ask the electrician
Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Wiring and Installing Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable


Why Do I Have Lower Voltage Readings?


How to Identify the Cause of a Low Voltage Condition of an Outlet. Why is there only 48volts between the neutral and ground on an electric outlet?

© By:


Electrical Wiring Video



Home Electrical Wiring Videos about this Topic and More

Check out my YouTube Channel, and Subscribe!



Learn more with my Home Electrical Video Course:

Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Low Voltage on an Outlet
Electrical Question: Why is there 48volts between the neutral and ground on an electric outlet?

Additional Comments: Good job!
Background: Ed, a Homeowner from Prairie Village, Kansas.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Repair Question Ed.

Low Voltage Readings at an Electrical Outlet

Application: Troubleshooting a Low Volt Problem with an Outlet Circuit.
Skill Level: Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type and age of the electrical wiring and the access to the circuits and wiring to be evaluated.
Precaution: This is a project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor and typically requires specific tests of the electrical circuits.
Notice: Repairs to Home Electrical Wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes and installing new or replacement electrical parts or equipment may require a permit and inspections.

How to Identify the Cause of a Low Voltage Condition of an Outlet

Check the Circuit Ground Wire Bond at the Panel

A low voltage condition such as this is typically an indication that the circuit ground wire may not be properly bonded at the panel, or the ground wire may not be attached or properly spliced at a connection point within the circuit.

Check the Ground Wire within the Circuit

If the ground wire is properly bonded at the panel location then additional tests should be performed.

NOTE: A low voltage condition such as this is may be caused by a fault with the neutral wire. The process explained below will help to identify the location of the faulty wire or a connection is causing the low voltage condition. Voltage tests are made at each outlet that is on the same circuit as the affected outlet.

The following is an example of a method used to identify a low voltage problem on an outlet:

Electrical Tests and Observations

More about Troubleshooting Electric Outlet Problems

Repair Electrical Wiring
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring

Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

Electrical Troubleshooting

For more information about Outlet Wiring
Electrical Outlets

This link is helpful as a DIY Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical


The following may also be helpful for you:


electrical wiring book

A Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Be sure to get your copy of my BIG Book:
Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians
Includes:
Home Electrical Wiring - Room by Room
120 Volt Circuits
240 Volt Circuits
Multi-Wired Circuits
Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.




Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Electrical Troubleshooting, Electrical Wiring, Outlets, Troubleshooting and Home Electrical Wiring:

« Previous Next »

Locating and Installing Pot Lights

Safety Guidelines For Light Fixture Projects