Electrician tools?
Question:What is an induction type circuit tester used for electrician's work? Doing some house work and one tool they say to use is a "Circuit Tester - Induction Type". No picture in the book though. Thanks.
Answers:
They are non-contact Voltage detectors you simply place near a wire,outlet switch are any energized device press button and will light up and beep (depending on model) if voltage is present great safety device, you do not have to touch the metal like other Voltmeters. Grander Bender, Fluke, Green-lee are all some companies who make them below is the link to Lowes that shows Non-contact induction type testers. If this link doesn't work try www.lowes,com and look under electrical tools and testers. Many other places also sell them, but here are a couple good examples, also try Sears. Fluke is the best testers and Meters available they sell them at Sears and on there website they are built for Professional use , I have personally used many many brands have found none better than Fluke, but they are also generally the most expensive. I also have a Gardner Bender from Lowes it works ok and I have a pair of Wire Strippers, I also bought from Lowes with voltage detector in handle works good.. Also checkout link for Sears they have a couple of good examples of iduction testers and in ther big tool catalog they sell some models Fluke Meters, it is up to you which one you buy , I like Lowes,. becuase I always get good service and fair prices There are many brands of good electrical tester and tools out there remember your life is on the line, also match if going to use in Trade you want Heavy Duty for Ocasional use a good quality light duty well cared for tools will do. A touchless voltage dector should be used with a good multimeter, are wiggy voltage tester, but the induction tester is a great tool, I work in a very large industrial factory as an Electrician, I sometimes have to work in junction boxes with numerous different circuits up to 50 are more wires with mutilple power sources, I check each source with voltmeter and lockout, but because so many unmarked wires I have more than once found a live wire in the box with touchless dectector, also good troubleshooting device when looking for broken wire. Remeber your life is on the line always test any Electrical tester you use on a known power source before using it as a safety check , verify all your test equipment operation often and check for damage and store them carefully to prevent damage , also make sure the circuit will not come on by trying to turn on a device, after turning off main power and locking out. . I have had a lead go bad on my multimeter and give a false no voltage reading, luckly I tried to energize the circuit before working on it and it came on, Number One Rule work on every circuit as if it was energized ,do not touch bare metal conductors use insulated tools and a insulated mat to stand on, read all safety precautions and operating instructions with your test equipment and the equipment you are working on. Electtrcity is dangerous be careful. If you are unsure hire a profesional licesend electrician. Below is some links for troubleshooting home wiring problems and links to electrical training and the national electric code. Remeber be Careful and Safe.ther are many books, websites, and classes for electrical training always read and follow all safety precautions. If unsure of what you are doing stop and seek advice or hire a Profesional Liscened Electrician .electricity can cause fire and hurt and kill pepole always properly ground your equipment and follow all State local and National Codes.
Flash gave allot of good detail. Simply put induction meters or circuit testers work by picking up the signal generated by current flowing through a wire. Yes I know its over simplistic so dont flame me.
the induction beeper testers sometimes beep at everything
i use a cheap test light to see if a circuit is live
About $12. They're called 'Idiot Sticks'. If you trust your life to one, you're an idiot. They can be handy, but they can also give you false readings. Usually HOT when it's not. They also have batteries that can go dead. When in doubt, use a voltage meter.
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