110V Electrical Question

[blueriver]

Ever since I bought this place I have had a problem with the 110 receptacles in my shed. The lights work, the welder gives me no problem.

The wires are run in conduit with a receptacle every 10' ... 6 on each side of the barn. I have never been able to use a saw, grinder ... not enough power, I can plug in a light or use my chain saw sharpener. (Circuit is 20 amp breaker)

I am getting ready for baby chicks, plugged in a 250 watt heat lamp, when I plug in the second 250 lamp they both become very dim.

Easy fix? I know a little about electricity ... what do ya'll recommend?

 

[blueriver]

P.S. Makes no difference if I am plugged into the first or last inline receptacle ...

 

[sbakf]

What is the size and length of (electrical) wire to your shed? Too small for length will give you a voltage drop - i.e., not enough power.

 

[ace10]

What's the gauge of the wires on the 20A recept circuit?

 

[mmurphy]

Sounds like a loose connection, or coroded. Can you get acces to split the circuit? Since you have conduit it should be as easy as pulling another wire.

 

[JDgreen227]

What is the size and length of (electrical) wire to your shed? Too small for length will give you a voltage drop - i.e., not enough power.

Yes, if the wire feeding the shed is too small and/or the run is too long, the length of the wire will create resistance and voltage loss will occur. Query though...you say "the welder gives me no problem"...sorry, if you are using an electric welder it will draw far in excess of the current required of a saw or grinder. Please clarify, thanks.

 

[blueriver]

What is the size and length of (electrical) wire to your shed? Too small for length will give you a voltage drop - i.e., not enough power.

Good point ... I should have noted that. Its direct from the Power Company to the meter on the barn ... I don't know the size but it's only about 12-18" from the meter to the panel.

 

[blueriver]

What's the gauge of the wires on the 20A recept circuit?

I don't know ... its in conduit. Keep in mind The nearest outlet is 6' from the panel and reacts the same as the one 60' from the panel.

 

[blueriver]

Yes, if the wire feeding the shed is too small and/or the run is too long, the length of the wire will create resistance and voltage loss will occur. Query though...you say "the welder gives me no problem"...sorry, if you are using an electric welder it will draw far in excess of the current required of a saw or grinder. Please clarify, thanks.

JD ... What I am saying is my welder is 220 on a 50 amp breaker and I can use it anytime. The 110 outlets are my problem.

 

[blueriver]

Sounds like a loose connection, or coroded. Can you get acces to split the circuit? Since you have conduit it should be as easy as pulling another wire.

I have checked at the breaker for loose connection and or corrision ... nope.

Okay explain "split the circuit" and "Should be as easy as pulling another wire"

 

[tommu56]

I think you have a neutral problem.
The way it sounds if you are inexperienced with electrical work.
do you have a ac voltmeter?
clamp ac amp meter?

and know how to use them?



tom

 

[blueriver]

I think you have a neutral problem.
The way it sounds if you are inexperienced with electrical work.
do you have a ac voltmeter?
clamp ac amp meter?

and know how to use them?



tom

You got that right I am inexperienced with electrical ... I know where the black wires should be, the nuetral wires and know where they go for 220 ... I have an ac voltmeter with no idea how they work!

 

[tommu56]

The welder doesn't use the neutral that is why I supect that is the problem.

Make a sketch of the lay out and take some pictures of the panels.

how is the shed fed?
from the house?
separate service/meter?

Do you feel comfortable opening the panels and taking some pictures.

tom

 

[blueriver]

The welder doesn't use the neutral that is why I supect that is the problem.

Make a sketch of the lay out and take some pictures of the panels.

how is the shed fed?
from the house?
separate service/meter?

Do you feel comfortable opening the panels and taking some pictures.

tom

The shed has its own meter, fed from the power company with about 12-18" of wire from the meter to the panel.

Yes I am comfortable opening the panel and taking pictures. (In the morning)

 

[tommu56]

The shed has its own meter, fed from the power company with about 12-18" of wire from the meter to the panel.

Yes I am comfortable opening the panel and taking pictures. (In the morning)

do you have access to the meters?
tom

 

[blueriver]

do you have access to the meters?
tom

?? Like can I get into the Meter itself? Or are you asking if I have access to get a different meter?

 

[tommu56]

volt meter and a clamp on amp meter

tom

 

[Willl]

Before pulling the panel cover, I'd be interested in seeing some voltage readings at first and last outlet and if possible, both legs of your 220 outlet (individually).
Readings taken with and without lights on.

 

[Willl]

Is this a sub panel off your house ?

 

[JDgreen227]

Before pulling the panel cover, I'd be interested in seeing some voltage readings at first and last outlet and if possible, both legs of your 220 outlet (individually).
Readings taken with and without lights on.

I'd wonder what kind of a reading he would get from one of those inexpensive outlet testers
that plug in and indicate wiring problems using a series of 3 lights. If an outlet is wired improperly or something is loose that would give a quick indication. Yes. I am a lazy guy when it comes to checking current.