Are Socket Testers Worthwhile?

[Pete E]

Another thread mentioned those plug in socket testers that use three or four LEDs to indicate wiring faults on the socket...

Just wondering if these have any real value especially on a ring main?

I can't see that they would pick up a continuity issue unless say both 1/c and o/g cables were disconnected in the socket effectively leaving it dead? And if a person managed to cross the L&N wires from just one of the cables in the socket, on a ring it would surely trip the MCB/RCD on the main board?

So all in all, their use seems very limited? Or am I missing something?

Regards,

Peter

 

[Octopus]

They are slightly more useful than a volt stick ..................

 

[NDG Elecs]

They are slightly more useful than a volt stick ..................

........which is a lot more useful than a neon driver!

 

[Strima]

........which is a lot more useful than a neon driver!

Which are all more useful than an apprentice.

 

[Taylortwocities]

They don't make the tea either!

 

[pirate]

neon driver ok for checking the fuse in a plug (or plug top...)
socket tester good for quick check to see if something is wrong, but if it says it is, then you have more to do...and if it says all is well, you have more to do to make sure....thus, useful if they show a "fault", great for switching mcbs off etc if the buzzer is loud enough

 

[dmxtothemax]

Plug in testers where never designed to be relied upon,
At least not by electricians whom basically assume responsibility for the safety of there work.
Plug in testers where meant to be a quick go/no-go tools for handymen/home owners.
Electricians don't rely solely on a plug in tester, they usually back it up with other knowledge or further more reliable testing, which is known to be reliable.
May the electrons be with you !