Replacing electrical outlet

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Hi folks,
I’m replacing a standard 15a electrical outlet with a newer one. The old one is falling apart. I’ve replaced the outlet however when I test the outlet with a voltage tester I get a reading from both the neutral and hot slots. Every other outlet in my home only shows the hot slot as live. In addition if I touch the metal piece where the screws go with the voltage tester it also reads live as well as all the plastic on the outlet. I’ve replaced at least 50 outlets in my life time and for the life of me cannot figure this one out. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks
gas

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@Gazamon,

Quote:

I get a reading from both the neutral and hot slots

Gaz I presume you're measuring from 'ground'

Quote:

the metal piece where the screws go

I s'poze, Mon, u have ref to the metal box that houses the outlet. If that's the case, then I'm still at kind of a loss as to where your're measuring from, that is where you're holdin' the black prod

Quote:

as well as all the plastic on the outlet

Hard to understand how plastic could 'measure hot'

Apparetly you're newcomer to a2k, welcome. We have some really smart guys here, and I'm hopin' we'll hear from some, who might better understand your prob

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@Gazamon,

You are using the touch type voltage sensor? Maybe in this case, a regular VOM might be better. Sometimes the touch type will detect voltage all over the outlet because the hot wire is showing presence all over it.

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@seac,

Seac I presume the 'touch type' depends on some sort of capitative coupling. Indeed one of the reasons I don't use a 'modern' device with high input resistance

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@dalehileman,

Yes Dale, the touch sensor works on capacitive coupling. There is an explanation of why the white wire shows active voltage, it is here;
http://www.fluke.com/fluke/uses/comunidad/fluke-news-plus/articlecategories/electrical/capacitivevoltage

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@seac,

Thanks Seac for that link

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Replacing electrical outlet

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