Current in my earth?

[andyfl]

I hung a light today and thought I could feel a slight voltage in the earth wire. When I used pliers to twist them together there was a very tiny spark. This seems dangerous to me. Can someone tell me what I should do please?

 

[telectrix]

if you have split the cpc conductors, the part of the cpc not connected back to the supply may have picked up some induced voltage. if you are concerned, the only way is for a qualified spark to call and test your installation for you. without the correct test gear, it's impossible to tell if there's a fault or not. i would think that if there's RCDs fitted one would trip in the event of a fault to earth.

 

[trev]

Why are you twisting the earths together? Sorry but it's one of my pet hates.
Are you an electrician mate? The answer will dictate how technical the response is.If you're not I'd suggest calling one

 

[trev]

Dammit Tel you beat me to it again hehe

 

[andyfl]

I am a total novice. Sorry for upsetting your pet hate. They were all three in a connector block, but they came out when I was hanging the light.When I felt a current in them I didn't want to touch them so I used the pliers to make sure they went back in the connector block. There are RCD's fitted so I assumed it wasn't a disaster but now that I have fitted the light back I thought I better find out if something serious is going on that needs looking at.

 

[jeremy]

You may be getting an induced voltage on the end of line side of the circuit where it runs close to other live circuits; test for voltage on the 2 cpc's (disconnected from each other). Is there a voltage present on the DB side? if so your cpc is probably not earthed properly. On the other side?; the voltage is probably picked up from close running to other live circuits. This can be eliminated by connecting the fitting while the other circuits are de-energised. Hope this helps

 

[jeremy]

Damn my slow typing!

 

[trev]

It will be best if you get it looked at Andy. Like Tel said it sounds like it's an induced voltage but diagnosing faults from a living room is sometimes difficult

 

[andyfl]

you guys are bloody fantastic. That's twice I have got a good quick answer. Thanks very much.

 

[Knobhead]

One reason you got a good and swift answer is down to the fact you were honest in saying you weren’t sure what you’re doing. We will help as far we “safely” can.

When we get the DIY genius, oh boy do the ranks close!