Whole wall live

[Muzungo]

I was about to put up a metal rail in my kitchen, and my buried cable detector appears to show the whole wall is live. It seems to be working - giving no signal on any other wall, and appropriate signals on live wires and metals.

There seems to be a current leak somewhere - the rail I already put up (well clear of any cable runs) shows 25V AC on my multimeter.

Obviously I know its time to steer well clear and call a sparky, but does anyone have any idea as to what the cause might be?

 

[securespark]

Is it newly plastered?

Had a leak nearby?

 

[Muzungo]

Only just moved in, but no leaks to my knowledge, and no signs of any. No recent plastering.

 

[AdrianUK]

....... the rail I already put up (well clear of any cable runs) shows 25V AC on my multimeter.

25V between the rail & where??

 

[JohnW2]

There seems to be a current leak somewhere - the rail I already put up (well clear of any cable runs) shows 25V AC on my multimeter.

25V relative to what? (i.e. where did you connect the other lead of your meter?

Kind Regards, John

 

[AdrianUK]

To JohnW2 ......snap

 

[Muzungo]

There seems to be a current leak somewhere - the rail I already put up (well clear of any cable runs) shows 25V AC on my multimeter.

25V relative to what? (i.e. where did you connect the other lead of your meter?

Kind Regards, John

Earth (mains tap on kitchen sink)

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Try connecting a 10k resistor across the multimeter leads at the same time. If voltage collapses you will know it is an artifact. Voltage without any current capability is a bit of a non-issue. Proper voltage testers will automatically provide some kind of load.