87 Volts at the outlet

[dekeller719]

I have two outlets on a circuit that measure about 87 volts hot to neutral. I get the full 120 volts hot to ground. Why might I have this voltage drop on the neutral?
I looks as though these two outlets are the only outlets on the circuit. There is 120 volts (H-N) at the breaker. My suspicion is that some work has been done (homeowner & not permitted) and some outlets may have been abandoned in the wall.
Any ideas on why I’d have this drop and ways to track it down would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GoldDigger]

A voltage drop with no load indicates that you are reading a phantom voltage to a completely open neutral. Using a low impedance voltmeter or a separate load would confirm this.
Look for an open connection at the last working outlet or the first non-working one if you can guess at the wiring layout

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[dekeller719]

My suspicion then is that there must be an open neutral in an outlet box that was abandoned and buried in the wall.

 

[KnightPower]

My suspicion then is that there must be an open neutral in an outlet box that was abandoned and buried in the wall.

I totally agree with your thinking.. that measurement indicates to me that the neutral is open. I'm not patronizing you but start from there and work back. Since you noted 120V measurement at breaker. Good luck

 

[growler]

I looks as though these two outlets are the only outlets on the circuit. There is 120 volts (H-N) at the breaker. My suspicion is that some work has been done (homeowner & not permitted) and some outlets may have been abandoned in the wall.

that measurement indicates to me that the neutral is open. I'm not patronizing you but start from there and work back. Since you noted 120V measurement at breaker. Good luck

I would think it's an open neutral. They may have run this circuit through junction boxes that you wouldn't expect. I once found one like this that went first to an old light fixture in an attic that had been floored with plywood and covered up.

The best and easiest way is to use a circuit tracer. Other than that you have to follow the wire as best you can.

 

[rp9ball]

I concur - Open neutral. We have encountered this problem a few times, the neutral wire is broken however the wire is touching just enough to get a voltage reading but the receptacle won't operate any load connected to it.

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[FionaZuppa]

hang a std 40w lightbulb across L-N and inline a amp meter to see if any current flows. no current then that N is broken.

 

[Little Bill]

hang a std 40w lightbulb across L-N and inline a amp meter to see if any current flows. no current then that N is broken.

What if the bulb isn't long enough to span the L-N?











:angel:

 

[FionaZuppa]

What if the bulb isn't long enough to span the L-N?











:angel:

Bridge the gap using your hands.