# My neighbor is... stealing my electricity. In a really dumb way. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 7, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690 "2012-08-07T03:05:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 10
**Author:** ![AaronX](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7bcc69/32.png) [@AaronX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AaronX)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/181 "2012-08-08T14:50:11Z")
Oh, thanks for explaining. Wait, does that mean you could just use 220V devices in the US without transformers? ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/182 "2012-08-08T14:53:57Z")
Are you sure this guy isn’t running a meth lab or something. Spikes in power usage are an indicator and he may not wish to have that recorded. I’d be doing as others have indicated and at least advise law enforcement. ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/183 "2012-08-08T15:00:48Z")
> [@Cicero](#): > > Are you sure this guy isn’t running a meth lab or something. Spikes in power usage are an indicator and he may not wish to have that recorded. > > I’d be doing as others have indicated and at least advise law enforcement. This might be the simplest approach - call the cops, explain about the plug and say you immediately thought “meth lab” and “grow op”. ---
**Author:** ![dexter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dc4da7/32.png) [@dexter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dexter)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/184 "2012-08-08T15:00:55Z")
> [@AaronX](#): > > Oh, thanks for explaining. > > Wait, does that mean you could just use 220V devices in the US without transformers? Well, a lot of overseas devices are designed with 50 hz instead of 60 hz in mind. But that only matters if an internal transformer or synchronous motor is inside. But yes, you could rig up a couple of 110 volt plugs to get 220 volts, as long as each is plugged into an outlet fed from opposite ends. ETA: But I wouldn’t recommend it. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/185 "2012-08-08T15:05:11Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Either way, it’s the principle. I just want to say **Thank You!!** for using the correct form of the word ‘principle’. It gets so sad and disheartening and frustrating to constantly see people use the wrong form of the word. ---
**Author:** ![PoorYorick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecccb3/32.png) [@PoorYorick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoorYorick)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/186 "2012-08-08T15:07:32Z")
Simple: Just reverse the polarity. ---
**Author:** ![Rebo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rebo/32/13005_2.png) [@Rebo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rebo)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/187 "2012-08-08T15:08:52Z")
Why does everybody think he only has one thing plugged into it? My thought is that his electricity is probably cut off for non-payment or something. He probably has a power strip and multiple things plugged into it. ---
**Author:** ![Rich\_G7subs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85e7bf/32.png) [@Rich\_G7subs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rich_G7subs)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/188 "2012-08-08T15:35:44Z")
> [@beowulff](#): > > That’s irrelevant. > It’s the fact that a current clamp needs to be clamped around only _ **one** _ conductor. Forget “phase” - the clamp reads magnetic fields, and so the _feed_ and _return_ line must be separated, because their magnetic fields cancel. So, if you try to read the current in “lamp cord” you will get zero, because both the feed and return are being read together. > > BTW: this is how a GFCI works - it reads the current in both the feed and return - if it’s not zero, current must be going somewhere it shouldn’t - like into a ground fault. 😕 I wasn’t talking about using a clamp on ammeter. ---
**Author:** ![Rich\_G7subs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/85e7bf/32.png) [@Rich\_G7subs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rich_G7subs)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/189 "2012-08-08T15:38:10Z")
> [@AaronX](#): > > Which are not the same phase: > 110 vs 220 > 220 vs 220 > ? > > Because 110 vs 220, will still give you about 110V difference, unless it’s 180 out of phase. > And I can’t see how 220 vs 220 will be out of phase, any more than 110 vs 110 will be out of phase. 😕 Huh? 220 is derived by using 2 different 110V feeds from different phases , out of your panel. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/190 "2012-08-08T15:57:46Z")
> [@Gorsnak](#): > > You’d have to split the outer jacket of the cord and clamp around one of the conductors, but you could do it without unplugging anything. That sounds safe. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/191 "2012-08-08T16:00:36Z")
