If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
Whenever something starts in the house the light blink. It seems they get slightly brighter sometimes. Other times I can't tell if they are bright or dim.
Has this always happened, or is it recent? This is symptomatic of a "loose neutral" (recent) or undersized wires (always done it). Is the power feed from your house overhead or underground? If overhead, and a tree fell on it or the wires got snagged on something, that can loosen the neutral. It can also get worse over time if a good crimp was never made. This is usually the power company's responsibility, so they will fix it.
If your house feed is buried, you may need to call an electrician to check out the lugs in your panel to make sure they are tight. You could try the power company too, as they tend to be free. Its just a matter of where their demarcation stops and yours begins. They may not help if your equipment is the problem. But it could just as easily be a loose wire at their end. The key is being able to replicate the problem when they put their power analyzer on it.
Just started noticing it recently. It is very subtle. After doing some reading about loose neutrals I opened the main disconnect and took some measurements. 120 on one line and 133 on the other. When I plugged 1500 watt heater at the panel voltages went to 125 and 128. I think that confirms it.
I checked all the neutral connection in the disconnect and the panel. I will call the POCO Monday morning. All my electronics are on UPSs so I am not concerned.
Hydro just left. They changed all my connections at the pole.
They had a machine that plugged into the meter socket. They could add a load to each side and see the voltage move. It only moved about 10 volts which he said was not very much. After the connection change it only moved about 5 volts.
Here is the device they use to test the loose neutral. There are two displays showing the voltage on each line and a switch to load to each side.
We process personal data about users of our site, through the use of cookies and other technologies, to deliver our services, personalize advertising, and to analyze site activity. We may share certain information about our users with our advertising and analytics partners. For additional details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
By clicking "I AGREE" below, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our personal data processing and cookie practices as described therein. You also acknowledge that this forum may be hosted outside your country and you consent to the collection, storage, and processing of your data in the country where this forum is hosted.
Comment