User: ccoop, Location: New York
Asked on: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at 2:22 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:39 am EST
Question: Hello, I have been trying to figure out this issue for a few days now and can't seem to pin down a reason.The issue that's occurring is voltage drop at all receptacles in a home. The home has a 150A panel single phase. Normally I would assume a loose or improper connection of a neutral at the panel but this doesn't seem like the case. When measuring the circuit, when there is no load on the circuit the voltage is ~120V at breaker and receptacle. Under load the receptacle voltage will drop as low as ~99V i have measured. This is the case with every receptacle in the home on many different circuits. The interesting part for me is that at the receptacle I will measure ~109V under load but at the breaker I will measure ~120V. The wiring for each circuit is correct gauge for the correlating wired breakers 14 or 12 gauge. Some circuits in the home do have shared neutrals due to running a 3 wire and sharing the neutral but splitting the Black and red on separate breakers. This from my experience shouldn't be affecting anything but is something to note. Also circuits without shared neutrals still experience the same issue. I have measured 0-ohm resistance from the SE cable coming into the lugs on the main breaker and neutral to the correlating bus bars. It also seems the further distance the circuit is from the panel the larger the voltage drop and normally in a standard 2000sqft home voltage drop should be minimal on a circuit. I am just stuck on how I can get normal voltage leaving the breaker under load but at the device the voltage is significantly less. I have not opened my meter enclosure yet due to the weather but I am not sure if those connections could be contributing to the issue. Any tips or experience with diagnosing this issue would be amazing. Thanks.
Okay, this is a tricky one, but let's break it down. The fact that it's happening on every circuit points away from individual circuit wiring problems and towards a problem affecting the entire electrical system. Here's a systematic approach to troubleshooting
1. Reiterate the Symptoms:
No Load
~120V at both breaker and receptacle.
Under Load
~120V at the breaker, ~99-109V at the receptacle, significant voltage drop.
Distance Matters
Voltage drop increases with distance from the panel.
Shared Neutrals
Some circuits have shared neutrals (multi-wire branch circuits - MWBC).
SE Cable Resistance
0 ohms from SE conductors at main breaker to neutral/ground bus.
2. Ruling Out the Obvious (Again)
Panel Neutral
You said you checked this, but double, triple check it. A slightly loose connection can have 0 resistance with no current but become a problem under load. Tighten every neutral connection in the panel. Use a torque screwdriver to ensure proper tightness according to the panel manufacturer's specifications. Overtightening is just as bad as undertightening.
Panel Ground
Verify the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) is properly connected to a grounding electrode (ground rod, water pipe, etc.). Check the connections at the grounding electrode.
Neutral-Ground Bond
Verify that the neutral is bonded to ground only at the main panel. If there's a neutral-ground bond elsewhere (subpanel or appliance), it can cause circulating currents and voltage drops. This is critical.
3. Focus on What's Different Under Load
The key here is that the voltage at the breaker stays relatively stable, but drops at the receptacle under load. This strongly suggests a series resistance somewhere in the circuit, meaning resistance in the path that current has to flow through. Under no load, current flow is minimal, so the resistance isn't noticeable. Under load, the current increases, and the voltage drop across that resistance becomes significant.
4. The Most Likely Culprits (Based on Your Symptoms)
Service Entrance Conductors (SE Cables)
This is becoming the primary suspect. You measured 0 ohms without load. However, under load, if the connection at the meter base or the connection at the weatherhead/service drop has even a slight oxidation or corrosion, it will create resistance.
Action
Yes, you need to check the meter base connections. This is dangerous work –
CALL THE POWER COMPANY. They have the equipment and expertise to disconnect and reconnect the service safely. Explain your situation. They've seen this before. Corrosion, loose connections, and failing lugs in the meter base are a very common cause of this type of problem. Before the power company comes, visually inspect the meter base for signs of overheating (discoloration, melting, etc.). Also, check the service drop conductors from the utility pole for any damage or signs of wear. Important
Don't attempt to disconnect the service yourself unless you are a qualified electrician and have proper PPE.
Main Breaker Connection
While less likely than the meter base, a poor connection between the SE conductors and the main breaker lugs is still a possibility.
Action
With the power OFF (after the utility disconnects), carefully inspect the connection between the SE conductors and the main breaker lugs. Look for signs of overheating, corrosion, or loose connections. Torque the lug connections to the manufacturer's specifications.
Shared Neutrals (MWBCs)
While you said non-shared circuits also have the issue, MWBCs can exacerbate voltage drop problems, especially if they are heavily loaded.
Action
Make sure the breakers feeding the MWBC are on opposite phases. This will minimize current on the shared neutral. If they are on the same phase, move one to the opposite phase. Also, be absolutely certain the neutral connection for the MWBC is solid. A loose neutral on an MWBC can cause dangerous voltage imbalances.
5. Testing for Voltage Drop Under Load
Procedure
Use a known load (a space heater, hairdryer, etc.) on a circuit. Measure the voltage at the breaker and at the receptacle simultaneously with the load running. Use two multimeters if possible. This will give you the most accurate picture of the voltage drop.
Interpretation
A significant voltage difference between the breaker and the receptacle confirms there is a voltage drop somewhere along that circuit.
6. Advanced Troubleshooting (If the Above Doesn't Reveal the Problem)
Megger Test
A megohmmeter (Megger) can be used to test the insulation resistance of the conductors. This can reveal insulation breakdown that might be contributing to voltage drop under load. This test must be done with the power off and all loads disconnected.
Load Calculations
Verify that the electrical service (150A) is adequate for the house's load. If the house has added significant loads (e.g., electric car charger, hot tub) without upgrading the service, it could be overloading the system.
Important Safety Considerations
Electricity is Dangerous
Work on electrical systems only if you are qualified and understand the risks. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, hire a qualified electrician.
De-Energize Circuits
Always turn off the breaker before working on any electrical circuit. Verify the circuit is de-energized with a non-contact voltage tester.
Lockout/Tagout
Use proper lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental re-energization of the circuit while you are working on it.*
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, insulated gloves, and arc-rated clothing when working on electrical systems.
In summary, your primary focus should now be on the service entrance conductors and their connections at the meter base and the main breaker. The power company must be involved in inspecting and repairing the meter base. Double and triple-check the neutral connections throughout the panel, especially those associated with MWBCs.
Good luck! Let me know what you find. Flag for review