Line fault at the outlet -- do I need an electrician?

Jim, all,

Thanks SO much for sticking it out on this detective inquiry!

The 4v issue is weird, because the multimeter does not read 4v on a properly wired outlet on a different circuit.

I'm glad the Panamax revealed the issue, though, especially if there's a safety issue.

Thanks for the options. (1) & (4) are the most attractive and would tie in with an electrician, but won't happen for a while.

(2) Reversing seems possible. QUESTION: Is it safe to have one reversed outlet? I guess I don't see why not, but I just want to make sure I am understanding.

Thanks for the hint about changing the light bulb. In sum: either (a) unplug the lamp or (b) make sure it's off before changing the bulb.

hilde45 OP303 posts

03-26-2020
11:12am

The 4v issue is weird, because the multimeter does not read 4v on a properly wired outlet on a different circuit.

Apple to oranges, imo.
What is the wire gauge size of the other branch circuit? What is the total length of the branch circuit? What is the total connected load on the circuit? What is the type of devices that are connected to the circuit? How many CFL and or LED lights are connected to the branch circuit? What is the voltage drop on the circuit that you didn’t measured the 4V neutral to ground voltage?


You have all kinds of things going on with the branch circuit where the wall outlets have reversed polarity issues. You now know the branch circuit feeds outlets on the first floor and the basement. You now know it feeds ceiling lighting. How many CFL and or LED lights? They spew all kinds of harmonic noise back on the AC mains. Who knows what that does to your cheap multimeter.

There is still a very good chance the 4V is caused by voltage drop. Now that you know the branch circuit feeds outlets and ceiling lighting on the first floor, not just the basement, turn off all the connected loads that are connected to the branch circuit. Check for the neutral to ground voltage again. No load, no voltage drop.

As for the power conditioner showing an AC mains ’Line Fault’ condition. Correcting the AC polarity reversal problem, will solve the power conditioner 'Line Fault' problem.


Jim.

Got it. All those are good questions, but I think the ultimate solution is to delegate this whole thing. But now I know what to ask the professionals. This amateur is sticking with writing and teaching. Thanks again.

Thanks for that process. It sounds like this test does not require me taking the outlet out --just testing the ohms with the multimeter. That doesn't seem very unsafe, but I'll follow instructions carefully if I do it.