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?

The electrical connectors in the socket in the power pole are set in far enough to be safe which is far enough to make it difficult to check with a typical probe. There isn't a good, quick way to test it. I usually wiggle my probe around until I get a reading that I think I can believe. It is a pain, but with patience, you can usually get a reading.

That is what I have been doing, but didn't know if probe extensions were available.

Kountryguy wrote: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?The probes ARE too short. for a reason.. Far too many folks who are basically clueless get zapped trying to use a meter like that on an outlet. Get a hard wired Surge guard system like the TRC/Southwire Surge Guard I have (and no longer need) or the Progressive Industries HW-50C or its current replacement. Plug in and read the remote display (Which I no longer have but you can get one from Camping world for like 50 bucks) Advantage.. If something happens AFTER you clear it and plug in...A power "Blink" (off and back on in a few seconds) which has happened to me many times. This is very hard on things like Air Conditioner compressors.. the Surge Guard device held power off for almost 3 minutes... Protecting the compressors.If something in the park wiring fails AFTER you plug in, also happened to me CLUNK it shut me off. protecting me. IT's on duty 24x7 and when it clunks it clunksOption 2.. build what we call a "Break out box" This has a 50 amp plug and pigtail optionally a 50 amp pass through socket and a set of test jacks. these are plastic "Bolts" with a contact inside them designed so the meter probe fits inside. But I'd not go to that much trouble.. I Highly recommend the Surge Guard.. Though the one I have is designed to be hard wired so you never forget it.. ... But they make plug in models as well. Get the top end.

I also have more than one multimeter, but they are all old (kinda like me) and the probes are long enough. I'm not surprised if, as @wa8yxm suggests, newer meters have short probes for the very reason he suggests.Be that as it may, perhaps getting a suitable plug and wiring up a dedicated testing probe is in order. One that is carefully and properly insulated so you don't kill yourself, obviously. Maybe taking a pair of probe leads, cutting off the probe ends and wiring them into a plug, so that you can connect the meter, plug into the circuit, read voltage, unplug from circuit, and only then unplug the multimeter? How you do it is obviously flexible depending on equipment at hand.Good luck figuring out what to do. Be safe!

The longer the probe, the more dangerous it is. 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 testerThe above is from;https://www.myrv.us/electric/

Multimeter Question | Good Sam Community

Gjac
Explorer III
Apr 14, 2021
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
Nomad
Apr 13, 2021
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
Nomad III
Apr 13, 2021
Checking voltage under load may be a good plan.
Bobbo
Explorer II
Apr 13, 2021
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
Explorer
Apr 13, 2021
Was unable to get the link to open. Thanks for the effort.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Apr 13, 2021
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
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
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
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
That's too bad !!
rk911
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
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
Explorer
Apr 12, 2021
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?