Why would a LAP Voltage Detector be showing live current in this situation?

[Jurassic Sparks]

I use one of those volt pens purchased from my local wholesaler, it`s useful when checking switches ordination,
however it can pick up readings from roof insulation nylon carpets
stocking and suspendesr ( yes honest)
and recently it detected a copper pipe was live in the attic, turned out to be induction from its proximity to cables, although to be fair it was not yet bonded as we were using a temporary supply

 

[Leesparkykent]

The most reliable non contact voltage indicator I've found is the Martindale TEK100. For some reason I don't Know why but is the only one allowed when working on network rail contracts.

 

[TJ Anderson]

Is a basic voltmeter to GS38 then??

No it isn't, but a DIY'er is not going to have one in reality and it would be far more reliable than a volt stick. I obviously have an AVI myself.

 

[Pete999]

No it isn't, but a DIY'er is not going to have one in reality and it would be far more reliable than a volt stick. I obviously have an AVI myself.

The OP isn't a DIYer he is a builder, or so his profile says, consequently he should know better, a DIYer shouldn't be messing with safe isolation procedure, he should perhaps get someone in who is aware of the dangers, and knows how to isolate safely.

 

[TJ Anderson]

To be honest Pete, I wouldn't say a builder outranks a DIY'er when it comes to electrical know how.

 

[Pete999]

To be honest Pete, I wouldn't say a builder outranks a DIY'er when it comes to electrical know how.

Yes you maybe right there TJ.

 

[sparksburnout]

No it isn't, but a DIY'er is not going to have one in reality and it would be far more reliable than a volt stick. I obviously have an AVI myself.

I find this a very difficult situation to be honest. One argument would be that this OP obviously does not have much experience and should not be mucking about with electricity. But as you have said at least he did the right thing when he became suspicious of the non-contact tester. If we are going to stop people from "dabbling" with DIY stuff where would it end? We could adopt a (possibly European) sort of attitude that nobody is allowed to touch anything that they are not trained and competent to do. This could be anything to do with renovations to your house, or as a good example DIY car maintenance. I have just replaced the steering rack and track rod ends (along with a heap of other stuff) on my daughters car, but who knows exactly what I have done or what qualifications I have (other than common sense) to do it? The fact is I have been doing it for the last 40 years, but the MOT tester does not know if some numpty has fitted a track rod end onto half a turn of rod and that it could come adrift at any time and end up killing a bus queue full of people. Where do we draw the line? You can't even climb up a ladder these days as it is supposedly too dangerous, so by that yardstick this OP should not be going anywhere near his house electrics. Is it the nanny state? Are we becoming like a load of kids who aren't allowed to climb trees? Have I had too much home brew again???

 

[sparksburnout]

To be honest Pete, I wouldn't say a builder outranks a DIY'er when it comes to electrical know how.

I think it is the other way around judging from the builders round here.

 

[TJ Anderson]

I find this a very difficult situation to be honest. One argument would be that this OP obviously does not have much experience and should not be mucking about with electricity. But as you have said at least he did the right thing when he became suspicious of the non-contact tester. If we are going to stop people from "dabbling" with DIY stuff where would it end? We could adopt a (possibly European) sort of attitude that nobody is allowed to touch anything that they are not trained and competent to do. This could be anything to do with renovations to your house, or as a good example DIY car maintenance. I have just replaced the steering rack and track rod ends (along with a heap of other stuff) on my daughters car, but who knows exactly what I have done or what qualifications I have (other than common sense) to do it? The fact is I have been doing it for the last 40 years, but the MOT tester does not know if some numpty has fitted a track rod end onto half a turn of rod and that it could come adrift at any time and end up killing a bus queue full of people. Where do we draw the line? You can't even climb up a ladder these days as it is supposedly too dangerous, so by that yardstick this OP should not be going anywhere near his house electrics. Is it the nanny state? Are we becoming like a load of kids who aren't allowed to climb trees? Have I had too much home brew again???

There are some very good points there particularly with reference to car maintenance and most of us do that to some degree and don't expect to be berated by a qualified car mechanic for not using a torque wrench on our wheels nuts.

On here sometimes, you can almost find myself not answering someone with a helpful answer because it could appear to others that is what I would do professionally when all you trying to do is help someone to do the best they can with what they have available as non-electricians. Bear in mind they are very likely going to do it anyway even without advice. They are adults with free choice and reasoning at the end of the day.

