Voltage on disconnected cable

[SSE]

I think I may be going mad...job I was at today there was a strip light needing replaced, were 3 feeds & neutrals and a feed & switch wire at it. Was sure I marked everything ok but as there are ceiling panels going on before the light goes back on I thought I’d do a quick check, turned light switch on & volt stick buzzed, turned it off & still buzzed. Took readings with it on & got the usual 230v L & N, L & E & 0v N & E. Then turned it off & was getting 60V between L & N and L & E & still 0v between neutral & earth. So...I disconnected the cable & still there’s voltage on it?!?! It’s literally one twin & earth cable that’s being used as a feed & switch from light to light switch. Any ideas?!
[automerge]1568391103[/automerge]
Should have says the L I’m testing is the Live returning from the switch.

 

[Pete999]

Induced voltage, and don't use a Voltstick for safe isolation purposes

 

[davesparks]

That's normal behaviour for a volt stick, they are unreliable as a means of identifying dead conductors.
What did you use to measure the 60V? If it was a multimeter or similar then this may be normal capacitively coupled voltage, an approved voltage indicator would be far better for testing this.

 

[SSE]

Used my multifunction tester to check voltage. So what causes this? Have never come across this before.

 

[Strima]

Dead good those volt sticks, saved me from the deadly hole punch more than once I can tell you...

 

[Pete999]

Dead good those volt sticks, saved me from the deadly hole punch more than once I can tell you...

View attachment 52137

Classic !! !! !! !! !!

 

[dmxtothemax]

Used my multifunction tester to check voltage. So what causes this? Have never come across this before.

Used my multifunction tester to check voltage. So what causes this? Have never come across this before.

try reading this -

 

[bill01803]

I still use one of these, can’t go wrong!

 

[SSE]

Suppose what I really need to know is there any way to get rid of it & if not is it safe to leave in?

 

[James]

Suppose what I really need to know is there any way to get rid of it & if not is it safe to leave in?

Option 1
Terminate each end correctly in an enclosure
That way any induced voltage is safely contained.

Option 2
Remove cable and place in skip,
Should solve the problem.

Option 3
Bond all cores of said cable to something that is connected to earth.

 

[Timbo]

Use Qinetic switch. Does away with the evil switch wire! ?