Bad Phone Line

After 5" of rain phone went bad.

Day 1: Loud humming


Day 2: Still crackling but phone only rings
a fraction of a second, if I answer they
are still there, just no more ringing.





Years ago I had the second line removed so I no longer need
that box on the left. Tried to remove big wire on left buy allen
wrench just turns them either way and wire will not come out.

1) As a test could I call the number and check for DC voltage
on the heavy wire and how many volts are good?

2) Just cut the incoming line and hook it to the red and green on
the little box which is where I'm pretty sure it was years ago.


Thanks

 

You no longer needed the demarc box but it's still in use because you do need it. That large black wire is the cable from the pole. It connects to that block which is grounded.... and may contain lightning protection.

Your problem is the phone line is connecting to ground thru moisture/water. It may be getting this connection at this block. It certainly looks well corroded. The only way to know for sure is to completely break the combination between the street wire and your house.

 

Long story short, for the second time it was the longest line to my kitchen. Once
I disconnected that all is fine.

I've always thought that when the phone rings the voltage will jump. Mine stays ~50 volts
even when it rings, once I answer it the voltage drops to zero.

Whatever, it works now.

Thanks Pete.

 

When the phone is "on hook".... or not connected..... you should measure anywhere from 30-48VDC. When the phone goes "off hook" it normally runs around 10VDC. Many things can change the actual voltage measured. The phone company doesn't really monitor the voltage..... they monitor current flow so they know when something is "off hook".

Ring is a different matter. They apply a 90VAC 30hz. voltage to make the phone ring.