What in the world is going on here...

[ziggy123]

Was called to a complete previously scheduled work. Prior to arrival was called to say she was having electrical problems. This client has a large 40 year old home, with an 150a pushmatic main panel. No work has been done on the home recently. This is what I witnessed:

Some circuits worked, some did not. Some circuits worked sometimes, and then sometimes they didn't. Some outlets yes, others no. Some lights were nice and bright, others were very dull. And then the dining room 3 ways were turning on the kitchen lights (same with master bath controlling master closet).

Client asked me to help, I guessed it was a bad neutral or ground connection, and advised her that she needs an electrician. But I'm curious, has anyone seen something like this.

 

[littlespark]

I think you’re spot on with a bad neutral….

But an electrician in your part of the world possibly comes across this quite frequently and would know instinctively where to start looking.

 

[MJPD29]

Agree with above, it does sound like a bad neutral on supply side. Best to get it looked at ASAP. Keep us updated

 

[ziggy123]

Agree with above, it does sound like a bad neutral on supply side. Best to get it looked at ASAP. Keep us upda

I think you’re spot on with a bad neutral….

But an electrician in your part of the world possibly comes across this quite frequently and would know instinctively where to start looking.

Thanks,

I think you’re spot on with a bad neutral….

But an electrician in your part of the world possibly comes across this quite frequently and would know instinctively where to start looking.

Thanks, a little surprised I came close. This isn't something I've ever seen before! How dangerous is this? It's not my house, I was only able to refer an electrician to this problem. I'm just curious.

 

[Megawatt]

Was called to a complete previously scheduled work. Prior to arrival was called to say she was having electrical problems. This client has a large 40 year old home, with an 150a pushmatic main panel. No work has been done on the home recently. This is what I witnessed:

Some circuits worked, some did not. Some circuits worked sometimes, and then sometimes they didn't. Some outlets yes, others no. Some lights were nice and bright, others were very dull. And then the dining room 3 ways were turning on the kitchen lights (same with master bath controlling master closet).

Client asked me to help, I guessed it was a bad neutral or ground connection, and advised her that she needs an electrician. But I'm curious, has anyone seen something like this.

I have to agree with littlespark on that you probably have a neutral issue and it is probably in your panel since you are having problems through out your home.

 

[Megawatt]

Thanks, a little surprised I came close. This isn't something I've ever seen before! How dangerous is this? It's not my house, I was only able to refer an electrician to this problem. I'm just curious.

If you have lights getting brighter and some not so bright then I wouldn’t think in terms of dangerous but the voltage on circuits could be a loose neutral and possibly could have erratic voltage meaning that you could have a reading of 140 volt or higher than 120 vac which could damage TV’s, microwaves clocks etc.