Originally Posted By: Dave Sherman
Originally Posted By: Carnoobie
Originally Posted By: RiceCake
Connect the multimeter to both prongs of the AC cord with it set for Ohms, resistance measuring.
It should measure something between 25 and 8 ohms which equates to between 500 and 1500 watts. If its less then 8, its probably a dead short and will blow a fuse. If its more then 25 your block heater is less then 500 watts, so, I'd be curious if its still working, most block heaters are at least 500 watts.
If you get an open circuit, you've got an issue.
The rounded third prong of all electrical cords are ground, they're there to divert power to keep it from electrocuting people and otherwise generally serve no active role in powering anything. The two blades are what you should measure from.
Thanks.
Does it matter which black or white prongs from the MM goes to which prongs on the cord plug?
Does it matter if i do it with the car hot or cold? Gonna do it tonight.
Is this test a sure test like with the plug alive $20 tool?
No, when measuring resistance it does not matter which lead goes to which blade.
On my MM i dont have a 0 resistance setting. I have 20K, 200K, 2000K, 200, 2000 and 20M. What the [censored]?
Before i test it, should i not figure out how many Watts my block heater is? I dont even know how to find out cause i dont know the specs or brand.