Stray Voltage ??
#1
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Stray Voltage ??
I am in the process of doing a small amount of wiring cleanup in our attic for an expansion project in our home. I was in the process of moving a junction box to a better location and was trying to trace back which wires went where (which breaker, outlets, etc.)
I have one of those testers that can indicate voltage on a circuit by holding it close to the wire.
The problem I'm having is that I had one circuit that appears to be "bleeding" over to another circuit slightly. In other words, if I turn on breaker #1, I get occasional "beeps" on another circuit that is on a completely different breaker.
What could be causing this, and is it something I even need to be concerned about. Are those voltage sensors really sensitive that I could be picking up extremely small amounts of voltage ?
Thanks in advance...
I have one of those testers that can indicate voltage on a circuit by holding it close to the wire.
The problem I'm having is that I had one circuit that appears to be "bleeding" over to another circuit slightly. In other words, if I turn on breaker #1, I get occasional "beeps" on another circuit that is on a completely different breaker.
What could be causing this, and is it something I even need to be concerned about. Are those voltage sensors really sensitive that I could be picking up extremely small amounts of voltage ?
Thanks in advance...
#2
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Reading some of the other threads on here, could it be that what I'm actually seeing is "phantom voltage" ? These 2 circuits do run close to each other inside a wall.
#3
May not exactly be "phantom" voltage, but a tick tracer will pick up minute magnetic fields, especially in wiring that is run close together. I would check the voltage in each wire with a volt meter to be sure.
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Try This
Take that proximity tester, Turn it on, Now rub it on your head .
Did it sound? Don't put your life on these devices. They are an indicator ONLY. 2ckts in a box, which one is live? They are intended to only INDICATE that voltage is present. Thats all.
ADD: They don't work on a cable assembly, like "BX" and sometimes on multi-wire ckts. you must have the conductor somewhat isolated.
Did it sound? Don't put your life on these devices. They are an indicator ONLY. 2ckts in a box, which one is live? They are intended to only INDICATE that voltage is present. Thats all.
ADD: They don't work on a cable assembly, like "BX" and sometimes on multi-wire ckts. you must have the conductor somewhat isolated.
Last edited by lectriclee; 02-28-07 at 06:08 PM. Reason: ADD:
#5
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Take that proximity tester, Turn it on, Now rub it on your head .
Did it sound? Don't put your life on these devices. They are an indicator ONLY. 2ckts in a box, which one is live? They are intended to only INDICATE that voltage is present. Thats all.
ADD: They don't work on a cable assembly, like "BX" and sometimes on multi-wire ckts. you must have the conductor somewhat isolated.
Did it sound? Don't put your life on these devices. They are an indicator ONLY. 2ckts in a box, which one is live? They are intended to only INDICATE that voltage is present. Thats all.
ADD: They don't work on a cable assembly, like "BX" and sometimes on multi-wire ckts. you must have the conductor somewhat isolated.
I think everything is fine as I tested again and it wasn't doing it. The tester I've got has always been a bit flaky. About a year ago I was looking at some old K&T wiring in our attic that I KNEW was disconnected but it was even occasionally beeping from that stuff.
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Glad you got a chuckle.
It was not meant that way.
These testers are good for one (1) thing and one thing only.
The presents of voltage. Just remember this. RESPECT IT.
If not.. Google accidents in this feild. Sure to find things not so cute.
Flakey testers. new one needed.
It was not meant that way.
These testers are good for one (1) thing and one thing only.
The presents of voltage. Just remember this. RESPECT IT.
If not.. Google accidents in this feild. Sure to find things not so cute.
Flakey testers. new one needed.
#7
I love the prox testers, but in the left hand is a WaveTek. Never assume the tick tracers give 100% of what you need. You need to know how much voltage is present, not that there is some there.