How to use volt meter

I KNEW this would confuse me!
So, I arrive at the site.
What I care about is how many volts, how many amps, and polarity?? (And I guess if there are scorch marks around the receptacle I should just back away!)
Is there any one device that will tell me if it is ok to plug in or no?

I need simple
L

RichieC wrote:
A VOM is well worth learning to use, BUT if you don't use it all the time or don't have the desire for it you may find yourself unsure of your ability to use it.

As suggested, use a polarity tester to back up your diagnoses.

I would also suggest you get a Non Contact Voltage Tester (NCVT) to confirm the outlet isn't miswired as a Reverse Polarity Bootleg Ground (RPBG). There are no outlet testers on the market that can discover an RPBG. See my article on Gary Bunzer's newsletter about how to use a NCVT to check for this dangerous condition RV Doctor

And here's how to use a NCVT to check for outlet polarity and RV hot-skin conditions Hot-Skin Test

Mike Sokol
www.NoShockZone.org

WyoTraveler - Good question - I'm not sure if that is all standard among the 50A(M) to 30A (F) adapters or not..

This is a simplified drawing of a camp ground pedestal


This is a schematic of a typical 50A(M) to 30A (F) adapter.


You would hope it would be on the same side of the 240V leg that the 30A adapter is using in the above drawing of the camp ground pedestal. I never measured one... All I know is only side of the split is brought through the adapter.

Roy Ken

hddecker wrote:

taigarazz wrote:
So I am a bit electrically challenged. Whenever I start reading about RV electric systems, I just start nodding off. Not good, and I am trying to educate myself.

But I feel a more urgent need to understand how to use a simple volt meter to check the electric at my campsite hook up, before I plug in and fry something. So far I have been lucky, but I don't want to depend on luck for the long haul.

Thanks

This is what I use. http://www.p3international.com/products/p4400.html

Go to "p3 International" via Google for models, sources (lots) and prices.

A more sophisticated (and pricey) option:

"Power Pal"


~

RoyB wrote:
Here is what you do to not have to be poking around where you should'nt be with small meter leads..

When you first pull up at the camp ground pedestal just plug in this setup first which will read the correct 120VAC reading that is good for your trailer and will also test the proper grounds. If either of these two simple test are bad DON'T PLUG in your trailer.


These are two adapter cords that will adapt a 30A and 50A pedestal service connection down to a 15A 120VAC connector.


Then plug one of these KILL-A-WATT meters into the 15A end of these 30A adapter cable.



Then plug in these 120VAC Circuit Tester into the KILL-A-METER.


When you connect this setup to the 30A Service Adapter or the 50A service using the 50A Adapter and the 30A Adapter then you will be to read the proper 120VAC available to power up your trailer. Also the 120VAC circuit tester will tell you the connections are properly grounded by the CORRECT test lights being lit up.

If either of these two conditioners are not right then DO NOT USE their camp ground service connections. GO ask for a different site.

This is what I do when I show up at the camp grounds before I plug in my trailer. I have to admit I sometimes forget and just go hookup but when I see burn marks and nastly looking plugs I most definitely will test the service connections...

Roy Ken

Looks pretty easy. OK, here is a question for you. As you are looking at that 50 amp outlet in the picture, when you convert it down to 30 amps. Which side of that 50 amp outlet goes to the 30 amp adapter? So I converted it down to test it, thats great. Now I plug in my 50 amp plug and I could have problems because I have only tested one side of the 50 amp outlet. Whoa Nellie Belle! Maybe using a meter is a better test after all. Just some thoughts on the subject.

Here is what you do to not have to be poking around where you should'nt be with small meter leads..

When you first pull up at the camp ground pedestal just plug in this setup first which will read the correct 120VAC reading that is good for your trailer and will also test the proper grounds. If either of these two simple test are bad DON'T PLUG in your trailer.


These are two adapter cords that will adapt a 30A and 50A pedestal service connection down to a 15A 120VAC connector.


Then plug one of these KILL-A-WATT meters into the 15A end of these 30A adapter cable.



Then plug in these 120VAC Circuit Tester into the KILL-A-METER.


When you connect this setup to the 30A Service Adapter or the 50A service using the 50A Adapter and the 30A Adapter then you will be to read the proper 120VAC available to power up your trailer. Also the 120VAC circuit tester will tell you the connections are properly grounded by the CORRECT test lights being lit up.

If either of these two conditioners are not right then DO NOT USE their camp ground service connections. GO ask for a different site.

This is what I do when I show up at the camp grounds before I plug in my trailer. I have to admit I sometimes forget and just go hookup but when I see burn marks and nastly looking plugs I most definitely will test the service connections...

Roy Ken

taigarazz wrote:
So I am a bit electrically challenged. Whenever I start reading about RV electric systems, I just start nodding off. Not good, and I am trying to educate myself.

But I feel a more urgent need to understand how to use a simple volt meter to check the electric at my campsite hook up, before I plug in and fry something. So far I have been lucky, but I don't want to depend on luck for the long haul.

Thanks

This is what I use. http://www.p3international.com/products/p4400.html

Use an adapter to check voltage when you arrive, the plug it in inside the rig to monitor for duration of stay.

At one camp site I checked to voltage on arrival and found 98V. Went back to the office and asked for a different site.

Good info !!

A VOM is well worth learning to use, BUT if you don't use it all the time or don't have the desire for it you may find yourself unsure of your ability to use it.

As suggested, use a polarity tester to back up your diagnoses.
Testers can be had at Home Depot, Lowes, Ace, etc.
More info here
Looks like this one:

How to use a VOM and how to make it work to trouble shoot is totally different. Anyone can use a VOM. A lot fewer can use them to trouble shoot and know what they are looking for. Eespecially in open ground circuits etc. As a starter you mentioned AC

RV Electric