The problem you are describing is sometimes called a "floating neutral". It is a problem with the electric service losing its ground either at the pole, or at the point of attachment to the house. It can be caused by either corrosion of the electric service drop connectors, or by a loose ground wire. In a nutshell, the CATV drop is carrying the ground for the electric service.
Sometimes when you see this, you will notice the customer's lights flickering. Sometimes it is only slight, sometimes it can be severe. In really bad cases the CATV drop will catch on fire. Yes, catch on fire. You will sometimes see the cable melting upstream of the ground block.
The only fix is to have the customer either call an electrician to check the household electric wiring, or call the local electric company to check the electric service drop.
Re: AC Voltage
Member #: 36232
Registered: 2/16/2005
Posted:
218
Name:
Rob
Occupation:
Engineer
Location:
Sunny Florida
There are 3 replies to this message
