Utility / Transformer Problem?

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davedottcom

davedottcom

Senior Member
A house I wired this year has been having strange problems!

First Call Back: (1 week after C.O.)

1) Both GFCI outlets on the kitchen counter were "shot".

And at the same time...

2) A 20 Amp GFCI breaker was also "Shot"


Second Call Back: (3 months later- Today!)

3) The 12 V underwater lt bulb was "Shot"

and at the same time...

4) ALL 3 60 watt lt bulbs in the garage blew out at the exact same time!!!


Homeowner said she turned on the lights...they came on for a second...then Poof!

I've checked the voltages and service connections everywhere. Everything looks fine. I told them to have FPL check the Transformer and overhead connections for a possible loose nuetral.

Any other suggestions or thoughts on this one?

Thanks, Dave
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

No, definitely not. I forgot to mention that. This IS the lightning capital of the world but both occuraces have happened during very calm weather. I remember considering that the first time, and we all (myself and the homeowners) agreed there had been no lightning storms in the area...and I know there has not been any storms the last few days.
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

I agree it is a utility problem or a lightning strike as Peter mentioned. I doubt though it is a lose neutral. If it was a neutral loose they would lose power through out the whole house. It sounds as a surge. How good is your ground. Have you done a fall of potential test? Tough problem good luck.
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

Have you done a fall of potential test?

No, and to be honest I've never heard of one. Would this be a test the Utility Co. would do if requested?

AS for the ground, I didn't take an ohm reading but I used #4 solid copper to 2 5/8" Galvanized ground rods like I always do. Everything is intact and I used Noalox where it terminates.
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

It sounds like you have high potential surges in any case.

Have you tried installing a whole-house surge protector?
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

Surge Protecter? Yes, just today!

A Square D SDSA1175 Series 001

The service has a GE Meter-Main Comb. so I installed the S.P. on a 2 pole 40 amp right in the Meter-Main.
Showed the owner the little green light and told him to check it everyday and call me if it goes out!
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

If you don't believe it was lightning have you ask your customer's neighbors if they are experiencing any problems?
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

I am 99.99% sure it was not lightning!
(Always a chance!)

The house has it's own (brand new) transformer but I'll ask the neighbors tomorrow. Good Idea.
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

Well, I knocked on doors today! Only 2 neighbors were home:
First neighbor said they have had no problems.
Second neighbor said their pool pump stopped working 2 days ago!!! I asked to look at it...it hummed a little...sounded like it was seized, but the thing looked about 10 years old so???
I called FPL and their sending out a crew to check the Transormer / connections.
The surge protector I installed yesterday was still working according to the little green light!

Dave
 
Re: Utility / Transformer Problem?

Only thought i have is are there any multi wire branch circuits.Open or loose connection there would fry gfci.3 bulbs same instand says unbalanced voltage.Check neutral from transformer all the way to them 3 lamps.Each and every connection and tighten all panel neutrals.Let us know outcome.
 
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