Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: greenjeans, Location: Now living in Virgina
Asked on: Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 2:54 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:20 am EDT
Question: Hi all,I'm working in a home that has 53-110 volts on the grounding wire. This was discovered by the cable guy's, apparently they have changed out the modems and cable box's three times(Internet/TV dropping out) I started t/s the problem and found, a multi-wire feed the 2nd floor.Problem was, as I opened boxes and light fixtures and checked for junction boxes in attic, to find where the neutral and grounding wire were joined or sliced together, the voltages started climbing, 110V. I opened every switch and ceiling fixtures(no recessed yet) hoping to find this splice. I know it the multi wire circuit, cause it drops to 0-1v when turned off.Does anyone have an idea that would help t/s this better or If this has been posted before i would like to get that post please, thanks you for all your ideas and comments.
Possible Causes
Neutral-to-Ground Short
A faulty connection between the neutral and grounding wires can cause voltage to be present on the grounding wire.
Broken or Faulty Grounding Conductor
A damaged grounding conductor can lead to elevated voltage on the grounding wire.
Miswired Circuit
The multi-wire circuit may have been improperly wired, resulting in a shared neutral and grounding connection.
Troubleshooting Tips
Use a Voltmeter
Measure the voltage between the grounding wire and the hot wire (black or red). It should be 0 volts if the grounding is correct.
Trace the Grounding Conductor
Follow the grounding wire from the electrical panel to all outlets, switches, and light fixtures. Look for any breaks or loose connections.
Inspect the Multi-Wire Circuit
Open all junction boxes in the attic and check the connections between the neutral and grounding wires.
Test Outgoing Wires
Use a non-contact voltage tester to check the voltage on the wires leaving each outlet, switch, and light fixture.
Consider Using a Thermal Imager
A thermal imager can detect hot spots that may indicate faulty connections or overheated wiring.
Safety Precautions
Turn Off Power
Turn off the power to the circuit before performing any troubleshooting or repairs.
Wear Protective Clothing
Wear safety glasses and gloves when working near electrical wires.*
Call a Qualified Electrician: If you are not comfortable troubleshooting electrical issues or find the root cause, contact a qualified electrician for assistance. Flag for review