How to Test Voltage in a Receptacle | Repair and Replace

How do I test to see if an outlet has power? In this episode of Repair and Replace, Vance shows how to use a multimeter to test the voltage in an outlet. You'll learn what voltage should be measured between the hot, neutral and ground wires.

Learn more in these videos:

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00:00 Intro
00:30 How it Works
01:28 Voltage Testing
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AMRE Supply provides homeowners, service contractors, and property management with the parts and knowledge needed to get the best performance out of any property. Stocking the largest selection of appliance parts, heating, plumbing, lighting, and janitorial supplies, AMRE ships almost anywhere in Canada within 24 - 48 hours. Expert help is available online, over the phone or in person at one of the many locations across Canada.

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[AmreSupply]

* *Update* * Another note on safety when testing live voltage: In the video it is recommended to always check the multimeter leads for damage before use as well as to hold the multimeter leads from the insulated handle. For additional layer of safety, its best to wear electrical safety gloves and to only hold the multimeter in one hand at any given time. Holding the multimeter leads in one hand will prevent electricity from passing from one side of the body to the other in the case of a shock. This is known as the "one hand rule".

[Branables]

This is exactly what I want in a video. Succinct and to the point! No 11+ minute video with sponsored content, just the information we need! Thank you!

[chaseoneill]

As others have said, this should be the gold standard for these kinds of videos. I love that it is fact based and straight to the point without any tangents, personal anecdotes, 5-20 minutes of a the author finding his volt meter, sponsored advertising, or any extra information that distracts from the point of the video. Instant subscribe and like.

[lafosner]

Excellent video. Just enough detail to cover all the bases without making viewers waste time with a lot of chatter. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[SnyzerTech]

Great to finally find a video that is short and to the point.

[japysingh]

Thanks mate
Perfectly worked
I saved $100
Good job keep it up

[kylejevans]

Thank you for this video! I have tested multiple wall outlets but there was one that violently sparked and scared me half to death. I did not know to put the ground probe into the neutral first then the positive probe to hot. I've always wondered what went wrong that day but now i know. I can breathe easier now next time I have to test one.

[Geo-]

Ty sir watching your video made me feel confident at 9:30pm right before bed time had a outlet issue swapped it out safely

[teamgomez]

A better technique to hold test probes is to put both in one hand. That way, if you get shocked, the electricity won't travel across your body. AMRE should re-shoot this one; who knows, that might save a life.

[jerseyboy]

Clear. Simple. To the point. Thank you.

[ryshask]

If you're testing neutral/ground.. You might want to probe ground first before what might be a miswired hot as well... Otherwise you may experience the exact scenario described at the beginning whereby your unattached probe is electrified.

[croneyr]

Great video. Exactly what I was looking for.

[lotsoflove]

Thank you so much. What a beautifully shot, well articulated, informative educational video. Thank you very much. I appreciate you.

[smokee]

Thanks for helping remember what I forgot. I’m ready!!!!

[supertal]

Great job - to the point and easy to understand!

[chadwatt]

Thank you very much. Explained perfectly.

[jimmymahone]

Since my multimeter itself is suspect, this fine video shows me how to test the multimeter itself for correct operation. Everything I needed to know, without a 9-or-more-minute version. Besides, now I finally know (after who knows how many dozens of videos) how to tell the hot input from the neutral input for typical modern receptacles already installed. Many thanks!

[vantalack]

Thanks! Great video. Several power outlets in the same room got out of order one by one in a short period of time. Want to check those. Although I live in Europe, need to learn firts what to shove where in our european sockets

[nicks]

I've never conceptualised Voltage and Amps in that way, its much simpler!!

[mghaziha]

Brief, short, simple, and very useful & important video thank you.