I originally posted this as a follow on to two other streams of correspondence, but it doesn't seem to be registering so let's start again.
In summary, I have had the same problem as the two previous guys. Using a neon screwdriver, I am detecting current in a ‘floating’ earth wire in a lighting circuit. I am off to get a decent voltmeter to check just how much voltage there is in the earth. I want to make sure that I have understood the advice given in previous replies. So here goes. I check the voltage between the neutral and the earth. If this is below (what?) 30V this is ‘normal’. I should then connect the earth wire to a good earth. The induced current should run off down the earth without tripping the circuit breaker at the switchboard. Have I got this right?. Thanks. IanC.
In summary, I have had the same problem as the two previous guys. Using a neon screwdriver, I am detecting current in a ‘floating’ earth wire in a lighting circuit. I am off to get a decent voltmeter to check just how much voltage there is in the earth. I want to make sure that I have understood the advice given in previous replies. So here goes. I check the voltage between the neutral and the earth. If this is below (what?) 30V this is ‘normal’. I should then connect the earth wire to a good earth. The induced current should run off down the earth without tripping the circuit breaker at the switchboard. Have I got this right?. Thanks. IanC.