Dodgy neutral?? Im confused!

[catdog]

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!

 

[Shakey]

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!

 

[catdog]

thanks shaky,

is there a multi-meter that can test 230 ac?

 

[Shakey]

thanks shaky,

is there a multi-meter that can test 230 ac?

well pretty much any 8 quid argos/wickes/B&Q multimeter will measure 230v, but just be carefull because they will not be GS38 compliant, so may have uninsulated probe ends etc

 

[catdog]

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?

 

[tc3]

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

 

[andypandy]

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

 

[catdog]

yep thanks for advice guys, but need to get a good multi-meter so any advice on what should buy?

 

[Shakey]

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

 

[tc3]

try this one, or something similar

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=46245&&source=14&doy=12m8

a voltage and continuity tester is more usefull than a multimeter for general electrical work, mainly because it is robust. multimeters are more suited to electronics or benchwork.

 

[ian.settle1]

thanks shaky,

is there a multi-meter that can test 230 ac?

In the real world a multi-meter is not an APPROVED voltage indicator (test lamp and proving unit are) as if not on correct setting it can be dangerous as can be seen on a few items put on internet with regards to this.