Ask Me Help Desk

Ask Me Help Desk (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forum.php)
-   Electrical & Lighting (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=105)
-   -   My outlet reads 20VAC in a 120VAC line (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=726263)

  • Jan 5, 2013, 02:08 PM
    mitsuolee
    My outlet reads 20VAC in a 120VAC line
    Why would my outlet read 20V in a 120V AC line?
  • Jan 5, 2013, 02:21 PM
    donf
    Two things:

    1) Loose Neutral connection.
    2) What type meter are you using and is it set to the correct scale?`
  • Jan 5, 2013, 02:26 PM
    stanfortyman
    An open neutral of a multi-wire (shared neutral) branch circuit would cause this reading, along with blowing up anything plugged into either circuit.
  • Jan 6, 2013, 05:15 AM
    tkrussell
    Don asked a good question, exactly what test instrument are you using to see 20 volts? Many digital volt meters would read induced voltage, which a 20 volt reading could indicate simply no voltage.
  • Jan 6, 2013, 07:06 AM
    stanfortyman
    HA! I read that as "220V". Damn my old eyes.
  • Jan 6, 2013, 07:08 AM
    tkrussell
    I live in a glass house, so no comments from me on your age,.

    • All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:21 PM.