Neon Mains Testers

[The Builder]

Not a question... just a bit of info for anyone who uses one of those things where you put your finger over the end while trusting that they haven't got wet... or failed. There have been several threads recently where neon testers have been mentioned.

Plus the fact that they don't even tell you half the things you really need to know.

This is a kind of entry level mains tester. There are much more expensive professional ones, but this is a good make. Of course, I have to say, other good makes are available.........

http://www.tester.co.uk/fluke-t90-voltage-continuity-tester?gclid=CICIvuuP5skCFeoJwwodYigDdw

[Togo]

Good advice Builder. Only to be used after you have switched off or isolated the power. It was a habit for me in the day, like a final check that the beggar was not still live. Plus they were a quick check for a fuse failure on power supply boards on electronic appliances.

[The Builder]

Thanks for that, Togo.
Also used to check that a circuit IS live, and that a neutral is present.

The one I use has a digital readout for voltages, and the continuity tester is used a lot too.

[PankySmooch]

Do you mean the screwdriver type ones with the clear handle?

[The Builder]

Yep, that's the one, Panks. They are perfectly Ok if dry and undamaged. It's just that you can only find out the hard way if they're faulty.

[Togo]

Builder, a wise old hand taught me to always check my noen on a known live before a test, and then not to trust it.

[gumboil]

Yes, I agree that in an ideal world the Fluke tester recommended should be in every household toolkit. The problem is that the vast majority of the public will not be prepared to pay this amount for a reliable tester. This would especially apply to those that intend to use it for a one-off application. Regretfully, no amount of cajoling would convince them otherwise. Times are hard.

I'm well aware of the shortcomings of mains tester screwdrivers and I'd agree that putting one's confidence in these things is foolhardly. People have been killed in the past using defective main tester screwdrivers.

To my mind, one of the most useful devices for the non-professional householder is one of these or at least something similar:

http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-pen-type-voltage-tester/179657_BQ.prd

They are not overly expensive and are readily tested prior to use by simply running them on a wall where a working mains cable is located. If it doesn't bleep, chuck it.

It's considerably cheaper than a Fluke device and within the budget of most householders.

[gumboil]

It's also as well to remember that the functions on the Fluke device would be overwhelming to a householder with negligible electrical training. If this is not a case for the acronym KISS, I don't know what is.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Well said TB....however horses to water and all that!

[paddywak]

I ended up as an electrical shift charge engineer in the mines and we worked on all voltages up to 11kv and neons were not only discouraged but were actually illegal underground as non certified electrical equipment.This was what we used
http://www.trolex.com/silo/files/TX5053_IOD.pdf
There were several types available capable of sensing from about 25v up,not really of use in a domestic situation,though it was ok for finding cable runs in a wall, but it set us a standard and even though I don't do much electrical work these days I always double check I've isolated then then use a multi meter to make sure.better to be safe the sorry.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Tog 20:39..so if a "wise old hand told you not to trust a neon screwdriver"why keep telling posters to use them?

[-Talbot-]

They are not overly expensive and are readily tested prior to use by simply running them on a wall where a working mains cable is located. If it doesn't bleep, chuck it.


Are they supposed to bleep?

[gumboil]

Yes Talbot, they bleep very rapidly and flash in close proximity to electricity. The screwdriver shaped tip allows a mains acble to be tracked along a wall etc.

Apologies, I should have made it claer about the bleeping..

[-Talbot-]

I don't think the B&Q one has an audible alarm.

[gumboil]

It does Talbot. I've got one myself and it bleeps like hell anyone near mains electricity.

[gumboil]

I'd agree though that the webpage I provided the link to does not mention the alarm. Very peculiar.