Voltage logging tool

[dm9289]

Can anyone recommend a good tool to monitor/ data log a single phase system. A friend keeps describing symptoms of a lost neutral. No obvious sign of bad connections corrosion etc. Power company claims their end is OK.

 

[retirede]

A compromised neutral can usually be diagnosed by putting a heavy load on one leg while observing the voltages L1-N and L2-N. Easier and quicker than data logging.

 

[gar]

230813-2046 EDT

dm9289:

What specific measurements and results does your friend see?

.:

 

[ptonsparky]

Can anyone recommend a good tool to monitor/ data log a single phase system. A friend keeps describing symptoms of a lost neutral. No obvious sign of bad connections corrosion etc. Power company claims their end is OK.

If it sounds like a bad neutral, get your meters out and take pictures as you add a heavy load to one leg. Hair dryer, Millhouse heater, etc

 

[dm9289]

A compromised neutral can usually be diagnosed by putting a heavy load on one leg while observing the voltages L1-N and L2-N. Easier and quicker than data logging.

Thank you

 

[dm9289]

If it sounds like a bad neutral, get your meters out and take pictures as you add a heavy load to one leg. Hair dryer, Millhouse heater, etc

Thank you hair dryer great advise

 

[dm9289]

230813-2046 EDT

dm9289:

What specific measurements and results does your friend see?

.:

Measurements are currently normal problem is a intermittent

 

[dm9289]

230813-2046 EDT

dm9289:

What specific measurements and results does your friend see?

.:

Approx 124 and 123 to neutral

 

[ptonsparky]

Approx 124 and 123 to neutral

That could be a normal voltage drop. Measure the line to line voltage at the same time.
L1-L2, L1-N, L2-N
Normal would be 240 and 120, 120.
Neutral issue 240, 140, 100 or variant of.

The 123 could indicate a heavier load on that line.

 

[ptonsparky]

Measurements are currently normal problem is a intermittent

Oh, those are so fun.
Make your own bank of L-N loads. Thermal imaging camera would help.

 

[dm9289]

That could be a normal voltage drop. Measure the line to line voltage at the same time.
L1-L2, L1-N, L2-N
Normal would be 240 and 120, 120.
Neutral issue 240, 140, 100 or variant of.

The 123 could indicate a heavier load on that line.

In our region it’s not uncommon for L-N to be a little above 120. L-L was 246

 

[retirede]

In our region it’s not uncommon for L-N to be a little above 120. L-L was 246

The absolute value of L-N isn’t important when troubleshooting this problem. You’re looking for instability as you vary the load.

 

[ptonsparky]

240 was an e

In our region it’s not uncommon for L-N to be a little above 120. L-L was 246

240 was an example. Not an absolute.