To check if a 110 V/AC outlet is hot, what should the volt-ohm meter be set to?

To accurately check if a 110 V/AC outlet is hot using a volt-ohm meter (often referred to as a multimeter), it should be set to a range that can safely measure AC voltage higher than the expected outlet voltage. The most suitable setting will be one that can adequately cover the 110 V reading while providing some headroom for safety and accuracy.

Setting the meter to 250V/AC allows for measuring the 110 V/AC outlet without risk of exceeding the meter's capacity and ensures that the device can provide stable and reliable readings. Using a setting closer to 110 V may lead to incorrect readings or might even risk damaging the multimeter if there are unexpected voltage spikes.

In contrast, lower settings like those at 100V/AC or 150V/AC could limit the meter's ability to accurately measure higher than the nominal voltage, while still being at risk of overload if there's an unexpected voltage increase. Hence, the 250V setting combines an adequate range with a safety buffer, making it the most appropriate choice for measuring the 110 V source.