Tester says ground and hot are reversed -- doesn't look it
#1
06-26-18, 12:56 PM
Tester says ground and hot are reversed -- doesn't look it
My electric socket tester shows that the hot and ground are reversed in a bedroom outlet. However, when I pulled the outlet from the wall, the hot wire was where it should be and the ground to the green screw. Any ideas what's wrong? Should I try installing a new outlet?
#3
06-26-18, 01:01 PM
Member
Do you have a multimeter? If so, I would suggest that you measure the outlet voltage using your multimeter. Set it to AC Volts, and a scale that is higher than 120V. Here's what you should expect to measure if the outlet is wired correctly:
Hot to Neutral: 120VAC
Hot to Ground: 120VAC
Ground to Neutral: 0VAC
Hot to Neutral: 120VAC
Hot to Ground: 120VAC
Ground to Neutral: 0VAC
#4
06-26-18, 01:07 PM
Originally Posted by Astuff
That happens when the wires get crossed at an upstream outlet. It can take some time poking around to find where they goofed up.
#5
06-26-18, 01:18 PM
Group Moderator
It could happen if the wires are hooked up incorrectly from the upstream outlet in the circuit. If you plug the tester into the preceding outlet it could show correct because the incorrect wires are not providing power to that outlet.
#6
06-26-18, 01:49 PM
Those testers are nice toys but can easily give incorrect readings. You need an analog (not digital) multimeter to get a true reading. Follow Bob's guide to expected readings in post #3.
#7
06-26-18, 09:52 PM
Has anyone heard of a switch reversing polarity of outlet up the line. box has hot in hot out and switch leg. Out has correct polarity with switch off turn it on polarity swaps and burn up router. If i unhook switch leg at the light i have correct polarity. No junctions between switch and light. Is this an inadicate ground in the temp service
#9
06-27-18, 10:44 AM
Member
My electric socket tester shows that the hot and ground are reversed in a bedroom outlet. However, when I pulled the outlet from the wall, the hot wire was where it should be and the ground to the green screw. Any ideas what's wrong?
I think when you get a multimeter and test all wires you'll find you have an open neutral. Those plug-in testers leave a lot to be desired as far as accuracy, but are quick and easy. That's why building inspectors rely on them.
#11
06-28-18, 07:31 AM
Hot/Ground reverse signal on a bug style tester is almost always actually an open/broken neutral. The plug in tester can't tell the difference.
Hot/ground reverse can't happen without some seriously screwed up dangerous wiring. Open neutral happens all the time from normal wear and tear of electrical devices. Much more likely outcome.
Hot/ground reverse can't happen without some seriously screwed up dangerous wiring. Open neutral happens all the time from normal wear and tear of electrical devices. Much more likely outcome.
Gen
voted this post useful.
#12
07-02-18, 09:17 PM
Brand new wire no junction this is a home run box. I have an old panel feeding new panel temporary with 8-3 under a 40a breaker. New panel runs whole house except 220s. Original ground is #10 200a feeders
#13
07-03-18, 12:21 PM
Member
Brand new wire no junction this is a home run box. I have an old panel feeding new panel temporary with 8-3 under a 40a breaker. New panel runs whole house except 220s. Original ground is #10 200a feeders
