High Low Voltage

Status
Not open for further replies.
Fred B

Fred B

Senior Member
Location
Upstate, NY
Occupation
Electrician
Got a call that lights almost go out when 240V heaters come on. Single phase multiple unit apt. Multiple panels, 2 meters. They all have the following metering even with loads off:
L1 to L2 248V
L1 to N 150V
L2 to N 89V
POCO issue?
 
Fred B said:
Got a call that lights almost go out when 240V heaters come on. Single phase multiple unit apt. Multiple panels, 2 meters. They all have the following metering even with loads off:
L1 to L2 248V
L1 to N 150V
L2 to N 89V
POCO issue?
Click to expand...
Depends.. what have you checked before you call them?

Easiest way to check is to open the meter base and check the voltages there. If it’s an overhead service you also need to eliminate the SE cable neutral coming down to the MB.

I’ve found many of those bad when an electrician calls us out because he failed to do due diligence.
 
Hv&Lv said:
Depends.. what have you checked before you call them?

Easiest way to check is to open the meter base and check the voltages there. If it’s an overhead service you also need to eliminate the SE cable neutral coming down to the MB.

I’ve found many of those bad when an electrician calls us out because he failed to do due diligence.
Click to expand...
None of the 5 or so POCOs I deal with will allow us to pull the meter.
 
The next-best thing you can do is check at the main terminals in the panel., and then call them.

Be aware that not all POCO guys know that you must check voltages with loads on the service.
 
Hv&Lv said:
Depends.. what have you checked before you call them?

Easiest way to check is to open the meter base and check the voltages there. If it’s an overhead service you also need to eliminate the SE cable neutral coming down to the MB.

I’ve found many of those bad when an electrician calls us out because he failed to do due diligence.
Click to expand...
Checked as close as can get to meter, POCO doesn't allow us to pull meter, they have it tagged with tamper proof tags. This has 2 seperate meter enclosures and 2 seperate SE conductors coming down from the POCO aerial. Same reading on both main breaker panels from each meter.
 
Fred B said:
Same reading on both main breaker panels from each meter.
Click to expand...
That clinches it. The neutral problem is on the line side of the meters.

Any issue common to multiple points must originate ahead of them.

Any line can cause voltage loss; only the neutral can cause voltage rise.
 
Fred B said:
Checked as close as can get to meter, POCO doesn't allow us to pull meter, they have it tagged with tamper proof tags. This has 2 seperate meter enclosures and 2 seperate SE conductors coming down from the POCO aerial. Same reading on both main breaker panels from each meter.
Click to expand...
Agree. Time to call..
We don’t “allow” our meters to be pulled either or our seals to be broken.
If the electricians do it for legitimate reasons I really have no problem with it.
 
Anything a previous interior electrical work could have done that would have this effect globally on 2 seperate SE? Just want to cover possibilities if POCO asks. Got the call from a GC when they were experiencing equipment and lighting trouble. Panels do look like DIY specials by the workmanship. Also panel is full of spider webs, first I've seen it that bad. How conductive is spider silk?
Also thinking about approaching a neighbor house that is on same line to see if they're experiencing any issues. I know the little village has history of electrical issues.
 
Fred B said:
Anything a previous interior electrical work could have done that would have this effect globally on 2 seperate SE? Just want to cover possibilities if POCO asks. Got the call from a GC when they were experiencing equipment and lighting trouble. Panels do look like DIY specials by the workmanship. Also panel is full of spider webs, first I've seen it that bad. How conductive is spider silk?
Also thinking about approaching a neighbor house that is on same line to see if they're experiencing any issues. I know the little village has history of electrical issues.
Click to expand...
Thinking if anything might have missed in checking, no HO present to inquire about previous work or how long lights been acting up, only what GC reports.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top