Re: Measuring impedance of wall socket


"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:fumke110g3p9s5nbfbsi7vh51k3nqke0sc@xxxxxxxxxx
> On Fri, 29 Jul 2005 08:05:55 -0700, John Larkin
> <jjlarkin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
> >On Fri, 29 Jul 2005 00:46:43 -0700, "cyrille perron"
> ><cyrille.perron@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> >>Hi, I'm not sure this is the best forum to post this question in but I
was
> >>wondering how one would go about measuring the impedance of a wall
socket?
> >>(Strange question, I know) I have some general ideas but would like to
> >>confirm my thinking. Any websites or other resources explaining the
> >>general concept would be greatly appreciated. Much thanks in advance.
> >>
> >
> >
> >Poke your dvm probes into one side of an outlet, and plug a toaster or
> >similar big resistive load into the other. Measure how much the
> >voltage droops when you fire up the toaster.
> >
> >Impedance is pretty much droop_volts/load_amps.
> >
> >John
>
> My oldest son, when he was like 3 years old, did the impedance test
> using a bobby pin ;-)

My son tested the outdoor socket on the back of the house with a weedpuller,
and found it full of sparks, until the GFI breaker popped . Since I was not
using any electric devices in the backyard, I didn't know about it for
several days. Then the backup refrigerator in the garage, which is on the
same circuit, started to smell funny.



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