If the meter was set for "current" (amps) and the leads were connected to the current input, you hope it will read 0. -- It should blow the fuse inside.
If the meter is set for volts AC, it should read anywhere between 108 and 132 volts.
If the meter is set for volts DC, it should read close to zero.
If the meter is set for resistance (ohms) it would probably display an unstable reading, or could damage the meter.
And finally, is this a trick question, and you are really talking about a 120V AC powered benchtop multimeter? In that case it would read whatever current is flowing in the circuit under test, provided the meter is set up correctly.
A multimeter can test:
or
A multimeter cannot test dc current with a clamp on meter (there is no frequency in dc to create a field)
Another answer
I would think someone asking a specific question about a multimeter would assume that person knows what they're doing, and would connect it correctly. When I connect my multimeter to the 120V wall outlet I get 126 volts - the display is stable to within about a half a volt. I have a Keithley multimeter, as well as a Simpson analogue VOM.
I just measured line voltage again, this time getting 123 volts. This is reasonable, as there is no load on the line. With the toaster on, it drops to 118 volts. This is probably within whatever tolerance is built into the system.
Comment:
Because the standard tolerance for 120 volt services is " + or - 10%", those voltages you measured are certainly ok: those readings fall between the minimum tolerance limit of 108 volts and the maximum limit of 132 volts.
The actual voltage you are using at any instant in time doesn't only depend only on the load you have applied to the branch circuit, it also depends very much on:
and
Voltage or current?
I notice the question mentioned both voltage and current. I don't know whether this was a typo. It would seem strange to ask how many volts you get from a 120V socket. The voltage version of the question has been answered quite comprehensively, so I'm going to answer the current version.
Voltage and current are different things, not just the same thing measured in different units. It doesn't make sense to ask "how many volts in an amp?" (which is essentially the question that's been asked). Electricity is analogous to water flowing through a pipe. Voltage is like the pressure difference between the two ends of a pipe; current is like the flow rate (in liters per second).
In an ideal world, an ammeter (current measuring device) has resistance 0, while a voltmeter has infinite resistance. Obviously, these are only ideals which can't quite be reached in practice. So the question is: Just how low is the resistance in your ammeter? Use the equation V=IR to calculate the current. I.e. the current is 120 volts divided by the resistance.
It is likely broken if there is power to the outlet
Every outlet in your house, and everything in your house that's plugged into an outlet, is in parallel.
It'll only deliver 1/4 of the power.
In US household electrical service there are two "hot" 110 volt wires and one ground. Only one hot wire is connected to a normal outlet or light fixture. To wire a 220 volt alternating current outlet, both hot wires are connected to the outlet. This is used for appliances that need more power than is provided by 110 volts like electric ranges, clothes dryers, air conditioners.
the voltage of the mains electricity in the UK
to many electrical cords plugged into one outlet
Almost all sewing machines, with the exception of vintage hand crank machines, need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
Generally, no. We usually try to avoid having a lot of things plugged into one outlet, which is the usual meaning of "octopus connection" when we talk about things electrical. If we get a lot of stuff plugged into one outlet or a single outlet strip, we could approach (or exceed) the current rating on the outlet and end up tripping a circuit breaker. Less things plugged in is better.
Can the magic jet be plugged in the electrical outlet without the internet.
It is plugged into an electrical outlet without a transformer
A PS3 must be plugged in to an electric outlet
A unidirectional current controller device is a type of electrical on/off switch. In order for an item to work that is plugged into a particular outlet, the switch must be in the on position. It is like having lamps plugged into outlets that are controlled by only one switch.
A) Outlet plug B) Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) C) Electricity Read Monitor D) Current Path Detector
Electrical energy, usually. In general, any device plugged into an electrical outlet uses electrical energy.
Electromagnetic energy, electrical lighting is one of the many ways electrical energy is used. Electric current flows in these devices when they are connected to batteries or plugged into an electric outlet. An electric device uses the electrical energy provided by the current flowing in the device.
Yes, an appliance that is 115 volts 15 amps can be plugged into a normal household electrical outlet in the Untied States of America, also available in Canada. LOL
Check the fuzes.