VOLTAGE, What's yours?

[wagne223]

Thanks. I may well have an issue. Ambiant temperature and that of cabinets is -16c. Most connections are around 1-3c, but one is at 30 something! And that terminal is discolored. It is a copper conductor leaving the main disconnect and going to the transfer switch. I tightened it, and checked temperature a few minutes later, and it's still higher. Will try again, in case it was still hot from before.

If the connection is discolored, there MAY already be impurities there from arcing.

If tightening does not help, you may need to separate, clean, and cut back to clean copper.

This happens to me occasionally on my RV hookup.

Also, what is the voltage on your other phase(aka leg)? Is it also 115, or is it higher?

 

[Industrial Toys]

It's a 2/0 conductor or thererabouts and there is not much wiggle room. I will go out later and check it again.

 

[Aquamoose]

At this point, I’d make my first move to call a licensed electrician to have him look at it!

 

[CobyRupert]

At this point, I’d make my first move to call a licensed electrician to have him look at it!

Licensed electrician?
Pffffttt!!

 

[Industrial Toys]

I checked it again. About 13c, others still at 1c or so. I tightened it pretty good, afraid I would bust the fitting (not the first time, I have done that). The allen set screw is pretty rusty looking but the fitting and copper conductor looks fine. I was also wondering about the fuse holder, which could be making that heat, but it doesn't look discolored.

 

[CobyRupert]

You should be able to measure voltages when you have a good load to see if there much drop across the connection(s) in question.
...but the abnormal temp IS suspicious.

 

[Industrial Toys]

That is a good idea. I bought myself a FLUKE megger a while ago with a great high resolution volt meter.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Well, it's a bit weird. No voltage drop or resistance from disconnect, through transfer switch to splitter. No issue from the centre of that copper conductor to the lug it's on. But the set scew is quite rusted and I can't get any readings off of it. I wonder if just the resistance of that screw playing it's little part in the connection is heating up. Wish I had a Flir!

Having said that, one connection in the splitter is a bit warm too, but nothing visible. Connections are all VERY tight, and I dare not mess with them, without having a wrench to hold the lug.

I should have grabbed my clamp meter to see just what kind of amps I am sucking.

 

[jaxs]

115 V shouldn't cause a problem but you received a lot of good advice to make sure you are getting all voltage that's coming to meter. I can only repeat what someone already said about making sure system is pulling AS MUCH LOAD AS POSSIBLE while looking for voltage drop. If anything,cold air should boost voltage/conductor carrying capacity.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

VOTAGE, What's yours?

220, 221, whatever it takes.

Classic