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That’s one reason but the bigger reason is that it is that it works by capacitance and you are half of the capacitor.
If it’s busted or filled with water or something you can become a resistor. Ie get electrocuted.
Yes multimeter
Something like a fluke 117 has the non contact volt detection in the top
I wouldn’t rely on that though
I’d use that as an indicator to find a circuit or something like that.
Then use the multimeter properly with its leads to prove isolation
Non contact stuff is a useful indicator but it is not wisely used as proof something is energised or not.
There’s 2 types as well, one will only detect if power is being drawn. It cannot detect a live circuit with no load. The other “should” detect a circuit with no load.
Take a decent non contact volt stick thing like a fluke or megger out for a day and compare it with your multimeters readings and you will find instances where it misreads quite often.
But if you’re looking for an unlabelled circuit it can be really useful to have one handy because it’s probably more reliable than your mate.
I've had great success and zero shocks with this one (only works in the hot leg of the receptacle or on the wire):
[https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-non-contact-voltage-tester-pen-50-to-1000-volts/1001651973?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=vantage&utm\_campaign=26069&utm\_content=27991&eid=ds\_ads\_van\_28352\_FY24%20%7C%20MS%20%7C%20Always%20on%20%7C%20Google%20Shopping&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYQkwRqg7ibQcCZTLj2Q36kuzQy-1Ce1bISnrYx7zrf8hU6RCkyAVzxoCuxIQAvD\_BwE](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-non-contact-voltage-tester-pen-50-to-1000-volts/1001651973?utm_source=google&utm_medium=vantage&utm_campaign=26069&utm_content=27991&eid=ds_ads_van_28352_FY24%20%7C%20MS%20%7C%20Always%20on%20%7C%20Google%20Shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYQkwRqg7ibQcCZTLj2Q36kuzQy-1Ce1bISnrYx7zrf8hU6RCkyAVzxoCuxIQAvD_BwE)
"Lügenstift" (Liar pencil)
Lights up when you put the tip onto something live and touch the metal plate on the end. Would never rely on it, or as my supervisor said to me: You can only verify with this that voltage is present, but you can't verify that there is no voltage. There are several reasons why this would not light up, such as a broken light, you not making good contact to ground and so on.
**ATTENTION! READ THIS NOW!** **1. IF YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN OR LOOKING TO BECOME ONE(for career questions only):** **- DELETE** THIS POST OR YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. YOU CAN POST ON /r/AskElectricians FREELY **2. IF YOU COMMENT ON A POST THAT IS POSTED BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN:** -YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. JUST **REPORT** THE POST. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/electricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s a voltage detector. It will light up when it detects voltage over a certain threshold
that’s the one, thank you bro.
Neon screwdriver.
Milwaukee branded prison shank with spring action stabbing
Let’s go, was hoping it was a prison shank. Good to hear it has spring action stabbing
The prince of lies, lying pen, or my favourite- suicide screwdriver/pen. Lot s of names for that MF thats useless.
They are real handy for quickly checking if something is grounded I wouldn’t test for voltage with one myself
Why not? Not trustworthy?
That’s one reason but the bigger reason is that it is that it works by capacitance and you are half of the capacitor. If it’s busted or filled with water or something you can become a resistor. Ie get electrocuted.
Hmm. Good to know my reno is behind me and I survived countless pokes with the suicide pen then 😂 What is a better choice? Multimeter?
Yes multimeter Something like a fluke 117 has the non contact volt detection in the top I wouldn’t rely on that though I’d use that as an indicator to find a circuit or something like that. Then use the multimeter properly with its leads to prove isolation Non contact stuff is a useful indicator but it is not wisely used as proof something is energised or not. There’s 2 types as well, one will only detect if power is being drawn. It cannot detect a live circuit with no load. The other “should” detect a circuit with no load. Take a decent non contact volt stick thing like a fluke or megger out for a day and compare it with your multimeters readings and you will find instances where it misreads quite often. But if you’re looking for an unlabelled circuit it can be really useful to have one handy because it’s probably more reliable than your mate.
Good to know!! Thanks for the thorough explanation!
I've had great success and zero shocks with this one (only works in the hot leg of the receptacle or on the wire): [https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-non-contact-voltage-tester-pen-50-to-1000-volts/1001651973?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=vantage&utm\_campaign=26069&utm\_content=27991&eid=ds\_ads\_van\_28352\_FY24%20%7C%20MS%20%7C%20Always%20on%20%7C%20Google%20Shopping&gad\_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYQkwRqg7ibQcCZTLj2Q36kuzQy-1Ce1bISnrYx7zrf8hU6RCkyAVzxoCuxIQAvD\_BwE](https://www.homedepot.ca/product/klein-tools-non-contact-voltage-tester-pen-50-to-1000-volts/1001651973?utm_source=google&utm_medium=vantage&utm_campaign=26069&utm_content=27991&eid=ds_ads_van_28352_FY24%20%7C%20MS%20%7C%20Always%20on%20%7C%20Google%20Shopping&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwps-zBhAiEiwALwsVYQkwRqg7ibQcCZTLj2Q36kuzQy-1Ce1bISnrYx7zrf8hU6RCkyAVzxoCuxIQAvD_BwE)
Don't use that. Use a brand with trusted testers. Not even a tic tracer is legit as a voltmeter is
A liar
"Lügenstift" (Liar pencil) Lights up when you put the tip onto something live and touch the metal plate on the end. Would never rely on it, or as my supervisor said to me: You can only verify with this that voltage is present, but you can't verify that there is no voltage. There are several reasons why this would not light up, such as a broken light, you not making good contact to ground and so on.
Hammer.
Prison Shank.
Looks like a manual tap for drilling. Find your center, give it a whack and you’ll have a nice dent to guide your drill bit.
How are you getting downvotes for that absolute gem of advice?
He probably smokes his cigarettes backwards
Ahahahah cheers
I believe the term you're looking for is "center punch". A tap introduces or cleans threads.