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Testing Power Cord Continuity

Introduction

A detailed guide on how to use a continuity tester to check for adequate electrical connection on a power cord.

What you need

  1. Testing Power Cord Continuity, Set the multimeter to continuity test mode: step 1, image 1 of 2 Testing Power Cord Continuity, Set the multimeter to continuity test mode: step 1, image 2 of 2

    • Unplug the power cord from the device and from the AC outlet. Failure to do so can result in electrical shock or death.

    • Set the multimeter to continuity test mode.

    • The setting is symbolized by a diode or sound wave symbol as seen in the pictures. If the meter is set to the correct mode, you should hear the meter beep when the leads are touched together.

    • Verify that the positive lead is plugged to the voltmeter/ ohmmeter outlet.

    Edit

  3. Testing Power Cord Continuity, Test for a break in the cable: step 2, image 1 of 1

    • Test for a potential open circuit by using one multimeter lead to touch one of the prongs on the AC side of power cord. Use the other lead to touch one end of the console side of the power cord.

    • If there is an adequate electrical connection, the multimeter will continuously beep. A short beep does not mean that there is continuity. If it does not beep the first time, try using the lead to touch the other prong.

    • Repeat the above directions in step 2 for the other outlet and prong of the power cord.

    • If the multimeter fails to beep on any of the occasions outlined above, your power cord is open. In other words, you will need to replace the power cable.

    Edit

    Est-il possible de brancher sur une autre prise alimentée pour savoir si cordon et appareil sont non défectueux ??? Sans danger; faire sauter fusibles etc. Merci.

    maddy lode - Reply

    Could that be the problem why I am not getting but just a tad of electricity to my outlets I'm not getting enough power to run anything?

    mellichampc - Reply

  4. Testing Power Cord Continuity, Test for a short: step 3, image 1 of 1

    • Once you have verified that the power cord provides an adequate electrical connection, you will have to test that the cable is not shorted.

    • Test for a potential short circuit by touching each prong on the AC side of the power cord.

    • If the multimeter beeps, your power cord is bad and must be replaced immediately.

    • If your power cord is shorted, do not attempt to replug the cord into the AC outlet.

    • If your power cord has passed all of the steps above, then you have successfully tested that your power cord is in working order.

    Edit

    is there a guide like this very useful one but to test the surface power cords ?

    david burchall - Reply

Finish Line

151 other people completed this guide.

Author

with 10 other contributors

Darren Chan

Member since: 10/28/09

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2 Guides authored

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Team

Cal Poly, Team 5-1, Regan Fall 2009 Member of Cal Poly, Team 5-1, Regan Fall 2009

CPSU-REGAN-F09S5G1

5 Members

21 Guides authored

15 Comments

Thank you very much.

Kaky Jerry - Reply

Wow Wow Just a Great Guide, Now I have learned one more skill :)

Muhammad Imran - Reply

Brilliant love it

Liam Breen - Reply

Worked like a charm I feelik an electrician

hadpaulkh - Reply

I found this really wonderful and useful with details explained very well. I was always wondering what the electricians do with a multimeter. Now iI would buy one multimeter and do this on my own. Great and cool guide. Write more guides for other tests and verification.

Avinash S - Reply

great job i love

fcradiony - Reply

Superb...thanks a lot!!

chella narayanan - Reply

Thank you….. very useful

raj.bm13 - Reply

Great guide very helpfull.

Anthony - Reply

Now I know how to test a power cord.

How do I test a switch?

Frank Lawrence - Reply

Can you do a continuity test on the Xbox One Original CONSOLE ?

Anas Faisal - Reply

if one side of an extension lead is permently connected to electricity and it's unreachable, is it ok to test it from one side only?

reoc z - Reply

can i check an extension cord from one side?

does it should the electricity switched off, even if i’m using a proper testing machine?

reoc z - Reply

How can I test a cable if one end is in the basement and the other end is on the second floor?

Mansixty - Reply

To test a cable with ends in different locations, you can use a continuity tester with a remote. These testers include a main unit and a remote probe that connects to one end of the cable. Place the remote device on one end (e.g., the basement) and use the main unit on the other end (e.g., the second floor). The tester will indicate continuity if the cable is intact, making it easy to test cables over long distances without additional wires or helpers.

Sebastian -

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