electricalsocketthe-netherlands
Pretty simple question, but I couldn't find the answer anywhere. Suppose I have a standard '5-pin'/5 recesses wall-socket and I check it with a voltage tester. How many recesses should show a voltage?
My expectation was 3, however in my case only the bottom right recess showed a voltage.
Context: this is in an apartment I just moved to in the Netherlands. I tried connecting my electric stove and 3 out of 4 plates no longer worked. That caused my to grab a voltage tester to check the socket.
In the US you could buy a "Medium Base Polarized Socket Outlet Adapter" at any hardware store for a couple bucks.
I suppose both ends are different where you are, but perhaps the picture will be enough to convey the idea?
The paranoid way to use a non contact voltage tester is:
The last step is what would have saved you a shock here - its to check that your tester didn't die while you were flipping the breaker, and that you haven't done anything silly like forgetting to turn it on.
Though if it were a loose connection you still could be very unlucky and have it pass all those tests with the outlet still live.
Best Answer
Assuming you mean an IEC 60309 Plug that delivers 3-phase 230/400V power (usually a red connector), there should be power on three pins.
The largest hole is for the earth pin, and the next hole counter-clockwise is the neutral. The remaining holes should have line voltage - 230v measured to neutral or 400v measured to another line hole.
Here is a good reference for you: https://www.plugsocketmuseum.nl/IEC60309_1.html
Also, as mentioned in the comments, get yourself a proper tester for this or call an electrician to test it.