Low voltage reading at receptacle

[pb_raza]

Any ideas why I would read 75v hot-to-neutral and 121v from hot-to-ground? What could cause this condition?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Sounds like an open or weak neutral.

 

[pb_raza]

Sounds like an open or weak neutral.

So, we are talking a loose connection somewhere? If so, I sounds like this could be a fire hazard...

 

[Dennis Alwon]

So, we are talking a loose connection somewhere? If so, I sounds like this could be a fire hazard...

It should be fixed but personally I believe that very few fires are started by electricity esp. if things are wired properly.

 

[Hv&Lv]

What is the reading at the breaker?

 

[Gac66610]

Is that the only receptacle with those readings? might try installing a GFCI breaker see if it trips

 

[pb_raza]

I didn't take any readings at the breakers and this was the only receptacle with this condition in the house.

 

[templdl]

But, consider this, you are using a digital volt/ohm meter that has extremely high impedance and has the capability to measure voltage across just about anything. Try this, place a load across the line an neutral where you are measuring, a light bulb will do, and monitor the voltage. Have you thought that you may be measuring a phantom voltage an that you actually have an open neutral?

 

[GUNNING]

Try tightening the lugs on the neutral bar then go to the nearest outlet and check them. Look for the melted or burned wire or lug or loose wire nut. :happysad:

 

[GerryB]

Sounds like a neutral problem. Find the circuit, then go back to the next plug or light you think it might be fed from and check that connection. Is it old wiring? If it is just the one outlet you may find it quickly. I've spent hours on occasion with problems like this. The last one was an old pc light in a closet with loose connections and arcing when I touched it.

 

[GUNNING]

I found a smoking keyless yesterday, never seen one smoke before.

Marlboros no less, at $5.25 a pack. :roll: