Discussion
I am going to change over a lightswitch (see my other post)
I bought a mains tester liek so from Tesco
http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/full/bp81c_new07.jp...
You touch the mental bit on the end and then use the tip of the screwdriver on the wire.
There are no instructions with the screwdriver itself.
Are they reliable?
How can I test it without endangering myself with proper live wires to start with?
If not what should I get instead?
I bought a mains tester liek so from Tesco
http://www.maplin.co.uk/images/full/bp81c_new07.jp...
You touch the mental bit on the end and then use the tip of the screwdriver on the wire.
There are no instructions with the screwdriver itself.
Are they reliable?
How can I test it without endangering myself with proper live wires to start with?
If not what should I get instead?
When you use these testers, you become part of the circuit. That means when a fault occurs in the tester, you can get the full benefit of the voltage you are touching running through your body. Not nice.
Secondly, any fault that causes the little light to work will give you a false negative - i.e., you think the wire is dead, but in fact it is alive cos the bulb isn't working.
These are highly frowned upon by proper sparks these days for these reasons, and you really want to get hold of a meter that does not actually require you to complete the circuit, or touch the actual wire cable itself to test wiring.
Having said all that proper Part P / HSE stuff, I had previously used them for years and never got an unexpected belt (but I did test them on something I know was live before using on uncertain stuff to test the bulb).
It's really your choice, but now at least you know some of the risks you take in using one.
Secondly, any fault that causes the little light to work will give you a false negative - i.e., you think the wire is dead, but in fact it is alive cos the bulb isn't working.
These are highly frowned upon by proper sparks these days for these reasons, and you really want to get hold of a meter that does not actually require you to complete the circuit, or touch the actual wire cable itself to test wiring.
Having said all that proper Part P / HSE stuff, I had previously used them for years and never got an unexpected belt (but I did test them on something I know was live before using on uncertain stuff to test the bulb).
It's really your choice, but now at least you know some of the risks you take in using one.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff