Be warned !!! They really are dangerous !!

[Dazza1976]

As qualified electricians we all know we shouldnt use the neon screwdrivers to test if voltage is present, well the other day i learnt the hard way, and was lucky to come out unhurt.

I didnt have my approved voltage tester to hand, and being lazy and despite the warnings i decided to use my neon screwdriver to test if there was a voltage on a fused spur for an immersion heater. I put the screwdriver on the live terminal and put my thumb on the end, and before i knew it there was one almighty flash and BANG and sparks flew out almost like a fire work going off ! I **** myself and jumped back. The tip of the screwdriver had gone black and literally melted.

Amazingly i didnt get a shock out of it, but the fright was more than enough for me to vow NEVER to use one again, and i promptly threw it in the bin.

Have any of you ever had a bad experience using one ? It makes me wonder how they are allowed to sell them ?

 

[Sintra]

At least the "glow sticks" are non contact and won't kill you if they go wrong.

 

[mogga]

by glow sticks Im assuming you mean no contace voltace indicator thinggys IMO these have their place ie for checking the number of socketrs on a circuit to check a twin cable for juice NOT as a definitive method but as an INDICATOR used properly and correctly these are a handy tool BUT if used incorrectly they can be dangerous i allways use my test lamps to confirm but glow stick saves having to unscrew fcus ect

 

[pennywise]

I usually use a plug in tester to confirm voltage at the sockets and whilst counting, it does the polarity at the same time. I still don't entirely trust them I have had it where cables are so tight to one another above the ceiling or passing through a joist that the glow stick lights up on every cable even the one thats dead

 

[sparky1502]

i am a trainee ad i cut through 10mm shower cable with uninsulated cutters if it wasn't for the rcd they would have been washing what was left of me down the grid...i learned one thing never take the advice of a plumber when he says its dead...the tool

 

[UNG]

I usually use a plug in tester to confirm voltage at the sockets and whilst counting, it does the polarity at the same time. I still don't entirely trust them I have had it where cables are so tight to one another above the ceiling or passing through a joist that the glow stick lights up on every cable even the one thats dead

How does a plug in tester confirm the neutral and earth are connected correctly and not reversed

With regard to the voltsticks I don't have a problem with them much better than a dodgy neon driver. The only useful function a neon screwdriver performs is as a hammer tester to check your hammer is working properly

 

[pennywise]

Yes ok dead tests confirm the polarity fully, but just as a quick Live neutral reverse or a dropped conductor plug it you have saved my blushes

 

[ehs284]

Some years ago I was putting up the Christmas tree lights with my then 3 year old son. As usual not working so put neon screwdriver on live terminal and I lit up. He'd been sucking it and the whole thing was filled with spit. Never used one on anything potentially live since.

 

[solo2771]

As qualified electricians we all know we shouldnt use the neon screwdrivers to test if voltage is present, well the other day i learnt the hard way, and was lucky to come out unhurt.

I didnt have my approved voltage tester to hand, and being lazy and despite the warnings i decided to use my neon screwdriver to test if there was a voltage on a fused spur for an immersion heater. I put the screwdriver on the live terminal and put my thumb on the end, and before i knew it there was one almighty flash and BANG and sparks flew out almost like a fire work going off ! I **** myself and jumped back. The tip of the screwdriver had gone black and literally melted.

Amazingly i didnt get a shock out of it, but the fright was more than enough for me to vow NEVER to use one again, and i promptly threw it in the bin.

Have any of you ever had a bad experience using one ? It makes me wonder how they are allowed to sell them ?

In the latest set of screwdrivers igot there was one and as soon as i opened it it went in the bin ( i don't like to be a path for electricity)
Paul

 

[Sintra]

Imagine if that little resistor failed short circuit.................

 

[Jimmy Boy]

Complacency is a killer I am fortunate enough not to be running to deadlines like your self employed over worked sparky, but please guys just think about that split second rash decision not to carry out a full isolation, proving your testers, using an approved tester...5 minutes you might save...get it wrong and your wife and kids might be on their own for Xmas dinner !..Think on...........

 

[nickblake]

i got one of these for a small calls kit great very handy they do an 18 piece version and yes it has a neon screwdriver in it Why ill never know

 

[SpannerSpark]

On my first day an sparks college the lecturer made us all remove the neons from our shiny new toolkits and smash them. If he found any "rogue" ones from then on they all got the same treatment, bl**dy good thing too. The only problem i have found with my glow stick is that initially i used it as a sanity check after i isolated and tested dead...and found it was never wrong, i think i am starting to trust it a little too much if you know what i mean.

 

[thepurple1]

If you want something safe, handy and small get a Volt stick

 

[accordfire]

If you want something safe, handy and small get a Volt stick

If you want something safe, handy, and means you'll go home in one piece at night, use a proper test meter............

 

[Des 56]

Its the only popular tester that uses the human body as the vital component to pass the current
That requirement speaks volumes dont you agree