AC wiring question - identifying neutral wire
On 29 May 2007 19:09:08 -0700, b393capt
wrote:
I half expected to see a post here that you bought yet another tool,
maybe a clamp on ammeter would probably be next, and asking more
questions.
You guessed it, I did buy a clamp on ammeter, nice little digital unit
at Home Despot for about $50. You really can't have too many tools,
and any excuse will do... :-)
As you already knew or suspected, something in the AC wiring system is
totally FUBAR. There is a significant current imbalance (amps)
between the black wire and neutral on both 50 amp legs indicating
leakage back through the green wire. The same situation exists under
generator power, with shore power totally disconnected. Any ideas on
how to safely test for leakage into the water?
I finished up rewiring the battery charger, confident that I had in
fact located neutral and green correctly, and color coded the wires
with tape for future reference.
I made a few attempts to further isolate the leakage issue but nothing
conclusive yet. One thing that is bothersome is that both 50 amp legs
have the imbalance, even though each leg should in theory be isolated
by its own double pole breaker.
Much more work needs to be done obviously. I will get to the bottom
of it eventually, and with professional help if necessary. If you're
anywhere near SW FL stop by sometime and join in the fun.
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