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    dannac's Avatar
    dannac Posts: 267, Reputation: 9
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    #1

    Aug 6, 2007, 01:08 PM
    Lights dim & brighten . Surge ?
    Approx 3 or 4 years ago I noticed lighting in my home would get dim, then get brighter.

    I asked others in my area if they were noticing the same in their home and no others were noticing it.

    I took the cover off my breaker panel and noticed that 2 of the wires
    (white and ground) going to what I think is called the neutral bar, had gotten so hot that they caused some of the rubber coating to burn.

    Called the electric company, they came out and remove my exterior round meter which cut off the power, and said the feed wires had bcome loose.

    I cut the bad parts of the burned wires and retightened everyhing.
    All was fine until couple days ago.

    Lighting acting similar to what happened, 3 or 4 years ago.

    I opened my breaker panel and do not see any burnt wiring.

    Has anyone here heard of this situation before...
    Or know the cause / fix?

    Thanks

    Danna
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
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    #2

    Aug 6, 2007, 02:09 PM
    If they are going Brighter than normal, You may have a Neutral Problem(White wire)
    If it is loose, 120 volt items may see 240 volts and destroy them. If both Phases drawing near same current, less noticeable. Is it 1 circuit or several circuits? If you notice 1 room lights go bright same time another room goes dim, May be a neutral they are sharing is loose
    Or problem could possibly be Bad Connection, Bad Breaker, or bad(burnt or corroded) buss(where breaker plugs onto)
    Find Breaker that is for that room(s) look at buss. Good Luck
    dannac's Avatar
    dannac Posts: 267, Reputation: 9
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    #3

    Aug 7, 2007, 12:02 AM
    Thanks Stratmando

    You were correct... it's the large white wire connected to the buss.

    Apparently, allen screw that holds the little block to the buss is stripped and also the screw that holds the wire to the little block seems to be stripped too.
    Cannot get either one tight.

    Will get an electricain to install a new block, hopefully he can find one for my 30 year old panel.

    Thanks
    Danna
    Stratmando's Avatar
    Stratmando Posts: 11,188, Reputation: 508
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Aug 7, 2007, 05:23 AM
    Good Deal, If you wanted to be extra safe, unplug TV's, Computer, Frig? Have seen helpers open neutral and causing damage. I'm sure you will get Qualified Person who will shut off power, before repairing. Take Care. New neutral bar can work on Old Panel.
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