A few questions -
Has the light dimming always occured, or has it started recently?
Does the dimming only last for a second or two while the motor is starting, or do the lights stay dim until the motor stops?
Is the dimming severe enough to affect the operation of other appliances. For example, does it cause "shrinking" of a TV picture
when the motor starts?
Some degree of dimming when a motor starts is normal and not a hazard. Dimming is due to the motor's starting inrush current, which can be from 3 to 6 times the normal running current.
If the dimming (or voltage drop) can be observed (measured) on branch circuits supplied from both panels, it indicates that the voltage drop that is causing it is occuring on the line side of the service equipment, that is, in the transformer or service drop conductors.
Ed
[This message has been edited by electric-ed (edited 12-08-2002).]
