Old metal cable clips - All seem to be live... wtf? (video)

[VinceS]

I was just removing some of the old metal cable clips and I happened to be using an voltage tester screwdriver - I was gobsmacked to see that every single one of the metal clips caused the screwdriver to light up.

I took a video incase it wasn't clear. I tested 9 clips on 3 different cables (3 on each) and they are all testing as live with the screwdriver. Cable Clips - testing live - YouTube

Is this just induction? Or is something seriously mega wrong? The rest of the house is pretty stuffed so I'm not really surprised, but still a little shocked. (see my previous post http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk...i-bought-house-major-electrical-problems.html)

 

[Sintra]

My best advice to you is to smash that thing to bits.

 

[VinceS]

heh - what thing are we talking about here? The screwdriver or the house?

 

[Engineer54]

The screwdriver... lol!!

 

[VinceS]

so nothing to worry about then? just a bit of rogue induction?

 

[AndyL]

If you don't mind I will use this clip to show my students one of the many reasons we do not use these "voltage testers"

 

[telectrix]

vince , you can rest assured that this is a case of the workman can blame his tools. neon screwdrivers are bin fodder, and voltsticks are just a ready approx. guide. not to be trusted in the real world.

 

[VinceS]

To be a case of "workman" blaming his tools I'd first have to classify as a workman. Which I probably don't

AndyL - go for it

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Yep...bin the neon. But as an aside I have known metal buckle clips to be live,it was found that the pin holding the clip in place had been slightly proud and the head had punctured the insulation and come into contact with the live core. Was causing a 'bit of a tingle' when anyone brushed past the cable clipped up a door frame....so be warned!