Open neutral

[William E. Billings]

Looking for a little information. I have found a high percentage of switch controlled receptacles with open neutral when checked with the tester. I have checked with several electrical contractor employees and find they really do not know the answer. I said this is incorrect wiring. I have checked the code book and and I believe I am correct in pointing this out.



William Billings
Billings Home Inspections LLC
Billings Inspection Services LLC
billingshomeinspections
West Palm Beach Florida

[David P. Valley]

Are you finding these numerous open neutrals in one particular home or in many homes?

Open neutrals definitely need to be deferred to a licensed Electrician.

[William E. Billings]

I am finding them in many newer homes and I am concerned.





William Billings
Billings Home Inspections
Billings Inspections services

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by wbillings

I am finding them in many newer homes and I am concerned.





William Billings
Billings Home Inspections
Billings Inspections services

Probably want to verify against another tester, to make sure it isn't that. But David is correct that open neutrals need correction.

[William E. Billings]

I have checked it against two tester I have with the same results. This is one of the better line tester not the $ 10.00 one. I have checked other homes and they are ok. One of the problems in Florida is one can do electric work without a license by working under a licensed party.

[David P. Valley]

If you are finding open nuetrals in several homes, it's either a bad tester you are using or the same lousy Electrician wiring these homes.

I hardly ever find open neutrals, period.

[Greg Fretwell]

Was this with the switch on or off

[William E. Billings]

Greg, are you saying that when the switch is off an open neutral is ok. I am only getting the open when the switch is off. does that make a difference?

[Greg Fretwell]

I am only getting the open when the switch is off. does that make a difference?

Yes, it means they are switching the neutral.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Yes, it means they are switching the neutral.

Exactly...

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Yes, it means they are switching the neutral.

Well that makes perfect sense.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by dvalley

Well that makes perfect sense.

But does your code require that only 1/2 the duplex receptacle be switched as here in Canada (unless an energized unswitched receptacle is installed adjacent a fully switched receptacle). If 1/2 the receptacle is switched through a common neutral (grounded conductor- GC), the other 1/2 which is supposed to be energized fulltime would not be operational also. For this receptacle to perform as intended by our code, the neutral terminals would have to be split also and a second fulltime neutral installed.

[Greg Fretwell]

Nope Brian, not a NEC rule although some AHJs will say a switched receptacle does not fulfill 210.52 (A). It is not actually in the code that way.

[Mike Whitt]

Originally Posted by Greg Fretwell

Nope Brian, not a NEC rule although some AHJs will say a switched receptacle does not fulfill 210.52 (A). It is not actually in the code that way.

Yes it is.

[Greg Fretwell]

Where? I don't see any reference to switched receptacles in 210.52