Voltage Detector going off 18 inches from ceiling

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08-14-12, 05:45 PM

kevin.ennis2010

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Voltage Detector going off 18 inches from ceiling

Hello,

I recently moved into an apartment that may have improperly shielded high-voltage wires in the attic.

I've noticed that my voltage detector stick detects power up to two feet from large areas of the ceiling (especially around light fixtures). I also sometimes smell ozone.

Does this seem dangerous or out of the ordinary? Should I look into it further?

Thanks,
Kevin

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08-14-12, 06:01 PM

Nashkat1

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Welcome to the forums!

Your voltage detector question may just indicate a less-than-adequate tool. The ozone question may point to loose connections.

08-14-12, 06:52 PM

ray2047

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What do you consider high voltage? I certainly wouldn't consider any voltage found in an apartment building high voltage. And the low voltage wires (120-480 volts) aren't supposed to be shielded. A non contact tester is basically an occasionally useful tool that is mostly useless.
High voltage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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08-18-12, 07:17 AM

podunk

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I have to agree with Ray, most of those induction testers are cheap Chinese tools that vary considerably in their sensitivity. I consider them to be a "maybe" tool that you must not trust. I own several that will detect voltage on neutral white wires not even connected to the fixture. apparently just the minute induced voltage in the white wire by running alongside the black is enough to set it off. If you really have a concern, rent, borrow, buy a rf meter to measure the emf in your apartment. Don't be too surprised to find emf everywhere.