The Cause of an Incorrect Voltage Problem
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Why is the Voltage Incorrect at an Electrical Panel and Some Circuits? How to Identify the Cause of an Incorrect Voltage Problem. |
Incorrect Voltage Problem
Electrical Question: Why is the Voltage Incorrect at an Electrical Panel and Some Circuits?
- This is an old farm shop with 3 phase power to a shop. The breaker boxes have approx 100volts on 1 side and approx 140volts on the other side. When we flip lite switches or use grinders etc. the power increases a lot. I don’t understand how it can split the breaker box like that when both sides should be the same approx 120volts. Using more outlets increases the voltage.That seems crazy to me.
This electrical wiring question came from Chad, a Handyman in Kansas.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Chad.
How to Identify the Cause of an Incorrect Voltage Problem
Application: Incorrect Voltage at a Main Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Main Panel, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Main Panel should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Kansas. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Resources to help you do electrical wiring in your area:
Locate Electricians or Electrical Contractors in Kansas
Kansas Electrical Contractor License, Building Permits and Electrical Codes
How to Fix Incorrect Voltage for a Workshop Main Panel
This electrical wiring project is about Incorrect Voltage a Main Panel in the Workshop of a Commercial Building
Main Panel Incorrect Voltage
The incorrect voltage problem that you have described is most likely caused by a lost connection of one of the main lines in one of the source panels. Typically the lost connection creates a feed back through the other lines, especially when electrical equipment or devices are turned on.
This problem is best repaired by an electrician who can carefully inspect the main lines and connections to the electrical service. We generally look where the voltage is normal and go out from that point towards the problem area, taking voltage readings along the way.
Special attention should be given to all main terminal connections, as well as connections to circuit breakers, and the connection of circuit breakers to the buss sections of the panel. The connection of the circuit breaker to the panel often begins to deteriorate and break down causing a lost connection with one or more lines.
On rare occasions where this affects all of the electrical systems, the problem could be with the electric utility company’s equipment or main wire connections.
Again, this is something that a qualified electrician should take care of for you due to the danger of working inside the electrical panels.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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