Why is My 240v Line Voltage Only Measuring 16v Between Line Phases?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's measurement of only 16 volts between the line phases of a 240V single-phase electrical panel in a home. Participants explore potential reasons for this unexpected voltage reading, including equipment functionality and measurement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the measurement method, asking what device is being used to measure the voltage.
  • Another participant inquires whether the measurement was taken with the voltmeter set to AC voltage, suggesting a possible misconfiguration of the meter.
  • A participant notes that if all 120V devices are functioning, it implies that the line-to-line voltage should be 240V, indicating a potential issue with the measurement or the meter itself.
  • Concerns are raised about the possibility of losing one side of the 240V supply, which could explain the low voltage reading while still allowing some 120V devices to operate.
  • There is a suggestion to turn off all 240V appliances to see if that affects the operation of the 120V devices, indicating a potential interdependence in the electrical supply.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cause of the low voltage reading, with some attributing it to measurement error and others suggesting a loss of power on one phase. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the underlying issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified the conditions under which the measurements were taken, nor have they resolved the implications of the voltage readings on the functionality of the appliances.

moopiehead
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why am I only getting 16v between both line phases coming into my service from the meter on a 240v single phase panel for a home
 
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moopiehead said:
why am I only getting 16v between both line phases coming into my service from the meter on a 240v single phase panel for a home
What are you using to measure this?
 
moopiehead said:
why am I only getting 16v between both line phases coming into my service from the meter on a 240v single phase panel for a home
am using a flute volt,amp,digital meter
 
Give us a bit more info:

You are looking at this because you have lost power in your house or because you are just curious?

You are seeing normal voltage between lines and neutral, just not between line-line?

If you have lost power, how much have you lost:
Everywhere?
About half of outlets?
Just 250V appliance (central air)?
 
Just 240 v equipment water heater ac unit all 120 v equipment and devices work
 
Sorry if I'm teaching my granny to suck eggs but are you certain that you have V AC selected?
 
moopiehead said:
Just 240 v equipment water heater ac unit all 120 v equipment and devices work

If all devices work properly, you are getting line to line of 240 and line to neutral 120.

Either you meter is broken or you do not have it set to VAC...or perhaps you have it on the wrong scale!
 
psparky said:
If all devices work properly, you are getting line to line of 240 and line to neutral 120.

Either you meter is broken or you do not have it set to VAC...or perhaps you have it on the wrong scale!

He said his 240 volt appliances are NOT working. He has lost one side and most likely the reason the 120 volt appliances all work is because they are being fed THROUGH the 240 volt appliances. My recommendation is to turn off ALL 240 volt appliances and he will find a bunch of 120 volt things that no longer work.
 

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