Propeller Head Plaza Technical and scientific discussion of amps, cables and other topics.

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Re: Thanks SEJ...

Posted by jneutron (A) on November 21, 2005 at 06:23:43

In Reply to: Thanks SEJ... posted by Wellfed on November 19, 2005 at 12:31:13:

As I initially stated, this can easily be an issue external to the house, either the wires coming to the house, or the transformer itself.

As SEJ says, those four bulbs going at one time is the key..

It is not the sub. It must be the neutral, and it doesn't have to be at the panel.

Do NOT let the sub pop lead you astray!! No, it is not out of the ordinary, and no, it is not the source of the problem..

A thing that wraps around all the power cords is most likely a current meter, and it will only see a net current flowing through, as would happen only if you have an additional earth ground going to the system..I do not know what he was thinking there.

I recommend:

1. Check the current that is flowing in the wire that connects the main panel to the water pipe or whatever is being used for earth ground. There should be NO current flowing there. The electrician can use the clamp around meter for that.

2. Check the line to line balance, I assume such a device to measure this is already out there, it is such an easy concept. This device would be a simple ladder divider from hot to hot, and compare the center tap to the neutral potential. Wide swings here would indicate a loose neutral.

3. Measure neutral to earth voltage. This would be from the neutral blade of the outlets, to the plumbing..for example, from a gfi outlet located at the kitchen sink, to the faucets (assuming copper feeds to the sink).

4. Measure the outlet ground to the earth, at the sink, in the bathroom.. THIS is by far, THE MOST IMPORTANT TASK!!!!!!!! IF THIS TEST SHOWS VOLTAGES IN THE 10'S OR ABOVE, IT IS AN ELECTROCUTION HAZARD!. This is because gfi's do not necessarily look for ground currents, they look for the imbalance between neutral and hot.

Use a meter and check the voltage from your appliances to plumbing wherever something you plug in can be reached while touching another metal object.

5. Have the ele guy check the plumbing ground for integrity.

Yes, I am the worry wart...but I worry about the electrician walking away saying the house is fine, while something outside could have been the problem all along.

Cheers, John.

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