1.) Vortex69 - 04/25/2013

Was going to put one in today but decided to stop. Put the GFI tester into the existing outlet and it showed that every thing was wired fine. I then turned off the breaker and the tester showed the circuit was dead. Just to be safe I put a VOM across one outlet. The voltage started at 3V but went to 10V and then back to almost 0V within about 15 seconds. Anybody ever seen this before, and if so, how did you fix it?

2.) Vortex69 - 04/25/2013

Correction: It's a GFCI outlet not GFI.

3.) Triton Rich - 04/25/2013

[B]You are likely seeing induced voltage from other circuits. When you have a live circuit wire running next to the wire on the circuit you shut off, the current running through the live wire will induce a small voltage in the dead wire. It's harmless and won't shock you. Just to be safe, whenever you work with electric, you should test between all bare wires and ground. [/B]

4.) Go Bucks - 04/25/2013

sounds like there is either an inductive or capacitive gizmo plugged in on that circuit somewhere, like an electronic power supply, motor, or whatnot. capacitors and inductors (wire coil) store a charge and when the power goes out, will dissipate the charge back into the lines. kind of like where they tell you to unplug a router and let it sit for a minute to let it reset.

the best test is to put your tongue on the line, unplug, and see how long it takes for the pain to go away... at least that's what my older brothers told me back in the day.. :re:

5.) Swamp Fox - 04/25/2013

[QUOTE=Vortex69;5392]Was going to put one in today but decided to stop. Put the GFI tester into the existing outlet and it showed that every thing was wired fine. I then turned off the breaker and the tester showed the circuit was dead. Just to be safe I put a VOM across one outlet. The voltage started at 3V but went to 10V and then back to almost 0V within about 15 seconds. Anybody ever seen this before, and if so, how did you fix it?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Vortex69;5393]Correction: It's a GFCI outlet not GFI.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Triton Rich;5394][B]You are likely seeing induced voltage from other circuits. When you have a live circuit wire running next to the wire on the circuit you shut off, the current running through the live wire will induce a small voltage in the dead wire. It's harmless and won't shock you. Just to be safe, whenever you work with electric, you should test between all bare wires and ground. [/B][/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Go Bucks;5395]sounds like there is either an inductive or capacitive gizmo plugged in on that circuit somewhere, like an electronic power supply, motor, or whatnot. capacitors and inductors (wire coil) store a charge and when the power goes out, will dissipate the charge back into the lines. kind of like where they tell you to unplug a router and let it sit for a minute to let it reset.

the best test is to put your tongue on the line, unplug, and see how long it takes for the pain to go away... at least that's what my older brothers told me back in the day.. :re:[/QUOTE]

I'm no meteorologist, but I agree with everything everyone said so far. If it were me, I'd be concerned about the flux capacitor and check it for leaks, or really I'd call an expert and have HIM check it...Then I'd use 220, 221, whatever it takes...

6.) DParker - 04/25/2013

[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;5402]I'm no meteorologist, but I agree with everything everyone said so far. If it were me, I'd be concerned about the flux capacitor and check it for leaks, or really I'd call an expert and have HIM check it...Then I'd use 220, 221, whatever it takes...[/QUOTE]



And once you've been there and done that...get the t-shirt: [URL]http://www.zazzle.com/220_221_t_shirt-235696543356546562[/URL]

7.) Jon - 04/25/2013

Completely normal, do what GoBucks suggested and voltage will go to zero for sure!
Yer good

8.) Vortex69 - 04/26/2013

Thought posting here was a [I]long shot [/I]so I joined an electrical forum.

Turns out, I was wrong about the [I]long shot[/I] thing. You guys are right on.:tu:

Thanks for your input!

9.) crookedeye - 04/26/2013

are you sure the GFI tester is in proper working order and not giving you false readings..check the batterys in it..

10.) Vortex69 - 04/26/2013

No batteries is this form of tester.

Like the tongue idea from GB. Going to try it the next time with the help of my neighbor (his tongue)
Might even trip the breaker.