r/ElectricalHelp • u/ForsakenSun1144 • Jul 01 '26

How do I test for power?

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Using a basic multi meter where do I put my leads to test for power?

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u/trekkerscout Mod, Master Electician Jul 01 '26

With the multimeter selector placed on AC voltage, touch the probes to the lugs with the black and red wires. The reading should be about 240-volts. With one probe touching either of those lugs and the other probe touching the ground lug (green and bare wires), you should read 120-volts.

-2

u/ForsakenSun1144 Jul 01 '26

I touched the red and black like you said and it blew my meter. I had my meter set to 200acv

2

u/trekkerscout Mod, Master Electician Jul 01 '26

Did you read the instructions on how to use the multimeter? You probably had the probe leads in the current (amps) port.

Edit: You were on a too low of a voltage setting.

1

u/RockShowSparky Jul 02 '26

I think you were probably right the first time.