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  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Default I don't get it....

    Came across this outlet today and I can't wrap my head around it. My 3-prong tester initially gave a reading of the two outer lights (hot/grd reverse) which seems virtually impossible so I investigated further with the following findings:

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Fellman View Post
    Came across this outlet today and I can't wrap my head around it. My 3-prong tester initially gave a reading of the two outer lights (hot/grd reverse) which seems virtually impossible so I investigated further with the following findings:
    That is why those 3 light testers are not all that great!! Looks like the ground is Hot. If it was a bootleg ground it would show as grounded, I think....

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Fellman View Post
    Came across this outlet today and I can't wrap my head around it. My 3-prong tester initially gave a reading of the two outer lights (hot/grd reverse) which seems virtually impossible so I investigated further with the following findings:
    Both testers are showing the same thing: hot/ground reversed.

    Unusual, yes, but not unheard of (which is why it checks for that).

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
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    Aug 2008
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    Maryland
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    I believe the 4th photo is showing correct wiring.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    I believe the 4th photo is showing correct wiring.
    Yes... that's what was so weird. When I pulled the outlet off the metal box it read okay. Also, it wasn't gnd/hot reverse at the outlet. The wires coming/going were properly installed (white-silver, black-gold + ground).

    Also... how would a hot/grd reverse even be possible? Wouldn't it just instantly short?


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    South-West Michigan
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    469

    Post Re: I don't get it....

    My guess is that outlet is not where the problem is. Lurking in the shadows is a junction box, light switch, or other fixture that is mis-wired.

    Randall Aldering GHI BAOM MSM
    Housesmithe Inspection
    www.housesmithe.com

  7. #7
    George Wells's Avatar
    George Wells Guest

    Default Re: I don't get it....

    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Fellman View Post
    Came across this outlet today and I can't wrap my head around it. My 3-prong tester initially gave a reading of the two outer lights (hot/grd reverse) which seems virtually impossible so I investigated further with the following findings:

    The problem is that the testers you are using have very high input impedance. Use a low input impedance solenoid tester such as a Wiggy. You'll get consistently reliable results.

    Instructions for using a Wiggy to do basic electrical tests:

    It's a Wiggy Wiggy World

    Last edited by George Wells; 05-10-2011 at 10:19 AM.

  8. #8
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    WESTMINSTER CO
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    JP

    please explain your post. the last picture shows a good circuit.

    thanks

    cvf


  9. #9
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    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    Quote Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET View Post
    JP

    please explain your post. the last picture shows a good circuit.
    Charlie,

    I was referring to this:
    Quote Originally Posted by Matt Fellman View Post
    My 3-prong tester initially gave a reading of the two outer lights (hot/grd reverse) which seems virtually impossible so I investigated further with the following findings:
    ... and the first 3 photos ... which show a reversed hot/ground wired receptacle outlet.

    Matt said: "My 3-prong tester initially gave a reading of the two outer lights (hot/grd reverse)", and the last photo shows something else, so I went with what he said "My 3-prong tester initially gave ... of the two outer lights ... ".

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    Quote Originally Posted by CHARLIE VAN FLEET View Post
    JP

    please explain your post. the last picture shows a good circuit.

    thanks

    cvf
    I agree. My post was refering to this one.
    Both testers are showing the same thing: hot/ground reversed.


    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    WESTMINSTER CO
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    Default Re: I don't get it....

    THANKS JP


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