Holding volt meter leads on power pins won't arc.

The current is measured in micro-amps. The voltage will bite you if you
touch them - because you are a low resistance to current flow.

If you have bare wires - you can make them a bit longer and push the wires
into the back of a socket. You can cut them off if wanted. Or cheaper
you just screw a lead under each screw. Then the socket lasts longer.

A volt meter draws very low current. It is sampled. No arcing occurs.

220 volt is just higher voltage. maybe 220 micro-amps if it has 1Meg/volt
so it is just fine.

JUST BE SURE TO USE THE AC VOLTAGE scale. AC V

Martin


Martin H. Eastburn
@ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
"Our Republic and the Press will Rise or Fall Together": Joseph Pulitzer
TSRA: Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
NRA Second Amendment Task Force Originator & Charter Founder
IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/

On 7/25/2010 10:51 PM, Bill wrote:
I would like to test out the first outlet on each of the new circuits I added
before I install insulation and drywall. I tested the
first one by actually installing an outlet, but I see little point in
wasting time/wire.

I was considering:

1) Taping the wires to my outlet tester with electrical tape and then flipping
the circuit breaker on (in anticipation of a green light from the outlet tester)

2) Holding the leads from my multi-meter to the ends of the wires. I MIGHT be
brave enough to do this if it was explained to me why I don't have to be
concerned about arc'ing.

It seems there is "more that could go wrong" in (2). What do you think?
BTW, I also have 220v wiring to test. I understand the state the
potentials of the 3 pairs of the 3 wires should have, I just wish to proceed in
a safe manner (without installing the outlet if possible).

Bill