Plug the unit into the outlet suspected of supplying over-current to the appliance or light. Screw the supplied power cord into the security screw inserts on the back of the unit. Turn the unit on via the power switch on the front panel.
Allow a few minutes for the unit to self-check. Press the "Voltage" button to allow the unit to display incoming AC voltage.
Press the "Meter" button on the front panel repeatedly until you reach the "Reading" option. For surge, select the "Voltage and Current" option.
Observe the LCD display to check the reading. Normal AC voltage is 120v, operating at 60 hertz. Intermittent surges will increase the voltage at random rates. Consistent over-voltage scenarios are considered damaging if they consistently read over 150 to 175 volts continuously.