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    mitsuolee's Avatar
    mitsuolee Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 5, 2013, 02:08 PM
    My outlet reads 20VAC in a 120VAC line
    Why would my outlet read 20V in a 120V AC line?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 5, 2013, 02:21 PM
    Two things:

    1) Loose Neutral connection.
    2) What type meter are you using and is it set to the correct scale?`
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #3

    Jan 5, 2013, 02:26 PM
    An open neutral of a multi-wire (shared neutral) branch circuit would cause this reading, along with blowing up anything plugged into either circuit.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Jan 6, 2013, 05:15 AM
    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.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #5

    Jan 6, 2013, 07:06 AM
    HA! I read that as "220V". Damn my old eyes.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Jan 6, 2013, 07:08 AM
    I live in a glass house, so no comments from me on your age,.
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