Troubleshooting

Magnettica

I was working on cleaning up some old wires after a cupola was built (kind of like an add-a-level) and got thrown for a loop on an existing splice that I had to relocate so it'd be accessible. the box had 6 cables (14/2) and 2 homeruns (14/3). After I identified the existing splice with colored tape, I took apart the red splice, then the black, and finally my neutrals. Then i checked again to make sure I had identified the 2 only hot conductors, the black and the red. Good thing I did because I had voltage to ground on what i thought was a neutral for one of the branch circuits. The black wire of the same branch circuit also had voltage to ground. From black to white of that circuit I had continuity. I knew (know) something was wrong but i didn't know what. I am going back there tomorrow. I think some other branch circuit is using the neutral from the circuit I was working on AND THIS needs to be fixed asap.

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woodchuck2

Just think, some folks will tell you it is a waste of time to test all wires with a meter. Your trouble shooting is just the reason why , you never know who did what before you were there. I have had friends call me asking how to hook up a device and ask what wires go where. I dont tell them anything , i find it is easier to just go to their place and see/test it myself. Being friends i normally dont charge, just peace of mind that no one gets hurt and nothing gets damaged. Besides that its a 2 way street, someday i may need a favor.

mdshunk

I wouldn't put too much effort into it. Splice them back the way they were before.

MALCO.New.York

Is that the Old "If it ain't broke or BURNING DOWN, Don't fix it" logic?????

Works for me

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mdshunk

It could just as easily be a switch loop, or a single 2-wire NM cable ending in a lampholder socket with a lamp installed.

MALCO.New.York

And the lamp is on at the time of test?

__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE

JamesNLA

I have spent alot of time attempting to unplug / unscrew things during trouble shooting to only find some silly night light that was still in the circuit. Attempting to get a circuit open up for shooting it can be far more hassle than it's worth. A little older a little wiser in doing things like what mags is doing is just far more cost effective to relocate and resplice it the way things were. Attempting to figure out every aspect of a circuit(s) to only find it is hooked up correctly is not smart business. At the same time if there is an actual problem (other than not being accessable) than of course go through the steps to get the issue resolved or at least be able to give the client a proper diog. and a sucessful resoultion. My .02

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mdshunk

That's what I'm saying. Chances are that the observed "problem" will turn out to be a non-problem anyhow. The best you can do is report your observations to the owner, state that they may or may not be a problem, and let them decide whether to have you trace it out or not. Otherwise, splice it back and move on.

Magnettica

And that's exactly what happened. I told the HO there might be a problem but not to worry. Then I put the splice back together and no problem. I found out today the wire fed a ceiling fan where the fan was on a fan speed control and the light was on a separate switch as part of a 3-way/ 4-way/ 3-way staircase/ hallway lighting circuit. I believe the fan was using a switch loop and the lighting circuit was on a different circuit.

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