Petrol Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 I'm sure you are correct Cal, I 'wanted' a new drop with underground wiring from the pole for appearance and safety issues . . . I didn't want to worry about inadventantly getting the shock of my life when cleaning the gotters . . . Virginia Power may well have installed larger gauge wire when they ran the underground and set the new meter base. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted June 27, 2005 Share Posted June 27, 2005 well, if you are Adventureous, and have an AC Voltmeter, Mr. Mice ... measure the voltage at your stereo's 115 V. wall receptical ... keep watching while your Wife switches on other loads, dishwasher . etc... if the receptical voltage stays +/- 5 %, the Branch Circut wiring is not the problem still measuring this receptical, have your wife start the A/C ... again, the voltage should not vary more than +/- 5% .. actually, the National Electric Code code says 3%... but Residential jobs are never "Engineered" if the voltage drops significantly, we need to investigate the Service, and wiring to your A/c unit .. the Condensing Unit outside if it 3 tons or so, it should be wired with , say # 10 .. this will be marked on the cables jacket .. if it is 5 ton, it definitely should be # 8 if you feel comfortable enough to remove the Service Panel cover, and measure voltage there .. you can measure across any 2 pole breaker, or the main lugs ... the voltage drop here should not be more than 2% when the A/C Unit starts if you have a 60 amp Service, likely you will see a big drop .. now, see if the drop is just on 1 Phase .... if it is .. perhaps your Service Panel needs to be Balanced , that is , too many single phase loads are on one Phase ... if the wiring in the Condensing Units Feeder is too small, say, # 12, that can also cause a high amp draw when the Unit starts in this case the Hard Start Kit will help, and also prolong the life of the Compressor Motor remember .. in the Service Panel ..keep one hand in yer pocket ... ! just to be safe .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Saaay ... have you done any testing ..? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUDA Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 make sure terminals at outlet is tight,and opening in recptacle is not worn. using insulating tape, tape shaft of screw driver tighten screws in panel/fusebox. check and tighten any and all screws associated with service where accessable. although screw driver is taped also use a pair of gloves, if after this result is same loose wallet to the electrician fire works belong outside Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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