Electrical problems, but what could it be?

[Nick Z.]

Hi all, My 1st post here.

I have been going through more light bulbs than I think I should be. Could this be do to bad electrical work on the house? When ever the clothes washer is running we can see the lights slightly pulsing in rhythm of the motor. When we start the gas dryer, the lights dim for a short moment too.

What do you think could cause this and how do you think I could correct it?

Thanks in advanced, Nick.

[m Ransley]

An electrician would be the smart thing to consider

[mark]

I have been going through more light bulbs than I think I should be. Could this be do to bad electrical work on the house? When ever the clothes washer is running we can see the lights slightly pulsing in rhythm of the motor. When we start the gas dryer, the lights dim for a short moment too.

What do you think could cause this and how do you think I could correct it?

Thanks in advanced, Nick.

[Joseph Meehan]

You did a good job of describing both ends of a floating neutral problem. Mark explained what to do. If you have any questions about what he wrote or any reservations about doing what he wrote, then call in a pro and tell him what you wrote and he should be able to fix it right up. BTW this can be a fire hazard and can damage all kinds of electronic equipment.

[Dave]

What's a floating neutral problem?

Dave

[Doug Miller]

Means that the neutral conductor isn't securely connected at some point(s) in the house. This allows wide fluctuations in voltage on the two hot legs of a

240V service, and it's very dangerous.