Phase-Phase readings

[Dansos]

Went to troubleshoot some street lights and got some interesting readings. Readings at first pole are all good, (L1-N L2-N L1-G L2-G all 120V) there are 2 powers running in pipe for lights and a GFCI on each post. Post #2 is where the problem starts. L1-N is still getting 120V but now L2-N and L2-G is getting around 100V and the lights are not working. L1-L2 is not getting any reading either, not even continuity so I’m kinda scratching my head here. Damaged wire in the pipe? That’s all I can think of but it doesn’t really make sense to me. All the lights were working before and I visually saw that they were.

 

[LarryFine]

First, use a low-impedance volt-meter or a solenoid tester. That 100v is likely "phantom" (induced) voltage.

Can you temporarily run a bypass wire above ground (grade) from post 1 to post 2 to check your theory?

Do you know if you had 240v L-L before, or could both lines be on the same phase, one hot, one switched?

 

[Dansos]

First, use a low-impedance volt-meter or a solenoid tester. That 100v is likely "phantom" (induced) voltage.

Can you temporarily run a bypass wire above ground (grade) from post 1 to post 2 to check your theory?

Do you know if you had 240v L-L before, or could both lines be on the same phase, one hot, one switched?

Thanks for the response. We are going to run a line above ground to see if that solves problem. I didn’t think to check it with low impedance tester bc that seemed like a lot of phantom voltage but hopefully you’re right and it will be an easy fix with pulling new wire.

 

[ptonsparky]

Sounds like an open L2 somewhere.
If the lights are loading the circuit now or when you test, you don't need a different meter.
Disconnect the suspect section of L2 at both ends.
Temporarily connect the load at post 2 to L1.