Earth with charge; supply more than 240 volts, what the...?

[pjack13]

Whoever did the wiring in my flat when it was converted from a house around ten years ago, was not too concerned about doing a really conscientious job.

A couple things I've discovered seem plain weird. However, I don't know if it's an example of slap-dash wiring, or something else.

1. The earth carries a small charge, I've checked wherever I can, but still can't find the cause.

2. I have a 290v supply. I imagine that a little above or below 240v is normal, but 290v?

What's going on? It's worrying me. Should I be worried?

Thanks.

 

[Taylortwocities]

With what are you measuring your 290 volts ?
Where are you measuring it?
On what range is the instrument set to?

 

[JohnD]

you live in a converted flat

are the meters in a communal area? can you take pics? including all the cables around them.

 

[pjack13]

Yep. I did check my meter this morning. It turns out I really can blame my tools this time around. I borrowed someone else's meter, and discovered mine was faulty.

However, the earth is still showing a charge.

Yes the supply meters are in a communal area, should I still send pics?

?
thanks

 

[JohnD]

yes please

What are you measuring the earth wire against to find your voltage? What is the voltage?

Or do you mean it is carrying a current? What is the current?

 

[RF Lighting]

It does sound like something is amiss here.

I'm thinking floating CPC, but same as you John, I'm wondering about something wrong with the incommer CNE conductor