Hi
Anyone have a clue about this?
With the main breaker OFF the power coming into the house on the two leads from the outside meter reads 127 volts. When testing I switch between the ground in the circuit box and a nearby gas pipe for the ground lead for the meter. As soon as I apply a load, 150 watt lamp, the voltage on the burdened lead drops to 106 volts and the unburdened increases to 137. The problem reverses if I switch to the other incoming lead.
I first thought it was a ground problem but switching from well water pipe to gas pipe doesnt help. Could the problem be outside the house? If I call the power company I need to know how to explain the problem or they will insist I call an electrician first. The electrician will not touch anything after the meter so I would like to get a feel for what is going on before I pick up a telephone.
Anyone have a clue about this?
With the main breaker OFF the power coming into the house on the two leads from the outside meter reads 127 volts. When testing I switch between the ground in the circuit box and a nearby gas pipe for the ground lead for the meter. As soon as I apply a load, 150 watt lamp, the voltage on the burdened lead drops to 106 volts and the unburdened increases to 137. The problem reverses if I switch to the other incoming lead.
I first thought it was a ground problem but switching from well water pipe to gas pipe doesnt help. Could the problem be outside the house? If I call the power company I need to know how to explain the problem or they will insist I call an electrician first. The electrician will not touch anything after the meter so I would like to get a feel for what is going on before I pick up a telephone.