Voltage on disconnected cable

SSE · Sep 13, 2019

I think I may be going mad...job I was at today there was a strip light needing replaced, were 3 feeds & neutrals and a feed & switch wire at it. Was sure I marked everything ok but as there are ceiling panels going on before the light goes back on I thought I’d do a quick check, turned light switch on & volt stick buzzed, turned it off & still buzzed. Took readings with it on & got the usual 230v L & N, L & E & 0v N & E. Then turned it off & was getting 60V between L & N and L & E & still 0v between neutral & earth. So...I disconnected the cable & still there’s voltage on it?!?! It’s literally one twin & earth cable that’s being used as a feed & switch from light to light switch. Any ideas?!
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Should have says the L I’m testing is the Live returning from the switch.

Pete999 · Sep 13, 2019

Induced voltage, and don't use a Voltstick for safe isolation purposes

davesparks · Sep 13, 2019

That's normal behaviour for a volt stick, they are unreliable as a means of identifying dead conductors.
What did you use to measure the 60V? If it was a multimeter or similar then this may be normal capacitively coupled voltage, an approved voltage indicator would be far better for testing this.

SSE · Sep 13, 2019

Used my multifunction tester to check voltage. So what causes this? Have never come across this before.

Strima · Sep 13, 2019

Dead good those volt sticks, saved me from the deadly hole punch more than once I can tell you...

[ElectriciansForums.net] Voltage on disconnected cable

Pete999 · Sep 13, 2019

Strima said:
Dead good those volt sticks, saved me from the deadly hole punch more than once I can tell you...

View attachment 52137

Classic !! !! !! !! !!

dmxtothemax · Sep 17, 2019

SSE said:
Used my multifunction tester to check voltage. So what causes this? Have never come across this before.

try reading this -

bill01803 · Sep 17, 2019

I still use one of these, can’t go wrong!

SSE · Sep 18, 2019

Suppose what I really need to know is there any way to get rid of it & if not is it safe to leave in?

James · Sep 18, 2019

SSE said:
Suppose what I really need to know is there any way to get rid of it & if not is it safe to leave in?

Option 1
Terminate each end correctly in an enclosure
That way any induced voltage is safely contained.

Option 2
Remove cable and place in skip,
Should solve the problem.

Option 3
Bond all cores of said cable to something that is connected to earth.

Timbo · Sep 21, 2019

Use Qinetic switch. Does away with the evil switch wire! ?

Voltage on disconnected cable

SSE

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Pete999

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davesparks

SSE

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Strima

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Pete999

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dmxtothemax

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bill01803

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