Log in

View Full Version : What does hot and ground reverse mean


jmvxii
Aug 27, 2010, 05:46 PM
I have a hot ground reverse on my reading on an outlet what does that mean and how do I fix it?

tkrussell
Aug 28, 2010, 03:12 AM
I often find that when these plug in testers give a hot and ground reversed indication, that there is a wiring or connection problem, but often the hot and ground are not truly reversed.

Electricians will use a voltage meter or tester to do the troubleshooting, testing across the black (hot) and white (neutral) should show 120 volts, black and ground 120 volts, and white and ground zero, or close to zero.

We check the wiring and do these tests at the outlet with the problem, and then work our way back to the source checking each junction or connection point, usually finding some sort of loose connection, miswired connection, or open connection.

stanfortyman
Aug 28, 2010, 04:34 AM
A "hot and ground reversed" reading on plug-in testers is usually an indication of an open neutral.

As TK said, it is rarely an accurate reading of the actual problem.