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The Daring Dufas[_6_] The Daring Dufas[_6_] is offline
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Default Floating neutral or wiring problem?

Tony Hwang wrote:
The Daring Dufas wrote:
wrote:
On Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:47:37 -0700, "scorpster"
wrote:

"Tony Hwang" wrote in message
...
Hmmm,
Your mistake was using that Fluke with too an input impedance.
One reason I still often use Simpson 260. Some times El Cheapo
anlog meter is better in such as our case.
Which readings would have most likely been different if I had used a
better measuring device? I thought the Fluke multimeters were
pretty good but it sounds like high voltage electrical is more tender.

Digital meters pick up capacitance, which is an induced low voltage
across wires close to each other. They're made for working on
electronics more than AC supply voltages. They're too sensitive to
these oddball voltages like the 8 volts you saw at the dryer recp. If
you get used to them, you ignore those small voltages. I much prefer
a Wiggy as well as the cheap analog meters you can buy at places like
Walmart for under $10. My digital meter is used for electronics only.

However, you solved the problem, so be proud of your efforts. (Of
course we all helped !!!! ). I'm glad we could help !!!!

I also like to use my homemade testers. One is 2 lightbulbs wired in
series (must be same wattage). They get dim on 110, bright on 220. I
put aligator clips so I can hang them from wires and watch what they
do as I work downstream. The other is a doorbell and transformer on a
block of wood with a plug as well as aligator clips. With that I can
make it buzz in a distant room and go to the breaker box and flip
breakers and know which breaker controls that outlet or wires. A
cheal plug in radio works too, but they dont always stay on the
station and require antenna adjustments. I like the doorbell better.
(for 110 ONLY).


I often use the Jesus method for finding circuit
breakers. I use a plug with a pair of #10 wires
about a foot long with an inch of insulation
stripped off. I plug it in and bring the bare
ends of the wire together while turning my head
to avoid looking at the bright flash and exclaim
JESUS! after the mini explosion. It also tests
the circuit breaker while making everyone around
be very careful how they approach me because they
now think I'm completely nuts.

TDD

Hmmm,
When I was young I used to use my own two fingers, LOL!


If you walked around giggling and twitching
every time you used your fingers as a Bio-Wiggy,
I suppose everyone would think you were completely
bonkers too.

TDD