Lights flicker,wattage drop...any ideas,help - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

renimus · 03-05-2009, 01:12 AM

The lights in the whole house flicker once and lose wattage when something stronger is pluged in at any outlet in the house,even on new added circuits from recently done main upgrade.All lights are still on old knob and tube circuit.Any ideas what might be the problem?Thanks...

electricista · 03-05-2009, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renimus

The lights in the whole house flicker once and lose wattage when something stronger is pluged in at any outlet in the house,even on new added circuits from recently done main upgrade.All lights are still on old knob and tube circuit.Any ideas what might be the problem?Thanks...

If this was a problem before you started working there then I suspect the problem is poco's. Long distance from the trany to the house, undersized wire, etc. This can easily cause a temp. voltage drop when extra power is needed for motors etc.

If this just started to happen then I would look for a loose connection at the service.

JohnJ0906 · 03-05-2009, 07:58 AM

Check the main neutral.
Take voltage readings, L1-N, L2-N, and L1-L2 while the load is plugged in.
If one line rises and the other drops (in relation to the neutral) you have a loose or open neutral.

MechanicalDVR · 03-05-2009, 05:02 PM

What John said.

waco · 03-05-2009, 05:07 PM

I'd check the tightness of all service connections at the meter socket and the panel. If aluminum conductors were used, make sure they have "nolox" on them and that they are still tight. Aluminum conductors tend to "flow" away from clamping torque and can loosen up.

If you are able, measure the voltage at the meter when the event happens because the voltage drop could be at the service, before the meter.