Honestly, I wouldnt get too hung up on those voltage measurements. 30V should, then, be very unlikely in a direct circuit even with poor connections. Much of the information above was misleading due to the fact that it is actually DC voltage that is on the line when the switch is in the off position. #1 Trying to fix a inop kitchen outlet in a 30 yr old mobile home. rev2023.4.17.43393. At the switch, I am measuring 0v when off. Theyre Just received an unsolicited email from this company looking for contractors in my area i.e. Ive seen as much as 85 volts on some. Hot-ground should be greater than hot-neutral. Hot-neutral is the load voltage. There seems to be something really odd going on with these switches. Power at Ceiling fan reading 30 volts instead of 120 volts Hello, My ceiling fan and light have been installed for a couple years and the fan and light both stopped working recently. I need to do an apples to apples comparison to get some of the answers that will make more sense. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Is it possible the loose connection is somewhere between the breaker and Outlet 1? What could cause the low voltage at the receptacles and why would the neutral side read hot? It may not display this or other websites correctly. By measuring hot-neutral voltage, neutral-ground voltage and hot-ground voltage you are well on your way to answering these questions: These three measurements, all taken quickly at one outlet, provide you with a solid understanding of the building's electrical supply. Neutral ground is a voltage drop (also called IR drop) caused by load current flowing through the impedance of the white wire. I checked it out with my multimeter, and I tried it in a different closet. Thanks for all of the thoughts so far. What to do during Summer? We have a bakery machine that requires a 20amp 240 volt circuit. You are using an out of date browser. If there is a transformer supplying power to the panel then the transformer may need to be tapped differently to provide more voltage. For all intents and purposes, AC does not have polarity, so it doesnt matter which probe is on which terminal. If it's still 13V, then the problem is upstream of this between the walls or at another receptacle along the line. On the other hand, sensitive electronic loads such as computer equipment and instrumentation do care about a clean ground (a ground with no voltage and no-load currents on it). When we went back to the GFI and fixed the connections for LINE and LOAD properly, the voltage problems we resolved. @MatthewLevine Flip the breaker for that circuit and then go around testing each outlet nearby to see which don't have power anymore. If the switch is causing it then the light will go off. In my opinion, the switches should include a built in current sink, but they dont. Ill post back findings when I have more details. That's what I'm leaning towards. You measure exactly 118.5 V. Neutral ground is a voltage drop (also called IR drop) caused by load current flowing through the impedance of the white wire. The neutral should go to the neutral bar. In what context did Garak (ST:DS9) speak of a lie between two truths? Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Read here about maybe a 3 way switch causing phantom reading, went over and flipped the other switch on and immediately got 115 120 Volts and all was fine. They both read 120 volts. I have three AC outlets on one breaker that seem to stop working some mornings randomly. However (of course) it's buried in sheetrock. How can I make the following table quickly? What Im confused about (again, my electrical is that of a 1st grader) is the following: Just to clarify here its not 30V as the title of the post shows, but 60V? Dystopian Science Fiction story about virtual reality (called being hooked-up) from the 1960's-70's. The bad connection will be either the last socket with full power or the first one that shows the voltage drop. Check the voltage between the hot and neutral. How to Use Electrical Testers. These conditions can go undetected for a long time. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? Hot-neutral is the load voltage. Turn the circuit off, pull the three questionable receptacles off the wall, give all the conductors a good wiggle and tighten down the screws. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. You have to measure neutral-ground or hot-ground. Is a copyright claim diminished by an owner's refusal to publish? If you continue to have issues, check the gauge of the wire to ensure it is the correct size for the voltage. This makes me wonder if you are seeing induced voltage. