it will read 240V. This video helped me understand that. Thanks!

[eartheternal]

3:46

I had no idea how to wire the voltage for my new dryer. My house was equipped with a 4 pin outlet but it was wired as L1, N, G. I knew I had to set it up as L1, L2, N & G but YouTube had me thinking that I was going to have to run a whole other wire to get it going. It was driving me nuts cause I didn't want to blow my new dryer up so I wasn't about to experiment.

As soon as I saw you use your meter to test the voltage on your outlet I suddenly had a moment of clarity & got my dryer going!

Thank you so much!

[frankmmiii]

Thank You for posting your knowledge. I just bought a refurbished 9000 watt generator and wanted to make sure it was putting out the right voltages. It runs like a top and I plugged my portable compressor into the 120 volt outlets to test if it can take a load and used a volt meter to test the 240 volt outlet because I didn't have anything that uses 240.

[mk]

I had no clue and could not find a how to video. I am just learning. Never knew 220 had two hots. Thank you for that.

[MySickstring]

The best part of the video was the mind control he uses to make the slot machine lights come on with his hand gestures.

[JM-nhyp]

good video, just wish you had the camera closer and some lighting on the black outlet. otherwise it's not really taking advantage of video at all, but it's just audio. also wished you had explained the multi meter settings.

[johngarcia]

Good video. Kept it simple. I use a cheap multi-meter from Harbor Freight. When I bought it, I watched the appropriate tutorial.
My only critique is your 220 outlet was dark. I couldn't make out the plug-in slots. I'm a visual guy so not being able to see where you were inserting the probes, I got lost on the hot neutral, etc.

I'm sure I'll figure it out. I'll go to home depot and check out a 22O outlet.

I appreciate guys like you taking time to teach. Thanks

[skorpsaiyan]

Thank you so much! So helpful. Guess my brand new dryer is faulty. Won't power on, but the power in the outlet and cord wires are correct. 1 year warranty so guess I'll have to get a new replacement lol.

[fartknocker]

Great Vid....Now I won't Die....I owe you.

[mariogastelum]

Thank you for the video.
l was connecting a stove and did not know which wire is which.

[w.s.soapcompany]

Be nice to see examples of actual problems that could happen and how to fix them.

[donniecarrascosr.]

Hey Dom: Thanks for the Info. I Reset the Breakers again and dryer works great full 220V and I was going to check the Power Supply Cable next but OK. Hope you Win a Bunch on the Slots!... Wonder if your friends Hit a Jackpot Does {You} the attendant have to do the Payouts?... LOL ...Thanks again!

[EnigmaverseElysium]

Thanks, this has been helpful!

P.s. has anyone ever told you that you sound like Tom Hanks?

[davidallen]

I lil quick on description, but got it.

[jryer]

Awesome video, much appreciated Dominick. Needed to know what the voltage and amperage was for my dryer receptacle, to determine what the design specs should be for some other equipment I'll be using at that receptacle.

[vburd]

dude...remember these are amateurs ...what is your meter setting, etc...

[tomstout]

What should my volt meter be set at? Where exactly should the dial be positioned?

[andrewcannon]

well done, love the example diagram..

[victoriawylie]

yes i am an amateur and your hand was blocking the 120 volt plug so i could not see which plugs (negative, positive, ground) also how do i set the multimeter? Thank you so much. If you have time can you show which chord goes into which plug and not block the outlet with your fist. Thank you again for sharing. I am a first timer with this.