T&T: 2.4 volts ac

[Phil & Kate]

I almost don't want to ask the question.... I removed a 16Kbtu air conditioner
from the boat today. It''s one of two units, the other a 12K, on our 35'
downeast cruiser. It has the death rattle vibration and probably has limited
life left in it. I'll be moving the 12K to its place in the main salon. And
28K of AC seemed excessive in any case on little AMY B. But, to my questions:
I shut all the 120v AC down on the leg that serves the Air units at the panel
with main breaker for that side off. Shore power cable was still connected. To
be sure, I put the digital meter on the supply at the Air conditioner's
electric box. Ground to Black read 2.4 volts. Ground to white read 2.4 volts.
Ground to neutral 0 volts. Panel meter read 0. Nothing at the panel on that
leg worked -- no supply. I proceeded to disconnect everything. I expect to
hear that I should have disconnected the shore power, and, in retrospect, I
wish I had. However, I needed the light and it was powered from the AC
circuit.
Would wiser and more experienced heads have disconnected shore power and used
flashlights? I respect and fear 120v AC, but maybe not enough. Don't be
gentle.
Why am I reading 2.4 volts with the circuit shut down?
Thanks,

Phil Pennington
AMY B, '88 Nauset 35'
Kent Narrows