 

[PEG]

This subject of "is a little knowledge dangerous?" ,is indeed,a contentious one.

When it comes to correctly and safely,identifying whether a circuit is dead,whether you are a dedicated DIYer,or builder,or otherwise,i feel it is too easy to do it right.

The equipment,specified for this task,is cheaper than the family visit to McDonalds.

The method of testing is very simple to learn,if you have any aptitude at all. How am i sure? Because my eight year old can use one,including understanding basic continuity,and its' DC scale.

So,my view on this,is if you are going to get "involved" with electric,in any capacity,is, spend the money,learn the function.

Or,leave it to someone who has,or will.

 

[DuaneMHunt1976]

Get a voltage detector like the like and a lock off and do it by the book, also test the sockets you work ok as some wirers seems to get crossed over.
Volt meter and problems in to a.socket as.they are a banana connection.

 

[berks1234]

I use one of those volt pens purchased from my local wholesaler, it`s useful when checking switches ordination,
however it can pick up readings from roof insulation nylon carpets
stocking and suspendesr ( yes honest)
and recently it detected a copper pipe was live in the attic, turned out to be induction from its proximity to cables, although to be fair it was not yet bonded as we were using a temporary supply

I'm a bit concerned about where you pen has been?

Stockings and suspenders :whatchutalkingabout lol

 

[berks1234]

An approved voltage indicator plus a proving unit is what you require, there is no compromise when isolating a LV system " not a basic voltmeter"

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=s...t=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=A8dKV8eLINfBaIySv8gG

Hi, we shown a testing, and proving unit as part of our course. But we never got the chance to use on in practice.

I need to get one, and start learning more about domestic elecitricity. (I might enroll onto an electricians course).

Our teacher was pretty usless!! But at least I have the sense to realise that, and i'm certainly not not taking any chances with my safety.

 

[Jurassic Sparks]

I'm a bit concerned about where you pen has been?

Stockings and suspenders :whatchutalkingabout lol

there was a rather buxom young wench in the room and when she squeezed past me the thing light up rather brightly
I got her to repeat the exercise again to make sure
it was not an unpleasant experience even at my age
however on another job I kept my distance as the client looked like Albert steptoe in a dress, and is a well known local TV
why me ??????

 

[sparksburnout]

There was a young woman called Rita
With a volt drop across her Fangita
It came as a shocking surprise
When it lit up the back of my eyes
She said now look mate
your tools in a terrible state
and what's more its not GS38


Sorry.......

Someone else have a go: There was a buxom young wench.....

 

[telectrix]

there was a buxom young wench,

who had a face like a tench.

to save myself trouble

i bent her down double

and had her across a park bench.

 

[Sparks415]

Hi,

I purchased a LAP non-contact voltage detector to check my sockets.

One of them is cracked and needs replacing. So I went to the Consumer unit and isolated the all of my circuits.

Then I went back to the broken socket and tested it again.

Everything appeared to be fine, and I removed the socket from the wall. But something told me to test it again. It was at that point the detector flashed and turned red.

I couldn't understand why. I tested it on another socket and the same thing happened again. This only happens if I put the probe into the live pin, or touch the live terminal.

It's not a continuous alarm, but it is still worrying. So I have left it until someone can help to explain what is going on.

Try and turn off the main switch to the distribution board and see if you still get a red light flashing,i have cases where the mcb had stayed closed even you have turned off the mcb.

 

[Pete999]

Hi,

I purchased a LAP non-contact voltage detector to check my sockets.

One of them is cracked and needs replacing. So I went to the Consumer unit and isolated the all of my circuits.

Then I went back to the broken socket and tested it again.

Everything appeared to be fine, and I removed the socket from the wall. But something told me to test it again. It was at that point the detector flashed and turned red.

I couldn't understand why. I tested it on another socket and the same thing happened again. This only happens if I put the probe into the live pin, or touch the live terminal.

It's not a continuous alarm, but it is still worrying. So I have left it until someone can help to explain what is going on.

Welcome is your indicator a voltstick?

 

[ipf]

Welcome is your indicator a voltstick?

He's probably forgot, Pete...….'welcome'...….. to 2020.

 

[DPG]

Sparks415, have you got a time machine something?