Hi everyone,
Just posted this onto the alarm engineers forum but now think it should be on the Electricians forum:
I decided to service my own alarm following some internet based instructions, and a crib sheet left from an engineer who previously serviced the system 18 months ago.
Whilst the alarm appears to be working perfectly, I bought a multimeter to test the battery and mains supply and noticed that I have 14.5V AC across the neutral and earth connections of the incoming mains cable? I think the reading recorded by the engineer 18 months ago was 0.3V or 0.8V AC but he has signed the paperwork stating everything was OK.
The local electrical wholesaler said I shouldn't be getting any reading and leant me another multimeter to confirm the reading - which also showed 14.5 V AC.
I bought a plug in socket tester in case any wiring was crossed but all readings are normal for every socket in the house. I have not had any electrical work done in my home for about 4 years?
Anyone any ideas what could be causing this reading? I would have thought that the reading would be 230-250V if the was a short or crossed wires on my mains circuit. I don't think it is to do with the alarm which runs on about 13.5 v DC.
l'm a bit concerned that an electrician will charge a fortune if he says he needs to check all my mains wiring. I feel I am fairly competent and would like to try and trace the fault myself given some informed advice before resorting to an electrician.
All comments and advice welcome!
Just posted this onto the alarm engineers forum but now think it should be on the Electricians forum:
I decided to service my own alarm following some internet based instructions, and a crib sheet left from an engineer who previously serviced the system 18 months ago.
Whilst the alarm appears to be working perfectly, I bought a multimeter to test the battery and mains supply and noticed that I have 14.5V AC across the neutral and earth connections of the incoming mains cable? I think the reading recorded by the engineer 18 months ago was 0.3V or 0.8V AC but he has signed the paperwork stating everything was OK.
The local electrical wholesaler said I shouldn't be getting any reading and leant me another multimeter to confirm the reading - which also showed 14.5 V AC.
I bought a plug in socket tester in case any wiring was crossed but all readings are normal for every socket in the house. I have not had any electrical work done in my home for about 4 years?
Anyone any ideas what could be causing this reading? I would have thought that the reading would be 230-250V if the was a short or crossed wires on my mains circuit. I don't think it is to do with the alarm which runs on about 13.5 v DC.
l'm a bit concerned that an electrician will charge a fortune if he says he needs to check all my mains wiring. I feel I am fairly competent and would like to try and trace the fault myself given some informed advice before resorting to an electrician.
All comments and advice welcome!
