Discuss Dodgy neutral?? Im confused! in the Electrical Wiring, Theories and Regulations area at ElectriciansForums.net

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HI there,

I've got limited experience but have problem with a light- there is power in the live wire but a light bulb wont light up! Im totally confused? My house is old but has been rewired but in a really complicated way- is it possible there is an issue with the neutral? Or could a wire light up a tester but not power a bulb?

Any advice would be appreciated!
 
HI there,

I've got limited experience but have problem with a light- there is power in the live wire but a light bulb wont light up! Im totally confused? My house is old but has been rewired but in a really complicated way- is it possible there is an issue with the neutral? Or could a wire light up a tester but not power a bulb?

Any advice would be appreciated!

well both the line (or phase) conductor and neutral are live conductors

if there is 230V between line and neutral then the lamp should light

If there was say 230V between line and earth, but not between line and neutral, then yes that would be a neutral problem, but if there is, you will REALLY need someone who knows what they are doing!
 
yeah always wondered about the insulation on them so never tried! if i was wanting to but like a propper good multimeter, what would u advise? and how much should i spend?
 
if you don't have a test meter you could try the followng
switch off power.
get a pendant with flex, and lamp in.
connect to live/neutral
briefly switch on to see if it lights up.
if not connect to live/earth and repeat.
if it lights up, you have a live and no neutral.

hope this helps
 
if i was u i would call somebody in to look at this as with lights depending on age of install u could find u remove the wrong core and make matters worse
 
yep thanks for advice guys, but need to get a good multi-meter so any advice on what should buy?

well i've just got a little Argos special for basic stuff, auto electrics etc, but if you are doing 'proper work' then GS38 is the prefered standard

Depends what you wanna do, do you want DC and AC voltage? Resistance? Continuity buzzer? Amps? I always used one of the Fluke industrial ones, cant remeber the number, with these you could plug in a current clamp or temp probe as well

You pays your money, you takes your choice
 

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