oldnslo
Super Member
Where are you checking the power at? Just asking since checking incoming power would not eliminate a bad photo eye not supplying power to the light. I have had bad photo eyes cause lights to randomly work.
Electrical Mystery
- Thread starter EddieWalker
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OP
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
The power comes from a breaker in my house and goes to a box on a fence post about halfway through my yard. There, I have another line that goes to another light, but I haven't installed the light yet, so the wire is coiled up on the fence post, with a wire nut on the black wire.
From the box on the post, the 12/2 direct bury wire goes to the post. There is a box at the bottom of the post that connects that line with another 12/2 line that goes up the post to the light.
I'm testing at the base of the pole right now. My voltage test at the top of the pole reads the same as the bottom of the pole. Between 117 to 119. It's constantly fluctuating.
I connected an LED light bulb to the line. I tested it in my house first and it was super bright. Here it's very dull.
I did a search on testing for amps. From what I read, I have to move my postitive lead to the A connection and then set the switch to ACA
When I did this, at the 20m setting, I got 18.89 in the picture, but it was going up and down from 17 to 19. But it was also going back and forth to DL
Is this the correct way to test for Amps? What does DL mean? I'm thinking that DL is my problem.
From the box on the post, the 12/2 direct bury wire goes to the post. There is a box at the bottom of the post that connects that line with another 12/2 line that goes up the post to the light.
I'm testing at the base of the pole right now. My voltage test at the top of the pole reads the same as the bottom of the pole. Between 117 to 119. It's constantly fluctuating.
I connected an LED light bulb to the line. I tested it in my house first and it was super bright. Here it's very dull.
I did a search on testing for amps. From what I read, I have to move my postitive lead to the A connection and then set the switch to ACA
When I did this, at the 20m setting, I got 18.89 in the picture, but it was going up and down from 17 to 19. But it was also going back and forth to DL
Is this the correct way to test for Amps? What does DL mean? I'm thinking that DL is my problem.
LittleBill21
Elite Member
OL means overload, you have it in the wrong setting, should be on the 2. be aware you should only keep this showing amps around 10 seconds, these things have limits.
what is the voltage with the bulb lit? I see a bit of corrosion and water in that box.
murphy1244
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Make sure you test thru your meter when doing amps
OP
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
Thanks. OL Makes more sense. I'll test it again at the 2 setting and be right back.
OP
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
What does that mean?
LittleBill21
Elite Member
The voltage is more important, what is the voltage with the bulb lit.
OP
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
This is how I have my meter connected.
OP
EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
I'll do that right now too!!!
To test for amps you have to be in series with the line.
From your description I suspect a poor connection between the breaker and the the junction box.
Or a possibly a short (restive connection not enough to trip a breaker) in the wire at or going to the post where you have not yet installed a light. You might try turning the breaker all the way off and back on.
From your description I suspect a poor connection between the breaker and the the junction box.
Or a possibly a short (restive connection not enough to trip a breaker) in the wire at or going to the post where you have not yet installed a light. You might try turning the breaker all the way off and back on.
