Why would a wall outlet give a dim indication on a tester of hot-neutral reversed when everything appears to be wired correctly in the outlets?

Answer 1

A -dim- "hot/neutral reversed" indication means that there is -some- voltage, but less than 120V, on the neutral line, referenced to the safety ground. Ideally, the ground and neutral should be at the -same- potential, but a loose neutral connection "upstream" of this outlet will cause measurable voltage between ground and neutral. No need to swap any wires; just tighten neutral connections at all points (including outlets AND breaker panel) on the same circuit as this outlet. My guess is that whoever pulled the wire swapped the white/black wires from the point prior. Trace back the wire to the previous outlet and check the hook up. Try to swap your white/black line on the outlet and retest. If it checks ok, then the wire have been swapped from the previous point.

Answer 2

The hot and neutral wires may be reversed at another outlet or junction box along the circuit. This is because the tester is picking up the reversal of polarity elsewhere in the wiring system. It is important to check all other outlets and connections on the same circuit to ensure proper wiring.