I got a call from a customer who told me that his lights flicker when the water pump goes on. I thought nothing of it, because it seems normal for lights to flicker when a heavy load turns on. But when I went to check out the problem. I discovered that the lights did not dim when the well pump went on, but instead they glowed brighter for a fraction of a sec. and then returned to normal brilliance. The connections in the meter panel and main CB. panel are all good. The only thing I don't like is that the voltage from Neutral to one phase 1st 114 Vac. and the other is 124 Vac. Whwn the pump motor goes on, I notice a voltage rise on the lower phase, which lasts for a fraction of a sec. and then returns back to 114 Vac. I never experienced something like this before. Looking for some epxlanations.
Voltage Spikes
- Thread starter tadziu
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petersonra
Senior Member
- Location
- Northern illinois
- Occupation
- Semi-retired engineer
Re: Voltage Spikes
I would look for an open neutral somewhere.
I would look for an open neutral somewhere.
physis
Senior Member
Re: Voltage Spikes
Once a friend of mine asked me to look at a similar problem at his mom's house. Her microwave was also making a little lightning storm. I don't remember why, but I was thinking the problem might have been the power co.'s transformer. My friends mom decided I was incompetant because I recommended she replace her microwave. I found out a couple monthes later the power co. replaced the transformer and the symptoms went away.
Once a friend of mine asked me to look at a similar problem at his mom's house. Her microwave was also making a little lightning storm. I don't remember why, but I was thinking the problem might have been the power co.'s transformer. My friends mom decided I was incompetant because I recommended she replace her microwave. I found out a couple monthes later the power co. replaced the transformer and the symptoms went away.
Re: Voltage Spikes
I would have the power company check the drop. I had a similar problem at an office one time and everything checked out at the panel and there of. Once we had the power comp. check out their side they found it. The neutral was almost chewed up by a squirrel at the drop.
I would have the power company check the drop. I had a similar problem at an office one time and everything checked out at the panel and there of. Once we had the power comp. check out their side they found it. The neutral was almost chewed up by a squirrel at the drop.
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