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Phase Neutral AC Socket Outlet Tester Circuit

Last Updated on February 6, 2021 by Admin 2 Comments

The most common phase testers show if an AC mains voltage is present at the wall output. They are typically known as the Live (L) connection. This useful AC mains socket outlet tester circuit can test all these and more, using just four resistors (double the two resistors in series to have the voltage load on each resistor), two bi-color LEDs and a pushbutton.

The whole circuit can be housed inside a normal 3-pin plug that comes with an Earth connector. However, you must ensure the circuit is contained in the plug housing and the pushbutton is rated at AC line voltage.

mains Live neutral earth tester circuit
All resistors are 47k for 110V testing, and 100k for 220V testing

If the socket tester is attached into an AC power outlet, the pair of LEDs must be lit to display there is a current flow between the live (L) and the neutral (N). The color of the LED is not so significant as long as both bicolor LEDs are lit, therefore making the overall color to be orange. It is important to remember that the bicolor LEDs have been identified to prevent an extra diode. This part would be coupled in anti-parallel connection in case a single LED was utilized.

Once the pushbutton is pressed, only one of the LEDs will illuminate. This represents the power outlet Earth connection that is accurately wired. The lit LED also shows the Live (phase) connection.

Warning: This circuit may have discrepancy in the indications when expected to work as-is from the schematic due to the connection of the Neutral (N) and Earth/Ground lines. This connection also differs across several national electricity codes and associated guidelines for electrical safety.

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About Admin

Hey friends, Thanks a bunch for stopping by this site! I am an engineer with a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Telecommunication. One of my passions is gathering information from all sorts of electronics books and tutorials. I then take that information and compile it into a language that is super easy to understand. My goal is to make those complex electronics circuit concepts and technical terms much more accessible for all the new and budding electronics engineers out there. I can also design customized circuit diagrams as required by the users.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Einstein Bagels says

    August 23, 2022 at 7:00 am

    Please help me with the basics function of a plug tester

    Reply
    • admin says

      September 4, 2022 at 11:10 am

      The basic function is explained in the above article.

      Reply

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