Neon test screwdriver. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

TheBrit · 03-07-2004, 03:46 AM

I have a neon test screwdriver, and I am wondering if I am using it right. Basically, it has the metal screw bit, a neon tube setup, leading through to a brass bump at the top. How do I use it to test if a wire is live?

kazoo · 03-07-2004, 12:26 PM

It is used by touching the wire you wish to test with the screwdriver tip while touching the part at the end of the handle with your hand. If the neon light glows, the wire is energized.

Personally, I don't trust a circuit to be de-energized unless I've verified disconnection at the point of distribution. Electrocution, unlike love, is forever.

TheBrit · 03-07-2004, 01:36 PM

In that case, a question. As my name suggests, I am in the UK, but I don't think the power supply matters (I am using a 240V neon.)
I put the screwdriver on what I know to be a live positive wire, and I do what I am meant to, it glows.
I put the screwdrive on what I know to be a connected neutral wire, repeat, and no glow.
Does that mean it is save to grasp a live neutral wire?
What is the function of it?

Edit:
Right, I have likened this to my more extensive knowledge of DC.
Live (or HOT in America?) is +240V (in DC terms, lets forget about alternation)
Neutral is 0V.
Correct?

Mephisto2 · 03-07-2004, 10:52 PM

To be honest, I would direct your queries to qualified electricians and not anonymous posters on an internet site!

Hey, I'm one of them, but when it comes to matters of life, death and safety, I much prefer to actually see who I'm talking to and ensuring they know what they're talking about.

Mr Mephisto

kazoo · 03-08-2004, 08:15 AM

Mr Mephisto makes a valid point, and for the record, I am a contractor and instructor with 25+ years experience.

I give the neutral equal respect. Any time your body completes a circuit, you will get bitten.

Regarding the function of the neutral, I cannot speak about how things are wired in the UK, as I'm not familiar with overseas power distribution systems.

TheBrit · 03-08-2004, 01:11 PM

Not a matter of life and death, I turn the breaker off. More a matter of curiosity.

03-07-2004, 03:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheBrit Psycho	Neon test screwdriver. I have a neon test screwdriver, and I am wondering if I am using it right. Basically, it has the metal screw bit, a neon tube setup, leading through to a brass bump at the top. How do I use it to test if a wire is live?

03-07-2004, 12:26 PM	#2 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	It is used by touching the wire you wish to test with the screwdriver tip while touching the part at the end of the handle with your hand. If the neon light glows, the wire is energized. Personally, I don't trust a circuit to be de-energized unless I've verified disconnection at the point of distribution. Electrocution, unlike love, is forever. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

03-07-2004, 01:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
TheBrit Psycho	In that case, a question. As my name suggests, I am in the UK, but I don't think the power supply matters (I am using a 240V neon.) I put the screwdriver on what I know to be a live positive wire, and I do what I am meant to, it glows. I put the screwdrive on what I know to be a connected neutral wire, repeat, and no glow. Does that mean it is save to grasp a live neutral wire? What is the function of it? Edit: Right, I have likened this to my more extensive knowledge of DC. Live (or HOT in America?) is +240V (in DC terms, lets forget about alternation) Neutral is 0V. Correct? Last edited by TheBrit; 03-07-2004 at 01:58 PM..

03-08-2004, 08:15 AM	#5 (permalink)
kazoo Psycho Location: Where the night things are	Mr Mephisto makes a valid point, and for the record, I am a contractor and instructor with 25+ years experience. I give the neutral equal respect. Any time your body completes a circuit, you will get bitten. Regarding the function of the neutral, I cannot speak about how things are wired in the UK, as I'm not familiar with overseas power distribution systems. __________________ There ain't nothin' more powerful than the odor of mendacity -Big Daddy

03-07-2004, 10:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Mephisto2 Junkie	To be honest, I would direct your queries to qualified electricians and not anonymous posters on an internet site! Hey, I'm one of them, but when it comes to matters of life, death and safety, I much prefer to actually see who I'm talking to and ensuring they know what they're talking about. Mr Mephisto

03-08-2004, 01:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
TheBrit Psycho	Not a matter of life and death, I turn the breaker off. More a matter of curiosity.