
The black probe goes on the ground wire, while the red probe goes on the hot wire.Ĥ) Turn on the multimeter by pressing the power button.ĥ) The display will show either a zero or infinity symbol. You can test it in a few simple steps using only a multimeter.ġ) Check that the multimeter is turned On.Ģ) Set the multimeter to resistance mode by turning the knob to the ohm symbol.ģ) Connect the probes to the black and red wires. It's simple and straightforward to check the red wire. Checking Red wire with multimeter step-by-step guide:
#NEGATIVE BLACK POSITIVE RED PROFESSIONAL#
If you have any doubts, always consult a qualified electrician or other professional before proceeding. Instead, the polarity is determined by other factors, such as the direction of the current flow.įinally, before making any assumptions about the polarity of the red wire, it's essential to recognize the type of system you're working with.

While checking the polarity of the wires, note that reversing the polarity in a circuit can damage the power source, device or even cause an explosion. Showing the same output for reversed connection means you got a faulty multimeter, or you messed up the settings. If the connections are reversed you will get a negative voltage reading, for this case, -5V. That is, for example, the display will show 5V. Connecting a multimeter positive lead to positive, and negative to negative on the circuit, the meter will give a positive measurement. Now connect any of the wires to the positive lead of the multimeter, and the negative with the another. Select the DC voltage setting symbol looking like a capital “V” with a straight line over it. Next, rotate to the selector switch, the large knob in the center of the multimeter. Multimeter Methodįirst, select the direct current voltage setting of your multimeter. Note that using an analog multimeter is discouraged as connecting the wrong polarity might damage the device. For wires with both sides having the same color, the strand with a grooved or curved texture is the negative wire.Īnother great method of detecting the positive or negative side of a wire is by using a digital multimeter. If you got an extension cord, the ribbed wire is usually the negative wire. So where does the question of polarity arise? For an AC circuit, the Black is usually the hot lead and the White is the Neutral lead, where green is always the ground.

AC Componentsįor AC components, there are no positive or negative since the poles switch 60 times a second. Convention of the US is that black and red are labeled as “hot”, which alternates between positive and negative.
#NEGATIVE BLACK POSITIVE RED PLUS#
Most of the time you have to detect the polarity by the color while for some instances there will be marked plus or minus signs. Whether you’re studying experimental electronics or fixing the cables of your household, it requires proper knowledge to detect the positive and negative sides of wires. Black and White Wire Positive or Negative
