Are the power lines driving you insane? Try these simple steps to ensure that your power lines are not causing chaos in your home. Many electricians do not perform these simple checks unless you specifically ask them. First, go to the hardware store and purchase a digital multimeter or an AC clamp meter. These can be purchased for $100-$300. Then, check the voltage and frequency at the power outlets around your house. Be sure to test more than one outlet and perform this test at different times of the day. You can also ask your electrician to perform these tests for you. We recommend that you take a photo of the meter readings to document your findings. Voltage check Measure the voltage at your power outlets. Check what the voltage is for your country by looking online (Electricity by Country). Worldwide, the voltages vary from 110-120v to 220-240v and are specific to each country. If you find that your voltage is higher than the expected voltage for your country, we recommend that you call an electrician to understand why the voltage is not exactly what is specified for your country. Check your appliances and electronic devices to see what voltage and frequency they require. Appliances can be sensitive to slight changes in voltage and burn out or smoke if there is a slight increase in voltage, even by a few volts. 245.6v reading on an AC clamp meter in Australia Frequency check Measure the frequency at your power outlets. The frequency should either be 50Hz or 60Hz depending on which country you live in. If you find other frequencies on your power line, you should call an electrician to find out why your power lines are registering other frequencies (harmonics). Many appliances and electronic devices such as your TV do not support variances in frequencies, and will eventually burn out. 0.659kHz (659 Hz) frequency reading on an AC clamp meter Important Note: You should consult with an electrician for professional help if you have any questions or concerns about performing these tests yourself.