Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

240V circuit, but only 140V power

Jump to Latest
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
P

portlandamateur

· Registered
Joined
·
5 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi guys, I have a question about my circuit breaker. Here's the story:

A week or so ago, my dryer stopped heating up. The dryer's been working fine until now, and it's the only thing on that circuit. No other major appliances have been introduced to the house. I tested a couple dryer parts with a multi-meter and couldn't find anything wrong. Then, I checked the outlet and only got 140V (should be 240). So, the tumber's running on the 140, but there's not enough juice for the heating element.
The house is about 35 yrs old, so I assume the breakers are also. I checked the oven's 240V outlet and measured 240V, so I'm confident I'm using the multi-meter correctly. I replaced the dryer's circuit breaker with a new GE breaker that was the same size/amps. The new breaker is in the same spot as the old one. This is a 2-pole double breaker.
I'm going to try switching the position of the breakers for the oven and dryer to see what happens. After that I'm out of ideas... Any suggestions?
 
#2 ·
Check the voltage right where the conductors connect to the breaker. If you have 240 there, then there's an issue with the branch circuit cable or possibly the dryer receptacle's internals.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
right where the conductors connect to the breaker.
Click to expand...
what exactly do I need to touch to test that? The 2 wires coming from the breaker?
I don't think the problem is with the recepticle, I took the cover off and am touching the wires to test the voltage.

Also - I just put my dryer breaker into a different spot on the board. I put it where the oven breaker normally sits and still got the same 140 to the dryer outlet.

thanks for the help
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
haha. you may be right - and that's probably what I'll do next.

I tested the voltage coming out of that breaker and got 240. I stripped back the wires at the outlet and still got 140.
From this, it seems that something's weird in the wires.... but that doesn't seem to make sense.

Even when I call an electrician, I'd like to know what the problem is... any ideas?
 
#6 ·
mdshunk said:
Okey-dokey... you really need to put down the tools and step away from this situation, as you do not have the skill to effect this repair.

Call your electrician.
Click to expand...

In a few should moments this was getting very scary to read. Hope he post back before he does something he will regret.

"Call your electrician"
 
#7 · (Edited)
The 240v circuit is 2 wires @ 120v each.

You have a bad connection SOMEWHERE.

GENERALLY the cable goes from the panel directly to the dryer. Through time and remodel things often get changed. You may have a junction somewhere, HOPEFULLY in a junction box.

Turn off the power, remove the receptacle and look at the terminals.

If there is nothing obvious, make sure it is a safe position and turn the power on.

Test each leg indididually to the ground. They should be appx 120v each. One will likely be less because of your bad connection.

Observe the cable at the recep. Does it match EXACTLY the cable at the panel? There could be a junction box somewhere if the dryer was relocated or if the cable was spliced somewhere for some reason.

Use your powers of deductive reasoning and be freaking careful.

In the mean time DO NOT USE THE DRYER. Your bad/burned connection wil get worse and may cause a fire.
 
Save
Like Like
#8 ·
If you've got 240 at the CB, and 140 at the receptacle, I would suggest isolating the conductors from the receptacle and then check for 240 volts. That's what I would do.

If the problem persists, and if I had to guess, I would guess that somewhere along the line it had been tapped and used for a 120 volt circuit and maybe a switch is off. Something stupid like that.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Ok - i'm being careful and obviously not using the dryer. The recepticle itself is fine.

You're right. one wire has 110V or so, the other only has 60V. These look like the same wires as in the box. I doubt there's a junction, the box is only a couple feet from the dryer outlet. The problem must be in the one hot wire... Is it possible to just re-run the wires from the breaker to the dryer recepticle?

Here's a more general question... Where do the neutral wires go in all this? I understand they're connected to the buss bar, but why doesn't a 240V outlet have a hot, neutral, and ground like a 110V outlet?
 
#10 ·
portlandamateur said:
Ok - i'm being careful and obviously not using the dryer. The recepticle itself is fine.


Where do the neutral wires go in all this? I understand they're connected to the buss bar, but why doesn't a 240V outlet have a hot, neutral, and ground like a 110V outlet?
Click to expand...

Not knowing the answer or even asking the question is more of a reason to CALL AN ELECTRICIAN!!!!

No disrespect, but, are you looking to become an electrician and are looking to get some free education here??? You have a really bad connection and it needs to be corrected in a proper manner.

Others may help you here but it is not a good idea.

Les
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
Not knowing the answer or even asking the question is more of a reason to CALL AN ELECTRICIAN!!!!
Click to expand...
woah... relax. Thanks for the concern, i guess.

I'd be in big trouble if I was looking to become an electrician.
No, I'm just trying to get my dryer working again so my wife doesn't have to go to the laundromat. I've found a lot of helpful insights on this forum for a wide range of topics. Thanks to the advice here, I've narrowed down my problem to a single faulty wire. I'm going to continue with a little more research to find out how why there's no neutral wires in a 240V recepticle, then I probably will call a professional. I think my chances of getting over-billed or sold some BS for more work than necessary is probably a little less if I have a clue what I'm talking about - hence the questions I've posted here.
 
#14 ·
If his other double-pole circuits are producing 240 volts at the source, how the hell can he only be getting 60 volts to ground at the dryer receptacle??? That doesn't make sense!
 
#16 ·
Thanks for posting on ContractorTalk.com. The Moderators of this forum would prefer if you post Do It Yourself related topics on our sister site www.DIYChatroom.com

ContractorTalk.com is designed for professional contractor's to discuss issues and topics related to the construction and remodeling industries. Many of our professional contractors are also members at DIYChatroom.com and are looking forward to assist you with your needs.

Please take a moment to post your question at www.DIYChatroom.com If your not already a member of DIYChatroom.com you can sign up for a free account by going to http://www.diychatroom.com/register.php/

We apologize for any inconvenience that this may have caused. This thread has been closed.
 
Save
Like Like
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
About this Discussion
15 Replies
7 Participants
Last post:
Double-A
Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum
posts
3.6M
members
169K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to professional construction and remodeling contractors. Come join the discussion about the industry, trades, safety, projects, finishing, tools, machinery, styles, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Tools & Equipment Business Painting & Finish Work Decks & Fencing