Low Voltage Problem: Do I Need to Rerun Wiring?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a low voltage issue encountered while replacing a light fixture with a ceiling fan. Participants explore potential causes of the low voltage and whether rerunning the wiring is necessary due to suspected defects.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the situation of having low voltage after attempting to install a ceiling fan and questions if rerunning the wiring is necessary.
  • Another participant suggests that the low voltage reading may be due to the use of a digital voltmeter picking up stray AC fields, implying that there may be no actual voltage present.
  • A third participant recommends checking for voltage at the switch and inspecting the fuse or circuit breaker for issues.
  • A fourth participant inquires about the specific voltage reading being observed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus, as there are multiple hypotheses regarding the cause of the low voltage and whether it necessitates rerunning the wiring.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the condition of the wiring and the accuracy of the voltage measurements being taken.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals dealing with electrical installations, troubleshooting low voltage issues, or those interested in home improvement projects may find this discussion relevant.

mumblemouth
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
had a hanging light in diniing room. wanted to replace with a ceiling fan but junction box would not hold a ceiling fan. so went into attic pulled existing wire only about 6 inches up to remove from junction box. placed wiring in new junction box after it was secured. after installing ceiling fan , would not turn on. tried to replace old light that was there would not turn on. tested wiring and now have low voltage... ? do i have to rerun the wiring from the outlet to the switch due to defective wiring? any other ideas?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Let me guess. You are using a digital voltmeter. I suspect it is simply picking up the AC field in the 'air' and giving you this reading. I suspect you have NO voltage. A connection is open somewhere. In this scenario I would say to myself: "What did I do that would/could cause this?"
 
Try checking for voltage at the switch.
Check the fuse or circuit breaker to see if it's good.
 

Similar threads

Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 72 ·
3
Replies
72
Views
21K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
7K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K