testing a 240 outlet

I've got a multimeter.

I have an outlet with 3 openings spaced 60deg around the outer edge with a hole in the middle (which may be for a recessed screw? can't see into it it is out of the way behind a dryer).

I think it looks a LOT like this: http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/Edward67/2007-12-05_204620_dryer_outlet.jpg

It is wired into the panel but I haven't taken the panel apart to see whats up. Is there a simple way to test if the outlet is live with 220 or 240v using the multimeter? If so, what goes where and what reading would I be looking for?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Hot to hot will measure 220v ac. Hot to gnd or hot to neutral will measure 110v ac.

you may find voltages anywhere between 220-255volts. dont be surprised if you your voltage isnt dead on 240.

Set your multimeter to Voltage - AC; shove the red probe into one of the openings; shove the black probe into another opening; wiggle probes around while watching meter to see if you get a reading.

jCOSbrew said:

Hot to hot will measure 220v ac. Hot to gnd or hot to neutral will measure 110v ac.

Click to expand...

This, except I would expect 120VAC and 240VAC.

Also, doesn't matter which color probe you put in the holes. It will read the same regardless.

I didn't find any power in it with the multimeter. And now it looks like a relic from the last version of the electric panel. oh well. Thanks for the input.