Ground Check

[LEN_LEEB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

     lawrence Hegarty wrote:
      ..."Ground check" that requires that I test for zero volts
     at different points.  I'm not sure I know what that means.  Does it 
     mean I should:
     1. check for a good ground with my continuity tester.
     2. check that when I put the black probe of my volt meter to ground 
     and the red one a the point to be tested that I do not have any 
     voltage (ie. it reads about 0).
     
     If it were my meter, I would check for voltage first (ie step #2). The 
     meter should NEVER be used for continuity check on a live circuit, as 
     you could fry the meter. Only do a continuity check if the circuit has 
     no power to it. The meter won't be damaged by reading voltage, but 
     could be damaged in the continuity mode (step #1) as it is actually 
     reading current.
     
     A very simple automotive tester is a 12 volt lamp and a pair of clip 
     leads. To check for ground, put one side of the lamp at a known 12V 
     source, and the other on the suspected "ground." The lamp will light 
     brightly if the ground is good, dimly or not at all if the ground is 
     poor, ie, needs cleaning. Any 12 V lamp will work; I use an old 
     license plate light and wiring harness, with a pair of alligator clips 
     on the leads. Cheap and effective!
     Len

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