Testing lamp with multimeter


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Old 12-15-13, 09:29 AM
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Testing lamp with multimeter

Before I go sticking things where i am not supposed to. I can test voltage at a light fixture with a multimeter by placing one probe on the threads of the lamp base (neutral) and the other on the tab in the middle (hot). Is that correct?
 
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Old 12-15-13, 09:45 AM
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That is correct. Of course, lamp must be turned on.
 
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Old 12-15-13, 09:57 AM
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And I have to have a steady hand otherwise its like playing "Operator".... dead short instead of a buzzer.
 
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Old 12-15-13, 10:29 AM
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Yup! You could just a continuity test from the socket to the plug. Turn switch on and set your meter to Ohms. Read from the wide prong on the plug to the screw shell (neutral) and the small prong to the center tab. If you get continuity everything should be OK.
 
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Old 12-15-13, 12:08 PM
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Yup! You could just a continuity test from the socket to the plug. Turn switch on and set your meter to Ohms. Read from the wide prong on the plug to the screw shell (neutral) and the small prong to the center tab. If you get continuity everything should be OK.
In the interest of safety, I have to add to the above "unplug the lamp first".
 
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Old 12-15-13, 12:53 PM
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" Unthread the lamp first" ?

JC-- why not use the lamp in the fixture as a "test-lamp"?; if there is a problem with the lamp holder socket ?
 
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Old 12-15-13, 02:35 PM
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JC-- why not use the lamp in the fixture as a "test-lamp"?; if there is a problem with the lamp holder socket ?
That would work to see if its working, but I want to get a voltage reading without having the remove the fixture. (ceiling mount not table lamp).
 
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Old 12-15-13, 02:42 PM
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Why are you concerned about the voltage? Are you having issues?
 
 

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