View Full Version : Electrical equipment with coax lines connected backfeeding 40-60 volts through lines?
Mtdn27
Dec 13, 2007, 03:51 PM
Hi I have a question for any electricians. I am a cable technician and do installations for Cable,Internet,& Voice in homes. What I have encountered a lot is electrical back-feed coming through the copper coax lines feeding from vcr's and tv's in the house which are plugged into electrical outlets. THis voltage is not coming from the outside cable system because with the outside lines and cable boxes disconnected anything plugged into the home wall outlets feeds between 30 to 80 volts back through the lines many times melting the insulation on ours lines. I usually notice electricity first from feeling the electricity then I will check with a FVD and or VOM. It seems to me as though the home has a bad ground or neutral and the cable lines are the path of least resistance but I am not an electrician so would like to know what the cause and effect are. Thank you
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tkrussell
Dec 13, 2007, 05:02 PM
I believe it is coming from ground faults in the home, and their system is not grounded properly, and/or there are neutral ties to grounds.
Since your system is grounded at the street, you should test with a voltage meter across the customer ground point and your cable before you coming in between these two. Those customers that give you more than 2 volts should not be connected and issued a warning that their system needs attention.
Cobraguy
Dec 14, 2007, 08:48 AM
I wonder if this customer has the same handyman that was mentioned in another thread.
Cobraguy
Dec 15, 2007, 08:56 AM
Yep labman! That's the one!
tkrussell
Dec 15, 2007, 09:28 AM
The worst are the people that "Think" they know how to do something.
Give anyone that asks a question all the respect.
At least they are admitting they do not know.
And those that question the advice of someone that is not a pro.