multimeter on household light wiring


  #1  
Old 09-16-06, 12:17 PM
W
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Talking multimeter on household light wiring

Hi
I'm a handyman/carpenter and I have a client that is wondering why their porch light doesnt work. I have a limited knowledge of electrical stuff, but I understand the basics of it. The client happens to have a good mutimeter (device that measures ac and dc volatage, ohms, and amps) that works, and I just read up on using mutimeters. I got the black and white wire from the house wiring disconencted from the lamp components itself and I did get some kind of reading from the house wires on the multimeter. First off, is it ok to use a mutimeter on a household circuit like that? And if so I suppose I'd have to put it on the 500 setting for ac voltage right? (seeing as it would probably be 220 volts ac and the lowest setting is 200). And secondly if I'm just getting a low voltage could that be the cause of why the lamp is not working?
Any comments or recommendation appreciated.

Thanks a lot,
Will
 
  #2  
Old 09-16-06, 01:12 PM
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Light

You need an electrician to solve this problem.
Lighting is not normally run off of a 220 volt circuit.
 
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Old 09-16-06, 01:47 PM
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Most if not all residential lighting is 120VAC.
Before you attacked did any one check the lamp?
Is this a motion sensor or just a light? Check the switch?
A multi-meter for this purpose is not your best choice. Go get a $10 "tik-tracer" this will be good for this application.
 
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Old 09-16-06, 04:26 PM
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Are you in the US or elsewhere?
 
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Old 09-16-06, 06:27 PM
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Red face

I keep forgetting that part. 'spose I shouldn't think so localy all the time.
 
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Old 09-17-06, 08:37 AM
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A DIY is when someone is doing the work themselves. In my mind I picture a home owner doing his/her own work, or someone helping a close family member to do same.

Anyone who is being paid to do electrical work of any kind should have all the proper licences, insurance, permits ect that are required in all but a few places here in the USA.

IMHO the only thing a handy man should be doing involving electrical work, is to give a reference to the customer of a good qualified electrician.

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