Multimeter Question

[Kountryguy]

I have 3 different multimeters. I have difficulty with all 3 when trying to check voltages on a 50 amp power pedestal. It seems as though the probes are too short. Any suggestions?

[Gjac]

I have an old yellow HF meter I bought 15 years ago and the cheap leads fell apart. I bought replacement leads from Radio Shack several years later. I don't stop at FHU CGs often but when I do I have never had a problem checking voltage. I never knew it was a problem until I read this thread.

[YC_1]

Thermoguy wrote:

YC 1 wrote:
Have you tried to just pull the shoreline cord out a tiny bit and touch those lugs?

That wouldn't work and would be dangerous if it did...

You might be able to buy longer probes or similar - they are typically universal. There are other plug in meters but not sure if for 50Amp plug. The best bet is as everyone has suggested, get a surge protector.

Actually it does work, but you do need to be careful of course.
I tape my probes almost to the tip so they cannot short on anything nearby.

If the plug is pulled out slightly and still makes contact you can get a loaded circuit test versus an open circuit test. That is, can the post support your load.

Measuring voltages in this range is always hazardous and should be done with the utmost care. Standing in wet grass is not a good idea for example.

[pianotuna]

Checking voltage under load may be a good plan.

[Bobbo]

rk911 wrote:

Kountryguy wrote:
That's too bad !!

found this on amazon but IMO it's not as nice as the one we have.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088D2JVN4/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VP1GG73XS5XZ3E4KGHGD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Fixed your link

[Kountryguy]

Was unable to get the link to open. Thanks for the effort.

[Matt_Colie]

While I like BB's breakout a lot, I have been in the "camp" with Boon Docker and YC1 for lots of years. Most of my service meters are so old that they have the long probes, but I still like to go at it from the side and bottom to get the pins that matter.

Now, If I could find one of those things like RK911 has, I would get that.

Matt - got a bad hit one time, it still causes problems 50+years later.

[rk911]

Kountryguy wrote:
That's too bad !!

found this on amazon but IMO it's not as nice as the one we have.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088D2JVN4/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VP1GG73XS5XZ3E4KGHGD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1...

[Kountryguy]

That's too bad !!

[rk911]

Kountryguy wrote:
I saw this awhile ago, but apparently they are not still available. Will keep checking. Do you have one? If so, where did you get it?

yes, we have one and love it! got it online several years ago. tried to find a link online for you but struck out.

[Kountryguy]

I saw this awhile ago, but apparently they are not still available. Will keep checking. Do you have one? If so, where did you get it?

[rk911]

i had the same issue with my multi-meters and then saw this..



much, much easier.

[theoldwizard1]

BB_TX wrote:
I made a tester as shown in the link below. Simply plug it is when you arrive at new site to test the pedestal. Quick and easy.

50 amp tester

This thing is great !

It does 2 jobs ! First it convert a standard 50 outlet into 2 120VAC outlets (not protected for 20A) and gives you a quick visual check if things are okay !



I can't find a meter exactly like that, but digital ones are on eBay for <$10.

[Boon_Docker]

Thermoguy wrote:

YC 1 wrote:
Have you tried to just pull the shoreline cord out a tiny bit and touch those lugs?

That wouldn't work and would be dangerous if it did...

You might be able to buy longer probes or similar - they are typically universal. There are other plug in meters but not sure if for 50Amp plug. The best bet is as everyone has suggested, get a surge protector.

Why would that not work?

[pianotuna]

get a kill-a-watt meter.

get a hockey puck adapter.

For 50 amp use a break out box.