Neon screwdrivers help!!!!

[Sparky12021986]

ok 2 part thread first is a question that i need to ask....

With regard to test equipment used by electricians state: Why the use of a screwdriver incorperating the use of a neon indicator, for verifying isolation does not comply with the requirements of GS 38...

THANKS....

and part 2 of this thread is to ask you all what is your views on the neon screwdriver as i have heard that a lot of people do not like them where as some others do like them...

 

[telectrix]

well, lenny, you're still here. focus ain't

 

[mickys86]

well, lenny, you're still here. focus ain't

Touché

 

[GLENNSPARK]

so your argument was "focused" then Lenny...

 

[Dave 85]

• given the existence of the volt stick.
  
  another piece of kit that can be trusted as far as a politician​

  ​

Well I know at college we're taught to Isolate, lock off, stick up a sign, test GS38 volt reader on a proving unit, test supply, re-test on the proving unit, put on an NBC suit, call the fire brigade bla bla bla every time we wanna take a light switch off but to be quite honest I'd rather just get the odd belt from time to time. I find a volt stick absolutely invaluable and it comes out far more often than my volt meter, Im not saying they dont fail, they do, but IMO they are very handy.

 

[GLENNSPARK]

my boss has the fluke AC11.....its a voltstick that doesn`t detect neutral backfeeds......unlike most of em.....

 

[GLENNSPARK]

look...its all very well just waveing a voltstick over cable/s, around fronts etc but for just a few minutes extra time you can use the GS38 voltage indicator and KNOW that you are working safe.....but its each to their own isn`t it.....

 

[pushrod]

I tend to use both - a proper gs38 tester the first time say on the first switch or socket and then wave a volt stick over the next ones just in case i have stupidly strayed onto a different circuit. :uhoh2:

 

[nickblake]

one of the reasons you cant use them for testing purposes is its difficult holding all the parts together after you hit them with a sledge hammer

 

[GLENNSPARK]

one of the reasons you cant use them for testing purposes is its difficult holding all the parts together after you hit them with a sledge hammer

more appropriate for neons but........

 

[nickblake]

more appropriate for neons but........

was it not neons we were talking about , opp's it does take me a while to catch up

 

[SimpleSimon]

Like Pushrod I use both, if I'm 99% certain that the circuit Ive isolated at the DB is the one Im working on than I'll use my Volt Stick.

But if I'm not too sure where the circuit is coming from/ if it's isolated than I'll dig out the GS38 biz.

 

[The Finch]

Mine gets used as a terminal screwdriver and not used for testing, usually the only time I come across mains is the supply to a fire panel or remote psu but if I need to test I use a voltage tester currently the fluke ldv2 volt light I've also got fluke multimeter and T5 tester

When I was at college doing my c&g 1851 for security systems volt sticks were just taking off, tutor told us British gas engineers were issued with fluke 1AC voltalert and if caught with neon screwdriver on them or in tool box could get in a lot of trouble

 

[stephen1974]

I appreciate that people do try and answer these questions so please dont take offence that none of the answers given really answered the question. The best help came from providing the GS 38 pdf but what the student needed was an explanation of why these things don't comply with GS 38, not 20 posts saying, cos they're crap.

I also needed to answer this question. I've never used these screwdrivers, because i've heard they are not that safe, so I don't really know how they work. Looking at GS 38 I think the resons why the don't comply would be:

Lack of sufficient insulation.
Lack of finger barriers.
Excessive bare metal exposed (more than 4mm)
Lack of safety signage (maximum voltage,
Lack of protection from a fuse.

Would this be correct?

 

[trev]

Looking at GS 38 I think the resons why the don't comply would be:

Lack of sufficient insulation.
Lack of finger barriers.
Excessive bare metal exposed (more than 4mm)
Lack of safety signage (maximum voltage,
Lack of protection from a fuse.

Would this be correct?

There is a fuse in these things but apart from the other 4 reasons, anything that passes current through your body is a bad idea. There are far better methods of testing for dead/live than these

 

[Guest111]

I have a couple of reasons why I dont like neons,firstly a spark I worked with years ago got a proper belt off one,turned out his new apprentice knocked it into a bowl of water and was frightened he,d be in trouble so he carefully dried it with a towel and put it back,second was doing a five minute favour and had a neon in my pocket so used it,and ended up getting a right belt.used to like them for terminal drivers but lately found a supplier of the little black ones you used to get at college years ago (steadfast) anyone remember them? for reference BG used to issue you with a neon made by Martindale,black thing with a small window in the side and a point rather than screwdriver tip totally useless also.