In message , ger
writes
Hi Group, probably old hat, but even a one-liner response would help.

The brother-in-law has a holiday home. Mains electricity - but at a
distance.
I am an electrical engineer (retired - the theory type - not so experienced
on the practice).

Chuck the ****ing neon tester away and use a half decent meter
(not forgetting that the high impedence of a digi meter can also give
you problems)

I'm tempted to say rip it out and start again with wiring of a known
state - no unpleasant surprises


--
geoff