For a small meeting hall we have, I cannot figure out the source of some wild voltage fluctuations. Very basic electrical system. 2 circuits used to power lights, outlets, some fans and a small public address system. Two more circuits used to power two portable AC units. The AC units use about 11a each and are 120v units.
On a regular basis, the AC units start to shake. They sound a little like a machine gun. It is very distracting and annoying. To try to figure out the problem, I have been using my meter to try and figure out what is going on. Didn't take long to find out that the voltage going to the two units is all over the place. Each unit is on a separate leg of the service. So both legs have the issue. Voltage can range anywhere from 90v all the way up to 120v. But really anytime the AC units are in use, the maximum we see on either leg is about 110 to 115.
We have to use AC as the building gets very hot when there are many people inside. We want to install a couple of 240v mini-split AC units but not sure they will work any better. Initially I thought it would be the same issue.
Then the other day I put my meter on both legs while the building was under full load. What was strange is that when metering between both hot legs, the voltage is pretty consistent at about 230v. Even when the individual legs would drop low, the two hot legs didn't have much change. At one point I had 105v on one leg, 110v on the second leg and 230v on both legs. Now I am starting to suspect a bad neutral wire.
Any suggestions or thoughts? Power company has been out several times and can't seem to find any issues. Thanks in advance for any help!
On a regular basis, the AC units start to shake. They sound a little like a machine gun. It is very distracting and annoying. To try to figure out the problem, I have been using my meter to try and figure out what is going on. Didn't take long to find out that the voltage going to the two units is all over the place. Each unit is on a separate leg of the service. So both legs have the issue. Voltage can range anywhere from 90v all the way up to 120v. But really anytime the AC units are in use, the maximum we see on either leg is about 110 to 115.
We have to use AC as the building gets very hot when there are many people inside. We want to install a couple of 240v mini-split AC units but not sure they will work any better. Initially I thought it would be the same issue.
Then the other day I put my meter on both legs while the building was under full load. What was strange is that when metering between both hot legs, the voltage is pretty consistent at about 230v. Even when the individual legs would drop low, the two hot legs didn't have much change. At one point I had 105v on one leg, 110v on the second leg and 230v on both legs. Now I am starting to suspect a bad neutral wire.
Any suggestions or thoughts? Power company has been out several times and can't seem to find any issues. Thanks in advance for any help!