Came across a situation that showed the weaknesses of certain NCVTs. NCVTs used: Ideal VoltAware 61-025 Fluke VoltAlert 1AC-A-II Milwaukee 2202-20 Klein Tools NCVT-3P Klein Tools NCVT-5A
2 wires (hot,neutral) are your incoming from the panel which completes a path back to source. The other two which feed the next outlet aren't connected back to the panel through this outlet so they in this case are "floating" wires which can pick up voltage from the hot wire through capacitive coupling leading to what's known as ghost voltage. Look up videos of ghost voltage and also the only way to overcome this "ghost voltage" is with a loading meter or LoZ function on a multimeter.
There is highly likely only 1 wire in that single gang box is live. You almost always have 1 hot coming in and 1 out. So to explain a little one of those brings the power in one brings it out to somewhere else. The other 2 wires are the neutral wires which just complete the circuit and let the power go back to where it came from (the main panel). One of those neutral wires comes in with one of the hot wires that brings the power in. Then the other neutral wire continues on to the next device on the circuit so it can let the power continue on the same path back through this box on its way to the main panel where it originated from.
@@brianp1553 you need to put both your your test leads on both wires from the same circuit to get a accurate reading. Or you need to at least ground your black lead to something. You cannot just use one lead. If you only use one lead you don't complete the circuit so your meter won't read right.
@@MrChiumiento you are absolutely right. i missed that part!! if he had a meter in the first place...why even bother with a volt stick....unless you dont know how to use a meter. good catch!!
OMG - use the meter leads and touch to every combo of wires in the box - only way to see where voltage drops are evident. That place is a nightmare in progress, no hint of any grounding, poor markings, etc. Sticks may indicate some voltage, but the meter used properly will clear up everything. If that's a rental, I'd move, at least get good renter's insurance and a fire extinguisher.
Nah there was just some ghost voltage I think. These old houses are honestly a mystery with their wiring sometimes. The ideal consistently was always the least sensitive I found which was nice for accuracy reasons. But it crapped out on me and I haven’t bothered getting a new one.
