Voltage on ground

[Thinkly]

I am replacing some outlets in the kitchen. I tested the ground with my voltage tester and it is indicating voltage. What could cause this?

 

[Afjes]

As I replied on another forum you posted on the pen tester can give you false readings. It can pick up from a hot wire elsewhere in the box which it is more than likely doing of the hot wire.

If you don't have an actual meter yet on hand purchase one. Preferrably an anologue meter with a dial and not digital. If you already have a digital that would be useful.

More than likely that ground is not hot.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

Some digital multimeters have a "low impedance"/LoZ mode that can let you avoid this problem. Fluke 117 and Klein MM700 are instances, but there are certainly others. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-True-RMS-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter-MM700/206517339

TRIPLETT True RMS Digital Multi-Meter with LPF and LoZ MM520 - The Home Depot

The TRIPLETT MM520 is a 6000 count high performance digital multi-meter with True RMS readings to provide better accuracy when measuring non-sinusoidal or noisy waveforms. It offers a large variety of

www.homedepot.com

 

[WorthFlorida]

Another way to pick up voltage is a shared neutral. Two circuits are sharing the neutral(white) when a 12-3 with ground is used. Kitchen counter requires two 20 amp circuit and 12-3 is used most of the time. If you turn off one, the neutral is still carrying current for the other live circuit. Voltage sensor pens may detect this.

 

[Afjes]

Or you can get something like this analogue meter for like $20.

 

[Reach4]

Or you can get something like this analogue meter for like $20.

Good point. And a dead battery would still allow the voltage and current ranges to work.

 

[LLigetfa]

Another way to pick up voltage is a shared neutral. Two circuits are sharing the neutral(white) when a 12-3 with ground is used. Kitchen counter requires two 20 amp circuit and 12-3 is used most of the time. If you turn off one, the neutral is still carrying current for the other live circuit. Voltage sensor pens may detect this.

In the OP's video, the voltage is being detected on the protection ground, not on the neutral. The protection ground should not be carrying any current in the absence of any fault.