Stetzer meter use and experiments
1) I just received my Stetzer Meter. When I take my readings, do I have to check both outlets in the receptacle or is testing one of them enough to get a reading?
2) Do I need to UNplug any devices in both outlets in a receptacle before taking the readings?
3) Should I test every receptacle in the room to be accurate?
4) Some of the receptacles can't be reached due to heavy furniture blocking them, Is this an issue?
5) Can I test a device for dirty electricity levels (like a TV) by plugging the TV into a receptacle outlet (say the top one) and then plugging the Stetzer meter into the bottom outlet of the receptacle and then taking a reading?
6) Is there a webpage that discusses experiments that can be done using the Stetzer meter? (I have already read everything at the Stetzer website.)
Thank you!
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Hello :)
Great questions, I will do my best to answer.
I just received my Stetzer Meter. When I take my readings, do I have to check both outlets in the receptacle or is testing one of them enough to get a reading?
In most outlets, the top and bottom receptacle are joined electrically, so the reading would be the same in both. So usually we do not bother trying to read both the top and bottom. It is rare, but once in a while we do encounter outlets where the top or bottom is controlled by a switch somewhere. This creates sort of a sub-circuit, and the readings can definitely vary when this is the case. You could have a higher reading in the top or bottom if one of the receptacles is controlled by a switch - use a filter in both if this is the case.
Do I need to UNplug any devices in both outlets in a receptacle before taking the readings?
The best test is to leave everything plugged-in. Use an outlet adapter - 3 way plug adapter - if you need more places to plug the meter and filters in. You can test individual devices by plugging them in one at a time and turning them on/off to see if anything changes.
Should I test every receptacle in the room to be accurate?
Yes, it is highly recommended to test every outlet, just to be sure. While many times outlets in the same room (usually the case) are on the same circuit, it's always good to test every outlet and not miss any.
Some of the receptacles can't be reached due to heavy furniture blocking them, Is this an issue?
When it is very difficult, we can skip the outlet. It is safe to assume that the unreachable outlet will be on the same circuit as a nearby outlet. It's nice to measure everything, but if one or two outlets are super hard to get to, then don't stress over it.
Can I test a device for dirty electricity levels (like a TV) by plugging the TV into a receptacle outlet (say the top one) and then plugging the Stetzer meter into the bottom outlet of the receptacle and then taking a reading?
Yes, that is a way to test your devices. If you want to be 100% sure that both receptacles are wired the same, you can always use a 3-way plug adapter to plug the device you want to test and the meter into the same receptacle. You'll see some things increase the reading just by being plugged-in. Other devices increased when turned-on :)
Is there a webpage that discusses experiments that can be done using the Stetzer meter? (I have already read everything at the Stetzer website.)
What type of experiments do you mean? I'm not sure what you mean by this. Let me know :) Did you read our FAQ section yet?