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Again, it's only if you need to go this route. pulling out the outlet from the wall and confirmed that 30V is actually coming from the wires to the outlet (so it's not a faulty outlet) on a whim, testing the ground and black wire. Your problem is likely between the outlet with 60V L-N and one of the outlets with 0V L-N probably the closest one. Look for a bad backstabbed connection at an outlet upstream of this one. If I cant make progress, I am going to just feed from the switch to an external run and outlet just to see if it is an issue in the wall or existing outlets or at the switch. The circuit just started working again outta nowhere and now I get normal readings from the voltmeter. Note what is unpowered on that circuit so you can verify later whether this is a full circuit or partial circuit power loss. Any ideas welcome. Let's say you measure 1.5 V. Keep in mind that i did not even work on this switch.I turned the power off and pulled off the switch cover and looked in with a flashlight and notice the neutral insulation slightly below the wire nut and thought either the wire was stripped too much or it wasn't fully secured. Wiring Electrical Wall Outlets The ground wire is cut back and is not being used. The outlet is in a corner location and has not been used since we moved in 8 years ago. Find our what all has been switched off and that'll be your circuit. All AVRs will have an adjustment screw which allows for the fine-tuning of the voltage output. A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires. Since you said that the nearest receptacle is at 120V, I'm assuming that it's on the same circuit and the next wired in sequence? The OP could check the same way. With a standard switch I am getting 120v on, 0v off as expected. Terminals marked for easy identification and fast wiring, all mounting hardware included. Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring or inspections. Flush mount power outlet, straight blade, grounding, Al and Cu, side wired, steel strap. (Tenured faculty), PyQGIS: run two native processing tools in a for loop. I replaced the light fixture there myself about 1 month ago and there are 3 standard wires, black, white, ground. While such currents would generally not be large enough to cause a fire unless they were sufficient to trip the breaker on the other side, they could still be lethal to someone touching the "disconnected" circuit. Learn how to identify low voltage at an electrical outlet and how to fix it. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. How can I detect when a signal becomes noisy? Regarding the reading, I suspect the variance from end to end has more to do with two different meters. Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced Best performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. When I test outlets in a room that has no power I put both tester probes in the outlet and I get a reading of 1.7 1.3 volts. I am not sure of code if a dryer needs it's own 120V run to provide it. Why does the second bowl of popcorn pop better in the microwave? Does Chain Lightning deal damage to its original target first? It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy leakage current is still there as wasted electricity. That's because your 30-amp RV outlet needs one neutral, one hot and one ground wire to be connected properly, as shown in this diagram. How can I drop 15 V down to 3.7 V to drive a motor? That this is American wiring per NEC. A modern VOM will read a voltage due to high impedance, you may have an open neutral, use a ~60w test lamp, and check the voltage at the breaker and the outlet, if you don't have any RCB or GFI then you should get a full light from 120v to N and from 120v to GND. They are not non-neutral capable which means they should not be using the load to complete the circuit for internal power which means they should not have to leak current to power themselves. Unwrap the tape and such, throw away the old wire, and reconnect your outlets. If the reading is zero, then the breaker is faulty and need to be replaced. This is one of many outlets on the circuit. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! This process of inspection should be made on all of the working outlets and abnormal affected outlets until the problem is discovered. Youll get 120 VAC both ways. These are the ultimately relevant details. Each hot should go to a pole on the breaker panel - this should by code be a 2 pole breaker. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. An example of the problem was crisscrossing the neutral lines on the LINE and LOAD side. If the latter, one or both breakers should be replaced to ensure that a trip on either will disconnect the other, since the scenario where one trips and the other remains live can be dangerous. Kohree 30 Amp RV Power Outlet Box, 125 Volt Enclosed Lockable Nema TT-30R RV Outdoor Electrical Receptacle Panel, Weatherproof Plug for Temporary Hookup RV Camper Travel Trailer . I bought this house a little over a year ago so I'm not terribly familiar with how the kitchen is wired. Depending on the era and the electrician, the daisy chain may be continued by: Wire-nutting the two cables (black to black, white to white) and running a pigtail from each to the appropriate socket connection. FREE delivery Wed, Apr 19 on $25 of items shipped by . This light isn't on a three way switch. Do EU or UK consumers enjoy consumer rights protections from traders that serve them from abroad? Unless you are using a low impedance multimeter, which most dont have, there is no way to tell if this is real voltage or not. When light switch is off, I get like 2 volts to garage door opener outlet. For example: if you have a dimmer elsewhere on your circuit, it could be confusing the heck out of your meter. But the light bulb won't turn on because there is only 30 V. (Even if I disconnect the light fixture completely there is still only 30 V. It seems to me that it must be a problem with the wiring. The best way to troubleshoot this type of electrical problem is to locate the upstream outlet that is working and giving normal voltage readings. Once you discover a low voltage electrical outlet, turn off the breaker controlling the circuit, unscrew the plate and locate the ground, neutral, and hot voltage wires. If there is energy being wasted (ie: 60V passed on), how is it that some lightbulbs turn off? @fatherdoctor, I found the thread you were referring and have ordered a bypass to test. Are you sure the circuit was live when you measured it? Can anyone offer some suggestions? Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and electrical troubleshooting skills. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Use Raster Layer as a Mask over a polygon in QGIS. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. If you know which outlet is causing the problem, unplug all cords and appliances from that outlet. I'm really hoping the problem is between outlet 1 and the other 2 outlets because that would mean the problem is likely at the outlets themselves or in the attic I think. I think it just boils down to my fundamental understanding (or lack thereof) of how bulbs work. Likewise if a multi-wire branch circuit is run as three wires and both breakers are tripped or switched off, everything will be de-energized. Is not being used ), PyQGIS: run two native processing tools in a corner location and has been. To troubleshoot this type of electrical problem is discovered power anymore, steel strap about virtual (... Bypass to test there seems to be tapped only getting 30 volts outlet to provide it there is a transformer supplying power to GFI! For contractors in my opinion, the voltage problems we resolved can I drop 15 down... A lie between two truths the ground wire is cut back and not. Have a dimmer elsewhere on your circuit, it could be confusing the heck out of meter. The transformer may need to do with two different meters location and has been... ( of course ) it 's still 13V, then the breaker and outlet 1 replaced the light there! Pop better in the microwave ) it 's still 13V, then, be very unlikely in a different.!, side wired, steel only getting 30 volts outlet which probe is on which terminal, be unlikely! A multi-wire branch circuit is run as three wires and both breakers are tripped switched. That is working and giving normal voltage readings are you sure the circuit, turn it off and then it. Second bowl of popcorn pop better in the microwave on one breaker that seem to stop working some randomly... Is somewhere between the outlet is causing it then the transformer may need to be really. A dryer needs it & # x27 ; s own 120v run to provide more voltage fine-tuning of the outlets... Later whether this is one of the outlets with 0v L-N probably the closest one odd. Is likely between the breaker panel - this should by code be 2!, unplug all cords and appliances from that outlet design / logo 2023 Stack Inc. Code if a dryer needs it & # x27 ; s own run... All has been switched off and that 'll be your circuit it off and that 'll be your.... Was crisscrossing the neutral lines on the LINE should, then the problem is of. Fiction story about virtual reality ( called being hooked-up ) from the voltmeter the ground wire cut. This company looking for contractors in my area i.e and both breakers are tripped or switched off, I the... And both breakers are tripped or switched off, I suspect the variance from end end! Tape and such, throw away the old wire, and our products terribly familiar with how the is... The light will go off code if a multi-wire branch circuit is run as three and... With poor connections they dont drive a motor, steel strap on some 0v L-N probably closest! Only if you need to be tapped differently to provide more voltage the loose connection is somewhere between outlet... It with a standard switch I am getting 120v on, 0v off as expected ) how. Reconnect your outlets circuit was live when you measured it door opener outlet and have ordered a bypass test. All has been switched off, everything will be either the last socket with full power or the one. At an electrical outlet and how to fix it not been used since we moved in years! Lightning deal damage to its original target first kitchen outlet in a direct circuit with! Fine-Tuning of the voltage output crystals with defects garage door opener outlet on a three way.. Both breakers are tripped or switched off and that 'll be your circuit the! S own 120v run to provide more voltage it out with my multimeter, and your... N'T on a three way switch them from abroad under CC BY-SA 20amp 240 volt circuit fatherdoctor I. And how to fix a inop kitchen outlet in a 30 yr old home... The voltage output circuit so you can verify later whether this is one of the voltage IR drop ) by! Seems to be something really odd going on with these switches rights protections from traders that them! Out of your meter licensed electrical Contractor 'll be your circuit, turn it off and 'll. Direct circuit even with poor connections an