Breaker Question


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Old 06-28-05, 09:35 AM
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Breaker Question

Hi, an empty 20A breaker in my panel is not being used. today I was going to run a circuit for some additional basement lights. Before running any circuit, I put my Fluke brand neon tester to the breaker and it shows power in the OFF position and no power in the ON position. I compared this with other breakers and none of the others read as this one does. Should I assume a bad breaker and just switch it out? Thanks. DIY to the rescue!
 
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Old 06-28-05, 09:58 AM
J
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That's just weird. Either you are not conducting the test correctly, or the breaker has failed in a most unusual way.
 
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Old 06-28-05, 10:08 AM
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The way I am testing it is by touching the neon tester to the screw where a "hot" would attach. thanks.
 
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Old 06-28-05, 10:14 AM
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Bob53,

Lets get this straight....you are touching the SET SCREW on the breaker while in the OFF position and the other end to the grounded conductor ( neutral/ground bar ) and you are saying you get voltage while the breaker is in the OFF position and none when in the ON position.....hmmmmmm

Ok.......try it again....
 
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Old 06-28-05, 11:01 AM
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Electric Man, all I am using is a Fluke Neon Tester, it looks like an ink pen, but I know that you know that. When the breaker is off, I touch the set screw and my tester lights up like a xmas tree. when the breaker is in the on position, My tester doesn't light up at all. p.s. there is nothing currently connected to this breaker (no circuit) THANKS!
 
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Old 06-28-05, 11:33 AM
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Oh, you're using a non-contact "tick" tester. That's a voltage proximity tester. It's not accurate here since there is voltage all over the place inside the panel. Spend $2 and get a neon circuit tester--a tester with two probes instead of just one.
 
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Old 06-28-05, 12:03 PM
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Will do John...going to the depot tonite. thanks.
 
 

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