The “he’s just using it to power a cd player on his patio since his outlet is broken” and “it’s building management running some common-area lights” possibilities are ruled out. From the right angle, you can tell that his patio window is open just an inch or so - so the wire is going directly into his apartment. But… this will probably not end spectacularly, I’m sorry to say. My first instinct is to damage him, but considering that I know this guy to be a) stupid, b) criminal, c) and knows where I live, I’m worried that if I escalate this into a series of acts of revenge it’s going to end up costing me more than it’s worth in entertainment value. If I was going to be home the whole time I might be more willing to risk it, but it seems like a bad gamble. If he’s enough of a dumb asshole, handling this the proper way may end up having him seek revenge anyway. I wonder if I should involve the police just for that reason - I don’t think the electrical theft in itself is worth involving the police, but maybe if he knows I’m willing to involve the police and they’ve already documented him being a dick, he would be discouraged from any future acts of revenge. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/192 "2012-08-08T16:05:07Z")
Wouldn’t there also be some law against him going onto your balcony to hook this up? I mean, it isn’t “breaking” and entering, but it has to fall under “trespass” doesn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![Hampshire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hampshire/32/4887_2.png) [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/193 "2012-08-08T16:08:15Z")
So it’s been over 36 hours. Have you talked to the landlord yet? Has he responded yet? Is the thing still plugged in? You’re a lot more patient than I would be at this point. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/194 "2012-08-08T16:12:36Z")
> [@Hampshire](#): > > So it’s been over 36 hours. > Have you talked to the landlord yet? > Has he responded yet? > Is the thing still plugged in? > You’re a lot more patient than I would be at this point. Seriously. It sounds like you still haven’t dealt with this at all except ordering the meter, **SenorBeef**. Am I wrong? It sounds like you found out about this Monday, and unless you don’t trust your landlord or something I’d have called him or her the second I saw the cord. Even if you have a problem with the landlord I’d have called there first to document it and then tried the electric company. I’m sure you’re curious to know what he’s doing with this power and of course all the anonymous strangers online are dying to know, but that’s not the main issue even if it might help you dispute an electric bill later. Talk to the landlord and then maybe the power company and this will get cleared up the fastest. Covering your bases with the police isn’t a bad idea but they may not be interested unless you’ve tried other avenues first. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/195 "2012-08-08T16:16:28Z")
Well, if I act now, he’ll remove it before I get the meter and then I won’t have any idea of what the load he’s been using has been. I won’t have the power bill for a little while yet, and even that’s not conclusive since I’ve used more AC than typical. Documenting the wattage he’s using will help me determine if it’s worth going after recovered costs and if I do, how much. ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/196 "2012-08-08T16:18:46Z")
Is there some reason you can’t just unplug it? ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/197 "2012-08-08T16:20:39Z")
Same reason, I want to see fully what he’s up to before I let him know he’s caught. If he’s just using it for like 60w or something I don’t care to try to recover costs, but if it turns out he’s running his whole apartment on it I’m going to try to get money out of it. Tipping my hands before I get the meter means I can’t prove for sure how much he was using. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/198 "2012-08-08T16:39:56Z")
At least advise the cops if nothing else- it will cover your arse. They may do nothing. But you are no worse off. ---
**Author:** ![billfish678](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@billfish678](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/billfish678)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/199 "2012-08-08T16:40:20Z")
I said this earlier but maybe you missed it. You don’t need to wait for the gadget you ordered. And using that gadget will tip him off because you are going to need to unplug the cord then plug it back in to use it. If your apartment power meters are accesable, they are not that hard to read. Turn everything off in your apartment, read the meter, wait a bit, read it again, do some math, and then you’ll know how much power he is sucking down. You can also look at you last bill and your current reading and see if he has been sucking a bunch of power down lately (ie your bill normal runs about 150 and this month its pushing 300 if things keep going at this rate). Also, like I said, check the cord. If it feels warm he ain’t just running his computer and a couple of lights. Quit ditzing around and read the meter and feel the cord. Its not rocket science. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2012, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690/200 "2012-08-08T16:41:29Z")
That’s a good point. I know where some of the meters are, but that may not cover my apartment. I’ll take a look when I go out later. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690.md?page=9) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-neighbor-is-stealing-my-electricity-in-a-really-dumb-way/630690.md?page=11)