Tweakers' Asylum Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ.

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Re: outlet voltage & polarity, how do I check w/ my RS meter?

192.11.221.102

Posted by Bob Rex on July 21, 2000 at 09:36:02

In Reply to: outlet voltage & polarity, how do I check w/ my RS meter? posted by marc g. on July 20, 2000 at 14:57:08:

I've posted this process before, as have others, but here it is
again. As far as I know, there is no official name for this test.

Disconnect all interconnects attached to the test piece. Since
chassis ground is typically connected to signal return, you can get
component to component interractions that skew the test.

With the unit plugged in and powered on, place one test lead in the
ground socket of your receptacle and the other on a conductive (not
painted, anodized,...) chassis reference point (if need be, remove a
chassis screw and use the hole. Measure the AC voltage, first with
the meter at the 100v setting, then at lower settings until you get
a good reading. Reverse the power plug and repeat. TYPICALLY the
lowest value read is the best orientation.

Do this with each piece, and consider marking the plug for proper
orientation. One small caveat; when testing an amplifier, you
should keep the speakers connected. Tube amps don't like running
without a load. Since speakers float electrically, this connection
won't affect the test.

>While I?m busy asking questions, anyone care to explain how I do that deal where you take reading with the meter with a audio
component plugged into the wall one way, then taking another reading after reversing polarity. I understand the way that offers the
lowest reading to be the best way to leave it. Also, what is tweak/process this referred to as?

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