If you own an electric or hybrid vehicle, you will need the appropriate charging outlet. The NEMA 14-50 outlet has a pair of high-capacity receptors and plugs that can be used to charge EVs. This power portal is suitable for both high-power appliances and EV charging. Here are the steps you should follow to safely measure the voltage on the power outlet:
Safety First
Turn off the power to the outlet at the main switchboards or circuit breaker to prevent the risk of electric shock. Check for loose connections or inadequate wiring to prevent the risk of voltage fluctuations or electrical fires. A plug that is not securely fixed in the wall socket is a loose connection and needs to be fixed. Hire an electrician to inspect the outlet for any malfunction before starting the measuring process. They have the professional experience to conduct the measuring process safely.
Prepare Your Tools
The tool you’ll need to conduct this measurement is a digital multimeter. This highly accurate tool allows you to select your preferred voltage range. You can buy this at your local hardware store. Before you start measuring the voltage of your outlet, set the multimeter to measure AC voltage in the 200 to 250 voltage range. Wear insulated gloves specifically designed for electrical work while completing this test. These gloves shield your skin from potential malfunctions while measuring the voltage.
Check the Outlet
Confirm that the ground wire is secure, as it is the neutral point that cushions the circuit in case an electrical shock occurs. Insert the probes of the multimeter into the NEMA 14-50 outlet, with the red probe inserted into the hot slot. This is the shorter or left slot when you are looking at the outlet with the ground slot at the bottom. You can then insert the black probe into the neutral space. This is the longer or right slot you’ll see while looking at the outlet with the ground at the bottom. Secure the slots properly to prevent the possibility of electrical shock.
Read the Voltage
After you confirm that all the probes are secured in position, turn on the power to the outlet. If your connections are accurate, the multimeter will light up and display the voltage reading. Your power plug should read around 240 volts if it is functioning properly. If the reading is much lower or higher, there may be an issue with your wiring or the outlet. Contact an electrician to determine the cause of the fluctuations.
Turn Off the Power
After taking the voltage measurement, turn off the power to the outlet at the circuit breaker and disconnect the multimeter. Turning off the power before disconnecting the plug will help you avoid any accidental contact with live wires. Once the power is off, carefully disconnect the multimeter probes from the NEMA 14-50 outlet. If there are no significant deviations from the standard 240 volts, you can store your multimeter and use the outlet.
Troubleshooting
If your reading does not fall within the expected voltage range, reconnect the plug and complete another assessment. A second test will help you check if the deviations in voltage continue. If they persist, contact an electrician to diagnose and resolve potential issues in your wiring or outlet. They will check the surrounding outlets to confirm your home has the appropriate voltage.
Measure the Voltage of Your NEMA 14-50
Check the voltage of your outlet to make sure it provides the same voltage as indicated in its specifications. Measure the voltage output of your NEMA 14-50 outlet before connecting an EV charger. Your EV charger should be compatible with your outlets for optimal charging. Contact an electrician today to schedule an outlet testing appointment.