Can I use a craftsmen digital multimeter 82082 to test a home electrical outlet?

R

Rick G

New member
I have some tests I would like to run to determine what type of appliances I can plug into the outlets in my kitchen. Can anyone tell me what type of tools to use?
I have some tests I would like to run to determine what type of appliances I can plug into the outlets in my kitchen. Can anyone tell me what type of tools to use?

I have an outlet next to my sink (with task lights plugged in to it). In a separate outlet the fridge is plugged into an outlet of its own. The outlet with the task lights tripped last night and the power to the fridge terminated?
 
Your question doesn't make sense to me. All outlets will test very close to the stated 120 volts on your box. If you are wondering whether an appliance might draw too much and blow breakers, you want to trace the circuit to your breaker box and determine what amperage breaker it is on. It is extremely unlikely you have any appliance that will draw more than 15 amps, normally the smallest size breaker used.

If you intend to use multiple appliances on a circuit, you can estimate roughly the wattage stated on appliances divided by 100 as an amp and add those amperages together to see how many you will draw on the entire circuit.
 
I dont know the model 82082 But U can use it to find the voltage of your kitchen outlet to select appliances
Use the correct range Ampere,AC voltage,DC voltage, Resistance etc..
Use AC voltage range(from 100 to 500
 
The use of a good, stable multifunction meter is a good start.
Here in the States, we have a pretty stable 120 VAC, and in
some places, it reads 125 volts, with a frequency of 60 cycles
per second. At least where we live, our Electricity Supplier
gives us a very stable 60 cycles. This is one good reason why
our Digital Alarm Clocks keep very good time, because the
Microprocessor within is using the 60 cycles off of the line as
it's time base. Most outlet(s) in the kitchen will be supplied by
(a) 15 amp breaker(s) located at the load center. This should
be enough power to operate any kitchen appliance meant for
residential use. A real test would be the use of an Amp Clamp
around the hot wire connecting to the breaker feeding the
outlet that has a microwave oven plugged into it. Let me talk
about electrical safety, before we remove the cover off of the
Load Center. First, make sure that the floor is clean and dry.
Second, always wear clean and dry socks and shoes. Third,
wear eye protection. Fourth, never rest your free hand inside
the bottom of the load center, or on any point of ground. Fifth,
wear clean, dry gloves (at least clean on the inside) on both
hands. Sixth, make sure that you have plenty of light so you
can see what you are working on clearly. Now, after
understanding all of this, and you have the Load Center well
lit and are properly dressed; you can now safely remove the
cover of the Load Center. Locate the breaker that operates /
protects the kitchen outlet that the Microwave Oven is plugged
into. Place the amp clamp around the wire coming from this
breaker. Place a bowl of water in the oven and set the timer
for 1 min. +30 seconds. Start the oven and go back to the
Load Center. The Amp Clamp should read about 7 to 8 amps,
depending on the oven being used. Also, note the voltage, once
the Microwave's Magnetron "keys up". The voltage will slightly
dip down 2 or 3 volts, as the current rises. A Space Heater is
a good test as well, and requires no bowl of water. Whenever
working on any electrical and / or electronic equipment, follow
the above directions, and you will remain safe. Never work on
live equipment. Always Lock Out And Tag Out (keep the kids
away and out of the room). If there is an issue with your Load
Center, contact an Experienced, Certified Electrician to inspect
your equipment. Feel free to e-me. Happy Holidays!
 
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