Hand held 120VAC pedestal tester?

[brulaz]

Recommendations?

Already have an EMS (Prog. Dynamics) but it's wired in, and I've had to move the trailer after discovering the pedestal was bad.

Would like to test the pedestal before going to the hassle of backing in.

[brulaz]

:B

[MEXICOWANDERER]

[brulaz]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Flashing eh?

I used to use that to hook trout when trolling.

PLUG & PRAY

or is it

PLUG & PREY

So it goes. the three meters are ordered. One glance and absolutely accurate diagnosis. Maybe it needs a propeller and a good name. Three Horsemen of The Apocalypse? Larry Curly & Moe?

I would add an antenna and wear a lab coat. Maybe frizz out the hair a bit. 🙂

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Flashing eh?

I used to use that to hook trout when trolling.

PLUG & PRAY

or is it

PLUG & PREY

So it goes. the three meters are ordered. One glance and absolutely accurate diagnosis. Maybe it needs a propeller and a good name. Three Horsemen of The Apocalypse? Larry Curly & Moe?

[brulaz]

joebedford wrote:

Bobbo wrote:

joebedford wrote:
DVM?

Digital Volt Meter aka multimeter. I prefer analog volt meter, but I own both.

Yes, it was a suggestion not a question. As in "why don't you use a DVM?"

240V from here to here, 120V from here to here to here and 0V from here to here. I trust that more than a bunch of plugs and lights.

The simplest and cheapest suggestion by far. But trying to do that in the rain ... I'd probably it screw up, or electrocute myself.

Mex's suggestion was also cheap, and by far the nerdiest. But I just can't see myself running around with a homemade box with 3 meters. IAMICHABOD's single meter and flashing light contraption is bad enough. Well, maybe worse come to think about it. Oh well, the die is cast, Amazon has shipped.

[joebedford]

Bobbo wrote:

joebedford wrote:
DVM?

Digital Volt Meter aka multimeter. I prefer analog volt meter, but I own both.

Yes, it was a suggestion not a question. As in "why don't you use a DVM?"

240V from here to here, 120V from here to here to here and 0V from here to here. I trust that more than a bunch of plugs and lights.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Analog meters are great when values are not stable.

[Bobbo]

joebedford wrote:
DVM?

Digital Volt Meter aka multimeter. I prefer analog volt meter, but I own both.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Small plastic box

Purchase (3) of these meters

a) L1 to Neutral

b) L2 to Neutral

c) L1 To Earth Ground.

Muse carefully. L1 would be the alpha 30-amp receptacle meter

L2 Would come into play on 50 amp receptacles

Run the permutations of receptacle connection error indications versus meters malfunction. I can't find any omissions.

Standard box strain relief, 18" cord, 30 ampere plug, 30 to 50 ampere adapter.

Meters are lit for inclement conditions.

Just a thought

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-wire-Digital-Voltmeter-Panel-AC-80-500V-LCD-Digital-Alternating-Voltage-Me...

[joebedford]

DVM?

[SoundGuy]

I've found that it's unlikely to find a pedestal voltage problem with any of the above suggestions.

rockhillmanor wrote:
You think a volt meter does not show voltage coming from a pedestal outlet?

Of course it does, after all that's the whole point. :R Once I see unloaded source voltage hovering as low as 110 vac that's when I start thinking about not plugging in as my own trailer load is only going to worsen the situation, especially on a hot summer day when countless other A/C units are also loading down the system. Obviously my Progressive EMS will automatically make this decision for me but these voltage dongles do serve a purpose in that one can use it to check campsite source power before dragging out all one's main service cable, then having to put it away when it's discovered the source supply is inadequate, for whatever reason.

[rockhillmanor]

I've found that it's unlikely to find a pedestal voltage problem with any of the above suggestions.

You think a volt meter does not show voltage coming from a pedestal outlet
?
I have several times especially in older CG's during the summer months when everyone has their ac on. I just leave and find another CG for the night in that situation.

And... when I stayed at a friends house in Florida in winter. Found out that when a cold snap hits the power company brown outs everyone to accommodate everyone using their heat in levels higher than normal. That volt meter was in the lower end of red the entire 3 days and when the temps went back up boom I had the correct strong 120.

[CA_Traveler]

I've found that it's unlikely to find a pedestal voltage problem with any of the above suggestions. Adding a load like a ceramic heater and checking the voltage would help. However that also doesn't ensure good voltage later.

Nothing beats a full function power protector like the Progressive Industries units. First they won't connect the rig to shore power if there is any problem at that point. Then they continue to monitor and will disconnect as required. Sure it's more $$ than the 3 light tester but a lot less than replacing your rig electronics plus the ruined camping experience.

The above suggestions will certainly help find some pedestal issues. The 50/20 or 50/30 plus 30/20 adapters are also a good test even for a 50A rig since it at least tests 3 of the 4 50A wires.

[Bobbo]

I do the same as rockhill manor. I have had this contraption for 10 years. I use it before plugging in even though I have a built-in PI unit.