I have noticed that the main neutral cable going into my fuseboard is hot to the touch but the live cable not, why is this?
Also i have noticed that some of the insulation have broken away from the neutral cable aswell....should i be calling a sparky in?
2007-01-15 22:48:10 · 20 answers · asked by Guy R 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
You have a slack connection on the newtral cable inside the fuse box or in the meter, and signs of overheat because of this, could eventually cause a fire, needs urgent attention
2007-01-15 22:58:45 · answer #1 · answered by Sparky 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it is NOT a short circuit. if you have a short circuit on your incoming feeder wires, hopefully it will blow the fuse at the power line on the pole. it will also make you think a bomb just went off.
You have a loose connection. it could be the mechanical lug where the wire is connected. it be caused by over-torque when the original electrician overtighten the lug. the lug itself may be loose on the bus bar connection. if it is aluminum service entrance cable, thats probably the case. if you take that wire loose or off, while the 2 hots are still powering the panel, and lights, etc. are on, when u touch the neutral bar, it will probably be the last thing you ever touch, except the doorknob of the pearly gates...CALL AN ELECTRICIAN. IMMEDIATELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-01-16 19:13:41 · answer #2 · answered by backyard_tire_biter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, quit touching wires if you have no idea what youre doing. This is exactly how many homeowners get electrocuted. There is definately a loose connection probably where the wire connects into the panel. Its not a really great big problem but get someone who knows what they are doing to retighten the connection and retape the wires as necessary if theyre still in good condition otherwise. Hopefully youll do this before you find out what exactly a heart defiberlatter does!
2007-01-16 09:24:41 · answer #3 · answered by Arthur W 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have been an Electrician for 23 yrs. Yes you should call someone to look at it. It could be a surge or your main could be going bad or actually a number of other things. Better safe then sorry!
2007-01-16 13:20:41 · answer #4 · answered by Jody May 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call someone in.....
Let them know that the cable is heating.
As you need to ask, i suggest that you DO NOT attempt this yourself. Look for a sparkie who is registered with a governing body, like NICEIC who can self certify.
2007-01-17 20:36:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a loose connection at the point where you have noticed the insulation breaking down , DO NOT attempt to repair this yourself call a Qualified patr 'P' certified electrician in
2007-01-16 09:09:17 · answer #6 · answered by tim b 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Maybe the cables are different sizes (mm2). This could account for the generated heat. Insulation breakdown can be caused by excessive heat. Excessive heat is not normal.
2007-01-16 06:56:50 · answer #7 · answered by MMM OK 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heat = power dissapation = resistance = bad connection
insulation breaking away means that this has been going on for some time, and the plastic insulation is being cooked.
yes, you should call in an electrician
2007-01-16 06:57:04 · answer #8 · answered by Vinni and beer 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Get an electrician in to deal with it as it is too dangerous and complicated for you to deal with alone.
He may well have to do several checks with specialised equipment, and may have to remove the cut-out, if he has permission. These things are rarely as straight forward as you imagine.
2007-01-17 11:59:39 · answer #9 · answered by nigel t 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes definately!!
This is probably a loose connection and shouldn't cost too much. Don't be tempted to do it yourself as you probably don't have the insulated screwdrivers required and could easily hurt/kill yourself.
If this continues it will probably start smouldering eventually leading to a fire.
Be safe
2007-01-16 07:49:39 · answer #10 · answered by fraglon 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