new wrote:
While wiring in a new phone jack I got zapped. I measured 55vots accross
b&y zand R&G pairs.

I eventually went to outside telephone interface and plugged into test jack
and found it coming from phone company.

There is no way this is normal is it?

Yes, normal and expected.

In the US while the line is idle one of the pair is at approx. ground,
and the other at approx. -48V DC.

Ring voltage is a 20Hz sine-wave of 90VAC on the -48V line (peak V is
90-48, or +42V, and -peak is -48 -90 or -138V).

Dave