When 0V Isn’t Safe – Short #242

In this short podcast episode, Bryan covers some unique electrical cases: when 0v isn't safe.

When you measure voltage, you're finding out the electrical potential between two points. Just because there is 0v between one point and another doesn't mean there will be 0v between those points and other points. Non-contact voltage detectors are good tools that measure the flux from the wiring, but they have their limitations.

A common mistake is measuring voltage across a switch. When you measure 0v across the switch, that could mean there is 0 potential to ground, neutral, or the other leg, but it could also represent a closed switch where power is actively being passed. You need to measure voltage across a load or with neutral as the other point.

You will also measure 0v when one of the legs of 240v power (with a two-pole breaker) stops making contact. You'll measure 0v between the legs, but that's because one of the legs is open. There may still be a complete path on the other leg; therefore, you will want to check for voltage between each leg and ground, not leg to leg. This condition is particularly common in pool heaters.

In some cases, the meter isn't working and will read 0 when it's set to another unit setting, isn't on (if an analog), or the leads aren't fully plugged in. Check to make sure your meter is on the correct setting, is in proper working order, and has a good connection to the leads.

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