Socket fault

[coopersim]

I've got a problem with a double socket that doesn't work, I've had a look and it appears to be a ring or radial circuit, two lives, neutrals BUT three earths - no voltage present at live and neutral, but 50v between the third earth (sleeved differently) and live / neutral

Why would there be a third earth?

 

[stem]

If it's in a kitchen it's possible it was used for supplementary bonding any metalwork in the room, such as pipes or a stainless steel draining board. The only way to know for sure is to trace it.

Diagram here

 

[coopersim]

Ah, I see, I suppose that's a possibility, although it's no where near a bathroom or kitchen.

So, could this be a real problem then? 50v across an earth cable and no power to the socket?

 

[bhm1712]

well....yes it could, but what are you using to measure the voltage with? a digital multimeter?

 

[coopersim]

Yes, a multimeter