LIVE live, LIVE neutral, LIVE earth all showing current??

[DIWHY]

Hi, just tried to replace a single switched socket (because the switch had locked up)

2 x twin + earth going in. ALUMINIUM so not sure what mmsq

Found that all 3 wires in one cable are showing live, the other is ok.

Socket appeared to be on a ring main, (1 in 1 out)
But could be a spurred spur? as no other sockets were known to go down went disconected.

Socket and system have probably been like this for years and the only known problem is a very sparky clicky heater control clock, thats prob totally unrelated

Hows the neut + earth picking up charge?
Whats the cure?

 

[dingbat]

With what did you verify the existence of a voltage? If it was a proximity tester or a 'neon' screwdriver they are inherently unreliable.

 

[ricicle]

What are you testing the cables with?

EDIT:Too fast DB

 

[DIWHY]

A neon screwdriver

 

[JohnD]

Edited:
Pop up to the high street with £8 in your pocket and buy a multimeter.

 

[dingbat]

EDIT:Too fast DB

Oh yesh!

 

[ricicle]

Neon screwdrivers are not, as dingbat has said, to be relied upon.
If you have any concerns over that circuit then either hire the services of a competant electrician or if you feel confident buy yourself a multimeter, read up on its use, and retest the voltages on the circuit.Again only do the latter if you feel confident.

 

[DIWHY]

Appreciate the need for better equipment

But how does a neon indicate if there is no charge?

 

[DIWHY]

Any? reasonably priced multimeter

Digital?

 

[ricicle]

A neon will indicate only a few volts on a wire if the voltage is there because of inductive/capacitive coupling (other live/current carrying cables laying in close proximity to isolated cables - especially on long runs)
This apparent voltage would not be enough to feel if you touched it or to power anything but the neon needs only a few milliamps to work.Please DO NOT rely on a neon screwdriver - especially to confirm if a circuit is dead!!!

 

[DIWHY]

Many thanks Ricicle