How do you check a 4 prong dryer outlet for power?

Answer 1

for USA, Canada and countries using similar 60Hz mains supplies

Checking a dryer outlet for power...

The point of the change they made from 3 to 4 wires is to keep the ground separate from the neutral.

When you don't know how something is wired, use a test meter CAREFULLY AND SAFELY to measure the voltage between the test point and a KNOWN good ground.

Far too many things are wired wrongly so it's not worth taking any chances.

If you really have no clue what is going on, then measure the voltage from each pin to the other three.

It's best to do that even when you know what is SUPPOSED to be there, because that doesn't mean the last guy in there knew the right thing to do! Measure from ground to each point.

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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 2

With the ground pin on the bottom, 240 Volts will be across the two outside slots and 120Volts will be from each outside slot to the top slot.