wierd wiring

[kb]

quick question:

while replacing a light fixture operated with a 3-way switch
configuration, I was "shocked" to realize that the hot wire to the
light showed a voltage of ~93VAC (relative to gnd and neutral) (with
the switches and the light bulb off). I actually did receive a pretty
good shock from the wire. I know I should have flipped the breaker,
but I never dreamed that the hot wire going to the light would float
so high (note again that this voltage/current was not sufficient to
light the bulb).

Is it possible that current running through wires parallel to the hot
wire crossed over this much voltage/current? Remember that I didn't
turn off breaker - lights in other rooms were on

I checked all the connections at the switches and in the light outlet
box and everything seemed fine.

I just never would guess that parallel crossover between wires would
generate so much voltage?

thanks

 

On Tue, 16 Mar 2004 10:34:45 -0700 kb <> wrote:

| while replacing a light fixture operated with a 3-way switch
| configuration, I was "shocked" to realize that the hot wire to the
| light showed a voltage of ~93VAC (relative to gnd and neutral) (with
| the switches and the light bulb off). I actually did receive a pretty
| good shock from the wire. I know I should have flipped the breaker,
| but I never dreamed that the hot wire going to the light would float
| so high (note again that this voltage/current was not sufficient to
| light the bulb).
|
| Is it possible that current running through wires parallel to the hot
| wire crossed over this much voltage/current? Remember that I didn't
| turn off breaker - lights in other rooms were on

Nearly the voltage, yes. Current? You only need a couple milliamps to
be shocked. It could do that.


| I checked all the connections at the switches and in the light outlet
| box and everything seemed fine.
|
| I just never would guess that parallel crossover between wires would
| generate so much voltage?

It's just a drawn out transformer/capacitor with very little current
capacity. But it doesn't take much current to shock a human.

It can get worse when wires get near current carrying wires. That's how
current transformers work, and they can produce thousands of volts to try
to get up to 5 amps to flow (at full current measuring capacity). That's
plenty enough current to kill you, and plenty enough voltage to get it
through you.

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