benefits of studying

[electricalperson]

today i came across my first carter 3 way system in the real world. i only seen them spoken about on this forum and books. i applied what ive learned and was able to figure how it was wired and worked in no time flat. also i found a dead receptacle that measured 90volts. i found that the receptacle had ghost voltage on it since i used a high impedance meter then switched to the low impedance function and used a wiggy to confirm it was dead. as boring as it sounds reading books does pay off. i tell my helpers to learn and read as much as they can so they can excel at their careers

 

[jrannis]

True, the wiggy rocks for troubleshooting, it cant lie.

 

[SEO]

Just a note about carter system 3 ways they are an old non code complient system. However many older homes and more common on farm homes with out buildings had them installed. It is very important if you change a service where one of these systems are installed that you keep every conductor on the same phase that is is connected to. Draw one out for fun and see what could happen if you cross phase terminations. :smile:

 

[iwire]

I have always liked Wiggies but they are really going to disappear due to new safety requirements.

 

[SEO]

I have always liked Wiggies but they are really going to disappear due to new safety requirements.

I agree iwire they can't be beat for some trouble shooting jobs. Have you ever heard of a wiggie problem at 240v or less?

 

[iwire]

I agree iwire they can't be beat for some trouble shooting jobs. Have you ever heard of a wiggie problem at 240v or less?

No, but last I heard they stopped making solenoid based testers.

They say for safety, but I also think the profit margins are much higher on electronic based testers.

 

[SEO]

No, but last I heard they stopped making solenoid based testers.

They say for safety, but I also think the profit margins are much higher on electronic based testers.

I have used them to show maintanence people working on electrical how dangerous 480/277 is and to keep out of it . I would have them hold the wiggie and I would test 120v first them 480v. The difference between the two when the selenoid slammed at 480v was enough prove my point. Boy would I prove a point if the wiggie blew up!

 

[LarryFine]

No, but last I heard they stopped making solenoid based testers.

http://www.knoppinc.com/

 

[SEO]

Thanks for the info Larry.

 

[jdsmith]

No, but last I heard they stopped making solenoid based testers.

They say for safety, but I also think the profit margins are much higher on electronic based testers.

Yep, if manufacturers were worried about only selling products that met industry standards the non-UL listed sealtite wouldn't be around any more either.

 

[S'mise]

What is a Carter 3way system?:-?

 

[SEO]

The simplest way to put it is that you install your hot and neutral to the travelers on a 3-way switch and from the common go to the light. You do the same with the other 3-way. When the light is on you will have a hot and a neutral could come from either switch. When the light is off you will either have two neutrals or two hots. Many violations with this set up but a lot more strange things that could happen than imaginable. (240 to fixtures, low voltage, fires, shocks the list goes on.) You can also install 4-ways to the system. This system was popular when installing overhead wiring to out buildings. If you had a pole light you could run three wires to the pole cut one connect one side of cut wire to one side of light and other cut wire to other side and carry three wires to barn. Now you have a 3-way system and also 120 volts for power at barn/

 

[boboelectric]

I always like a Fluke to show me the exact RMS voltage,right now.

 

[S'mise]

Thanks for the explanation

 

[wireman]

Can someone explain how they are more dangerous if used properly? Especially since Knopp is manufacturing the CAT-III rated one.

Less parts to fail than a digital meter. Can't put it on ohms, or mA, etc.

Love using a wiggy-type tester (prefer the Knopp brand). It's the only way to go when checking out 120VAC PLC I/O.

 

[Loffgren]

re

re

Had no clue they were in CA, close to me. May have to swing by

 

[tesla fan]

I used a wiggy for years, one day I was testing a circuit for voltage, found no voltage with the wiggy, I was in a hurry (not a good idea) and cut the hot and neutral wires at once. Well, the solenoid in the tester pooped out and you know what happened, sparks flew and I needed a new pair of strippers. I never used a wiggy again, and never cut the hot and neutral wires together again, lol.

 

[weressl]

I used a wiggy for years, one day I was testing a circuit for voltage, found no voltage with the wiggy, I was in a hurry (not a good idea) and cut the hot and neutral wires at once. Well, the solenoid in the tester pooped out and you know what happened, sparks flew and I needed a new pair of strippers. I never used a wiggy again, and never cut the hot and neutral wires together again, lol.

Perfect illustration why we have testing 101, that is try-test-try.

That is

• try your tester on a known energized source,
• test your item,
• try your tester on a known energized source.

 

[iwire]

Perfect illustration why we have testing 101, that is try-test-try.

That is

• try your tester on a known energized source,
• test your item,
• try your tester on a known energized source.

Well put, may I add every time without fail regardless of what type of tester you have.

 

[weressl]

Well put, may I add every time without fail regardless of what type of tester you have.

That was literally the first instruction out of our lab instructor's mouth, and yes every time. Seems tedious, but hey, it is your life and you only got one!