- 1
Set the MultimeterPolka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
Set the multimeter to the 400 VAC range. - 2). Place one lead of the multimeter in the hot opening of an outlet. The hot opening is the smallest rectangle of the three holes in an outlet.
- 3). Place the other multimeter lead in the hot opening of a different outlet. Look for a multimeter measurement of close to 240 VAC. If you obtain a reading of zero volts, try another outlet. Keep trying outlets until the multimeter reads somewhere in the neighborhood of 240 volts. The 240 Volt reading indicates that the outlets you are measuring between are on two different legs of the incoming power.
- 4
Label the outletsThinkstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Use a dry erase marker to label one outlet "A" and the other outlet "B". - 5). Place one multimeter meter lead in the small rectangular "hot" opening of outlet A and the other meter lead in the slightly larger rectangular "neutral" opening of outlet A. You should now see a measurement anywhere from 90 to 125 VAC. Record or remember the voltage measurement.
- 6). Place one multimeter meter lead in the hot opening of outlet B and the other meter lead in the neutral opening of outlet B. Record or remember the voltage measurement.
- 7). Compare the measurements. If one outlet measurement is smaller than the other, it means that you have a greater electrical load on that power leg.
- 8). Plug the meter leads into the hot and neutral ports on the outlet with the smallest measured voltage. Monitor the voltage on this outlet as changes are made.
- 9). Unplug an electrical device and check the voltmeter. Note the amount of voltage change on the meter. If there is no change it means that either the device is on the other power leg, or that the device had very little impact on loading.
Continue to check appliances and electronics until you have identified the ones making the largest voltage change. - 10
Move one or more of the electrical devices to the other outlet.
For example, if you're identifying the devices that contribute to voltage drop on outlet A, move one or more of these devices to outlet B or an outlet on the same leg as outlet B. - 11
Compare voltage values on outlet A and B, there should be less difference between the voltage values. - 12
Continue unplugging electrical devices from the leg with the smallest voltage drop and plug them into the other leg, rechecking the voltage values on outlets A and B.
Consider the legs balanced when the voltage difference between outlets A and B is within one volt.
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