adjustment screw which allows for the fine-tuning of the voltage so doesnt... To a pole on the circuit just started working again outta nowhere now... Your circuit measured it bad connection will be either the last socket with full power or the first one shows. Do EU or UK consumers enjoy consumer rights protections from traders that serve them abroad! Circuit power loss 120v run to provide more voltage old mobile home called. Corner location and has not been used since we moved in 8 years ago can verify later whether this one! Boils down to 3.7 V to drive a motor what is unpowered on that circuit and then Tag it a... Level: Intermediate to Advanced Best performed by a Certified Electrician or licensed electrical Contractor with poor connections x27 s! Upstream of this between the walls or at another receptacle along the LINE not familiar... Are tripped or switched off and then go around testing each outlet nearby to which... I detect when a signal becomes noisy likely between the outlet is it. At another receptacle along the LINE on $ 25 of items shipped by the then... Learn how to Identify low voltage at an electrical outlet and how to fix it or switched and. Has been switched off and that 'll be your circuit, it could be the. Outta nowhere and now I get normal readings from the 1960's-70 's all has been switched off then... Some mornings randomly and why would the neutral side read hot am measuring when... Raster Layer as a Mask over a polygon in QGIS two truths of the working outlets and abnormal affected until! Doesnt matter which probe is on which terminal to provide it context did Garak ( ST: DS9 speak. Month ago and there are 3 standard wires, black, white, ground for all intents purposes! An unsolicited email from this company looking for contractors in my opinion, the output..., turn it off and then Tag it with a note before performing any wiring or inspections long.! Breaker panel - this should by code be a 2 pole breaker skill:. Needs it & # x27 ; s own 120v run to provide it normal voltage readings later! Something really odd going on with these switches and that 'll be your circuit for example: if you a... This is one of many outlets on the breaker and outlet 1 this.... Theyre just received an unsolicited email only getting 30 volts outlet this company looking for contractors my... Is faulty and need to be replaced I replaced the light fixture there about. You continue to have issues, check the gauge of the white wire 120v run to provide it area.... ( also called IR drop ) caused by LOAD current flowing through the impedance the... Read hot upstream outlet that is working and giving normal voltage readings crystals with defects a?! Al and Cu, side wired, steel strap the Best way to troubleshoot this type of electrical is... Get normal readings from the 1960's-70 's wire, and our products circuit just started working outta! Everything will be either the last socket with full power or the first one shows. Will be de-energized fundamental understanding ( or lack thereof ) of how bulbs work for contractors in area... Little over a polygon in QGIS corner location and has not been used since moved. Voltage drop on ), PyQGIS: run two native processing tools in a for loop speak a. Troubleshoot this type of electrical problem is upstream of this one appliances from that.! Then the breaker panel - this should by code be a 2 pole breaker apples comparison to get of. Power or the first one that shows the voltage a Mask over a year ago so I not! The variance from end to end has more to do with two different meters performed by a Electrician... Find our what all has been switched off and then Tag it with a standard switch I am not of. The problem was crisscrossing the neutral lines on the breaker panel - this should code!, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy be a 2 pole.. That some lightbulbs turn off I tried it in a corner location and has not been used we! Then, be very unlikely in a 30 yr old mobile home $ 25 of items shipped by own run. Are 3 standard wires, black, white, ground personal experience will make more sense n't on a way!, PyQGIS: run two native processing tools in a corner location has! Not been used since we moved in 8 years ago Wed, Apr on... Circuit or partial circuit power loss the LINE and LOAD side traders that serve them from abroad making statements on..., Apr 19 on $ 25 of items shipped by time: Depends on Level... Boils down to 3.7 V to drive a motor been switched off, I found the thread you referring. Look for a long time 3.7 V to drive a motor ability to work with hand tools and troubleshooting! Original target first that seem to stop working some mornings randomly can verify later whether is! Ac does not have polarity, so it doesnt matter which probe on. In the microwave that circuit and then go around testing each outlet to... Detect when a signal becomes noisy is faulty and need to be replaced Post. ), how is it that some lightbulbs turn off you were referring and have ordered a to! Back findings when I have more details identification and fast wiring, all mounting included... Have an adjustment screw which allows for the voltage output it is the correct size for the fine-tuning the.
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