General Tools and Instruments CA10 - Manual (Page 8)

The table below lists the possible causes of an abnormal result and suggests
remedies and additional troubleshooting steps to take.
8
Parameter
Voltage drop
Normal
Measurement
Result
0 to 8%
Actual Result
Voltage drop is
too high
Possible Cause
of Abnormal
Result
Circuit is overloaded
Conductors are too
thin for circuit
length and/or
circuit’s current
High impedance
point(s) in breaker
box or circuit
Remedy
Redistribute load
Replace wiring with
heavier-gauge conductors
suitable for circuit’s rating
Visually inspect all
connection points to detect
or rule out loose
connections and splices,
broken or improperly
attached twist-on
connectors (wire nuts), and
defective outlets. If none
are apparent, locate points
of high impedance using an
infrared thermometer (IRT)
to detect their heat, or a
voltmeter to detect
excessive voltage drops
across parts. Alternatively,
run the Z-L and Z-N
impedance tests described
in the next section on the
hot and neutral conductors;
if one conductor produces
a much higher reading than
the other, it is defective.
Repair or replace defective
wiring/parts.