Large Volt Drop in ring circuit | on ElectriciansForums

Discuss Large Volt Drop in ring circuit in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

Andy

-
Joined
May 9, 2017
Messages
20
Reaction score
8
Location
Burnley
Hi Folks
This is my first post, but I've been reading many posts over the last few months and have found this forum very informative and some times very humorous, Thank you all.

I have recently come across a problem whilst doing some PAT testing for a customer that has left me confused. Although this is nothing to do with PAT testing it was my PAT testing meter that highlighted the problem when I plugged it into a socket.

The property is a 4 year old Timber barn and the loft has a small ring circuit with a spur off it feeding a socket below for a small telly.

My problem is that all of the sockets are only giving voltage readings of 60v but the reading for the circuit at the CU is the standard 240v
The only thing that I can think of is that when building the property someone has banged a nail through a cable somewhere.
I have been round all of the sockets and checked connections etc and found nothing obviously wrong.
When I mentioned it to the customer he said don't worry its probably been like it for ever and the sockets only supply low voltage stuff anyway.

Well I am concerned that its wrong and there is possibly a nightmare waiting to happen.
Im thinking of contacting the customer and trying to get him to let me rectify the problem
Is there anything else it could be?

I await your reply's with baited breath :)
 
Appliances are plugged in and working. All low voltage stuff.
All voltages tested with a multimeter. Fluke 1653b
60 volts at each socket (thought i'd said that)
240 volts at CU for Circuit (thought i'd said that)
 
Could be looking at some Power supply 12/24VDC ,60V AC above earth ,and a very confused pat tester box.
(Customer says worry not )... but you know something is off !

Switch to DC , on anything apparently 0V !

Check appliances not 120V and you are seing some weird 60-0-60 Configuration .
 
Last edited:
Appliances are plugged in and working. All low voltage stuff.
All voltages tested with a multimeter. Fluke 1653b
60 volts at each socket (thought i'd said that)
240 volts at CU for Circuit (thought i'd said that)
I think SC asked what the 60Volts referred to L-N, N-E, L-E When you say all low voltage stuff, what exactly do you mean? the system you are working on 24o Volts IS LOW VOLTAGE.
 
My problem is that all of the sockets are only giving voltage readings of 60v but the reading for the circuit at the CU is the standard 240v

So many questions...

For a start, describe exactly how you are making these voltage measurements, both at the sockets and at the CU.
 
I suspect the PAT does some sort of check at the socket and it is indicating a fault at the socket/s possibly an earth continuity fault and is showing a 60V potential at the earth. If there were 60V between line/neutral nothing would function.
 

Reply to Large Volt Drop in ring circuit in the UK Electrical Forum area at ElectriciansForums.net

News and Offers from Sponsors

  • Article
Join us at electronica 2024 in Munich! Since 1964, electronica has been the premier event for technology enthusiasts and industry professionals...
    • Like
Replies
0
Views
275
  • Sticky
  • Article
Good to know thanks, one can never have enough places to source parts from!
Replies
4
Views
773
  • Article
OFFICIAL SPONSORS These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then...
Replies
0
Views
779

Similar threads

  • Question
They ought to be able to check for the voltage going completely off using one MCB off at a time to confirm that. That would be my assumption...
Replies
9
Views
853
Seen this where T&E has been fixed with a flat bend of too tight a radius.
2 3
Replies
35
Views
1K

OFFICIAL SPONSORS

Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Electrician Courses Green Electrical Goods PCB Way Electrical Goods - Electrical Tools - Brand Names Pushfit Wire Connectors Electric Underfloor Heating Electrician Courses
These Official Forum Sponsors May Provide Discounts to Regular Forum Members - If you would like to sponsor us then CLICK HERE and post a thread with who you are, and we'll send you some stats etc

YOUR Unread Posts

This website was designed, optimised and is hosted by untold.media Operating under the name Untold Media since 2001.
Back
Top