The AC power cord provides power to home appliances.
An AC power cord is used to bring alternating current to an appliance. This cord is one of the most commonly tested items because when an appliance fails the owner must determine if the appliance is in need of maintenance or if it is the power cord that has failed. Replacing a power cord is a less expensive option than replacing an entire appliance. There are many varieties of AC cords as the type of cord is dictated by the amount of electricity the appliance needs as well as the design of the plug's end.
Instructions
Test the AC Power Cord
1. Unplug the AC power cord from the wall outlet and from the appliance it is powering. You may need to unscrew or unclip any cord connectors on the appliance in order to remove the plug. This will depend on the type of appliance.
2. Set the multimeter to use the resistance times 1 scale. Clip one of the multimeter jumper wires to the male plug and insert the multimeter test probe into the female plug. The male plug has prongs that stick out and the female plug will be at the opposite end of the cord.
3. Bend the AC cord and pull on it along the entire length of the cord. If the multimeter reads zero ohms, the plug is functioning properly. If the millimeter reads high ohms or the ohms fluctuate when pulling on the cord, the AC cord is faulty and should be replaced. A fluctuating reading means that there is an open circuit somewhere within the cord.
4. Move the probe at the female plug to the other prong on the male plug if the cord read zero ohms in step 3. If the cord still reads zero ohms, the cord is in good operating condition. If the multimeter has a high ohm reading or a fluctuating reading, the cord has a short circuit and must be replaced.
Tags: power cord, female plug, male plug, zero ohms, fluctuating reading, reads zero, reads zero ohms