wire measures apx 27volts

[canthonica]

Does anyone have any ideas about this. I am using a digital multi tester and am getting a reading of 27v on an 20amp ac circuit. I have used this tester many times to measure circuits. I tested other outlets just to make sure the tester is functioning properly and I am getting about 122v. This line had old florescent lights connected to it. The lights didn't work well but I thought it was because they were old. I also used a simple voltage tester (100-250v). The light does not come on but does when I use it on other outlets. I do have the tester set to AC. I am not reading mV. The line is coming from a junction box with several other wires. I do not have any other outlets or lights that are not working. This is an old house with some updated wiring.

[Toller]

You didn't pay your bill on time and the electric company cut off 3/4 of your voltage.

[hallerb]

digital meters are flkey:( try checking voltage by wiring a 100 watt lamp as a tester, that will show whats really there

[canthonica]

I used a 100-250v voltage tester with a light on it as well.

[canthonica]

I used a 100-250v voltage tester with a light on it as well.

[Tony Hwang]

Hi, That circuit is dead. Digital multi meter has high input impedance which means it's way too sensitive. It's picking up stray ghost voltage.

[mm]

That has a neon light, though, doesn't it.

Hallerb means for you to use a real light bulb (incandescent), 100 watts, and see how brightly it glows.

Others would say to use a non-digital meter, that is one with a needle that is not an FET VOM or a VTVM. FET meters and vaccuum tube volt meter have high input impedance, like digital meters do, and I presume the people here would say that all 3 are flakey. That is, a high induced voltage, like 27 volts will be measured as 27 volts, even though there is only a minuscule trace of available current. With the other meters, with needles, the 27 volts will be drained off by the meter itself, and the voltage will read zero.

[buffalobill]

[canthonica]

I replaced the switch. It works fine now. Thanks to all.

[Tekkie®]

posted for all of us...

Asked and answered MANY times! Sorry, you lose, buh bye, bring in the next player Johnny.