ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Lights blinking

My son says his house lights blink when a washing machine cycles and I suspect a loose connection or bad switching device. What is the best way to check a circuit breaker for deterioration? I've heard you can check voltage drop from line side-to-load side of a breaker using the millivolt scale. Is this a good check? Any wisdom from experience will be most appreciated.

First off, this is not a DIY forum. Not to be rude ... but that's the way it is. Many of our regulars also monitor the DIY places.

Otherwise - put that meter away!. If your lights are blinking as you describe, the problem can very well involve the neutral "white" wire connections. Running that problem down is best handled with some experience - and involves at least two circuits. You're looking for a loose connection somewhere.

The last time I got a call like that, it was a loose neutral at the top of the pole. The lights were like being at a disco joint. If you stood by the washing machine you could see and hear the beat. lol