Losing Neutral

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guschash

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HO called and said his light and power saw is not working. Well when I got he said he replaced the main breaker because the PUCO said that everything is OK on their end. Well I check the volts at the main 240 and 120 to neutral, at this time I had all the breakers off. When I turn on one breaker the voltage drop to 50v. Turn breaker off again and checked in-coming power 240/120. I pulled the meter and checked in-coming 240/120. What I did not do was put a load on at the meter to see if I get half voltage there. Any suggestions on what to check next.
 
Sounds like the PoCo's got some more work to do if you're getting those readings on the main's line side lugs. Sounds more like they've got a loose hot from your description.

I know someone else replaced the main breaker, and you didn't, but that sorta tickles me. I never let the PoCo do my troubleshooting or recommend any repair solution on my end. I put linemen about a notch above primates on the evolutionary chart of tradesmen. I'll do my own troubleshooting, thank you.
 
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mdshunk said:
I put linemen about a notch above primates on the evolutionary chart of tradesmen. I'll do my own troubleshooting, thank you.
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The guy I work for was telling me about a time that a lineman was repairing bad butt splices on a service drop, and he started the repair by opening the neutral first (main breaker still on). :roll:
 
You should have checked at meter with a load.All the linemen i have dealt with were professional,i see no reason to slam them.I suggest meeting with them on the job.
 
peter d said:
The guy I work for was telling me about a time that a lineman was repairing bad butt splices on a service drop, and he started the repair by opening the neutral first (main breaker still on). :roll:
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Wish they would do that at my house, nothing like the POCO buying you new stuff...:D
 
Jim W in Tampa said:
All the linemen i have dealt with were professional.
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I'm glad everyone you deal with is perfect. The rest of us have to deal with those who act both professionally and unprofessionally on the job.
 
I had the same problem at my sisters house, I guess it was her Problem. I told her to call the utliity and I told her what to tell them and they came out the next day and the problem was solved...I dont know what they did but it got her off my back
 
guschash said:
HO called and said his light and power saw is not working. Well when I got he said he replaced the main breaker because the PUCO said that everything is OK on their end. Well I check the volts at the main 240 and 120 to neutral, at this time I had all the breakers off. When I turn on one breaker the voltage drop to 50v. Turn breaker off again and checked in-coming power 240/120. I pulled the meter and checked in-coming 240/120. What I did not do was put a load on at the meter to see if I get half voltage there. Any suggestions on what to check next.
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Did they even show up and look before they said all was good on their end ? That is just such a stock answer for PUCO-POCO to give.
 
You failed to mention where you took the 50 volt reading. If it was on the incoming line then it is either the meter back or a util company problem. If it was just on the output lugs on the main cb it is the main cb. It it was on the busbars it could be a bus bar connection. If it was on only one branch cb then it is a bad cb. If it was on several branch cb's start over because you missed something. Be sure there is a load on circuits being tested (breakers on).
 
080604-2240 EST

guschash:

See my post #11 at
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=100255
and consider tests 2 and 3 part way down, but with your large voltage difference use a meter. Also open all breakers except the main and use some test load on each side of neutral that can tolerate the full 240 V. Two 100 W bulbs in series might be ok as a starter.

You need voltage measurements between all combinations of leads including earth with no load and a test load. You may need to move the test load around.

If neutral is properly bonded at the breaker panel, then neutral to earth should should be near zero volts for all load combinations.

If neutral to the transformer center tap is good, then from earth or neutral at the main panel you should see 120 V to each hot line. Unloaded or loaded.

Did you really measure 240 to neutral, or were you measuring 240 from one hot line to the other?

What voltage dropped to 50 when you turned on one breaker? We need an accurate definition of where the meter leads are connected for any voltage reading you make, and where the load is located.

.
 
gar said:
080604-2240 EST

guschash:

See my post #11 at
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=100255
and consider tests 2 and 3 part way down, but with your large voltage difference use a meter. Also open all breakers except the main and use some test load on each side of neutral that can tolerate the full 240 V. Two 100 W bulbs in series might be ok as a starter.

You need voltage measurements between all combinations of leads including earth with no load and a test load. You may need to move the test load around.

If neutral is properly bonded at the breaker panel, then neutral to earth should should be near zero volts for all load combinations.

If neutral to the transformer center tap is good, then from earth or neutral at the main panel you should see 120 V to each hot line. Unloaded or loaded.

Did you really measure 240 to neutral, or were you measuring 240 from one hot line to the other?

What voltage dropped to 50 when you turned on one breaker? We need an accurate definition of where the meter leads are connected for any voltage reading you make, and where the load is located.

.
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I know most of the lineman around me so I can easily pump up a new lineman by saying you know joe schmoe wouldnt have done it like that. Lots of fun all around except for the new lineman.
 
I've had this a few times and did diagnose the problem myself. I would meet the lineman and they would put a Super-Beast on to confirm the lost neutral. I had one guy ask me to operate the Beast on the ground after he repaired the splice on the pole to be sure it was fixed. I'd love to have that tool, but can't justify it. The lineman were all very professional.

The only trouble I had was a case once where the HO said the lights flickered when windy. I went outside and found that the service drop splices had never been insulated. When it was windy they crimps would touch and arc. I explained this to the PoCo guy and he said the splices were fine. I pointed out the blackened char marks and he finally agreed to correct the problem.

Mark
 
Well I called POCO again and told its on their side of the meter. They check their pole and found a broken neutral at the pole. Thanks for all the help.
 
guschash said:
Well I called POCO again and told its on their side of the meter. They check their pole and found a broken neutral at the pole. Thanks for all the help.
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I would suggest your customer sends them your bill.Surprised they not have anything burned up.
 
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