Multi meter testing

[cardiy]

Hi when testing between L+N ,N+E and L+E what should the reading be on the multi meter.When using the probes what would happen if you used the red probe on the neutral and the black probe on the live.Is the correct way red probe live black neutral for L+N, black probe neutral red probe on earth for N+E,red probe live black probe earth for L+E, is this correct if not what is the correct way thanks.

 

[Spark123]

It doesn't really matter which way around you use the probes on AC, between L&N you should see 240v ish, L&E 240v ish and N&E 0v ish. Make sure you have the multimeter set correctly (VAC on range above the voltage expected) and probes in the correct holes on the multimeter before playing.

 

[cardiy]

Thankyou

 

[wingcoax]

If you have the probes the wrong way round the display will simply show the result as a negative.ie negative.

 

[davelx]

If you have the probes the wrong way round the display will simply show the result as a negative.ie negative.

Really? When measuring AC? Perhaps you've not used your multimeter for a while?

 

[1john]

dont set your multi meter to ohms and put in on live terminals. always prove dead before buzzing though a cable.

 

[cardiy]

Thanks i will be testing on live cable so will set it to ac voltage above the range,so as spark 123 states it does not matter what way the probes go on the cables is this correct?

 

[Spark123]

Yep
Convention is to use black on earth or neutral and red on live. But it doesn't really matter.

 

[cardiy]

Thankyou SPARK123

 

[flameport]

The black probe should be placed on the neutral or earth terminal first, and removed last. This prevents the other probe becoming live in the event of a fault with the meter.

 

[cardiy]

Ok thankyou.