Leakage to earth

[kevyn]

Hi all

Just come back from a job where ther was 12v in the earth wire on the stair 2 way (no where else in the house that i know of). The customer only noticed as they were getting a tingle through the metal switch. I cant figure this one out. So does anybody have any theories as to what is causing this? some solutions would be appreciated aswell.

Dont want to tear their house to bits without knowing what I'm looking for!

 

[pmac10]

think a bit of further investigation required there mate as you shouldnt feel a tingle on 12v, what was your reference when measuring this? possibly a loose earth or neutral connection.

 

[Des 56]

think a bit of further investigation required there mate as you shouldnt feel a tingle on 12v, what was your reference when measuring this? possibly a loose earth or neutral connection.

Yes,same question off me
There was 12 volt in the earth wire

 

[kevyn]

Hi all

Just come back from a job where ther was 12v in the earth wire on the stair 2 way (no where else in the house that i know of). The customer only noticed as they were getting a tingle through the metal switch. I cant figure this one out. So does anybody have any theories as to what is causing this? some solutions would be appreciated aswell.

Dont want to tear their house to bits without knowing what I'm looking for!

Colud do with some more help please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[topquark]

Are you suggesting that there is 12V on the earth wire or a 12V differential (PD) between earth and line? If it's the latter then you looking at a "leakage" of around 228V down the earth wire.

Start by selectively isolating earch circuit at the DB, whilst measuring the PD, until you notice a change in potential, if you're lucky it'll isolate it to one circuit. (I'd guess it's some dodgy equipment on a ring/radial main, but could also be a defective RCD/RCBO).

 

[sparkylad]

Where did you measure between to get your reading ?
What type of Earthing supply system is it ?
Have you checked the Ze.?

 

[nickblake]

sounds to me like the earth in the 2 way isnt connected check all the earth connections

 

[jeremy]

Sorry if this repeats any thing above, I'm trying to get this done ASAP as internet conn is iffy here. I reckon this is due to unconnected CPCs and electro magnectic induction. If you have a cable carrying a current running next to a conductor doing nothing ( non earthed CPC) the doing nothing conductor will indiate a PD (voltage) relative to its proximity to the current carrying conductor, the length of its proximity etc. All that is needed is to earth the cpc and this troublesome, shocking but probably!! not dangerous voltage will disappear