with a voltage tester or meter that has a rating higher than what you are expecting to find Most testers / meters are rated 600 volt
Disregard the neutral
No.
Yes.
Yes. As far as in the US 220v and 240v is pretty much the same thing. People call it 220 but realistically you prob have 230-240v. Get a cheap voltage tester and check it out
Yes, it can be and there is no problem at all Because most of the electrical appliances are made to work on 220v - 240v so it can also be plugged into a 240v outlet.
Could be the outlet, could be an open wire, could be a loose connection. First thing I would do is check that the connections are tight. Then replace the outlet. That leaves the wiring... The connection is probably corroded. Check the plug, if it's black and pitted you probably should replace both the plug and outlet.
You will burn up your appliance!!!!!
What is your question? A standard outlet is 110V. A 220 outlet is shaped different so that you know it is 220. You would never run 220 through a 110 outlet.
Absoluteyl not.
If I understand your question, Can you run a 110 appliance off of a 220 volt outlet? You could by only using one leg of the 220. You may also consider changing the outlet. Put in a regular 110 outlet and capping off one leg of the 220 in the wall box. You still have a neutral and a ground to work with. I read this as the questioner doesn't want to modify the outlet. Check the voltage ratings on the device. Many electronic devices nowadays can havdle 120V or 240V as it is cheaper to manufacture one powersupply and sell it everywhere. If your device is rated for 240V, you can put a 240V plug on it. If it only says 120V, no dice. 240V will burn it up.
You can, but be advised that whatever you plug into the new outlet should not exceed 5000W capacity (20A x 250V = 5000W)or you could risk overheating the new outlet with serious results. To prevent this, you should make sure the circuit breaker is a 20A also.
Yes, just make sure it is a 220 volt switch.