Volt stick

[Hitch]

These volt stick pens...

Example scenario.... is this suitable...?

Motor running an agitator, "isolated and locked off"... but the electrics is such a maze and run through various panels, you have no visual check, so just have to take someone elses word for it.

Now lets say the said motor hasn't been isolated in the panel properly, but its not running.

Would waving a volt stick at the wiring into the motor show this as still being live? I assume they dont only show when there is current draw too? (motor actually running).

I get this quite a bit with motors and pumps, so a little extra peace of mind would be nice sometimes.

 

[Ruffian]

My fluke shows anything from about 80v ac present.

 

[Parm]

Doesn’t answer your question, but in a factory (which I guess where you are probably working)

Permit to work with proper lock out tag out in place

or don’t touch it

this is a common cause of accidents

 

[Maker]

They do show up live cables when no current is being drawn so it'll show you your cable is live, but I was always told you shouldn't use them to prove a non-live cable is safe, only to check a live cable is in fact live.

 

[Kayos]

Used to use them to make sure there wasn't a live pipe or boiler case, not dead testing

 

[tom2207]

at a quid a time they are handy , fair indication as to what may be going on , but test them every time you use them , I keep one in my meter bag , if nothing else the torch function is handy.

 

[brightspark]

there not to be relied up on only as an indicator rub it on your pullover and it will light up use proper test leads for anything electrical even if someone tells you the powers off or its marked on the board and you turn it off even ive had it where the db chart has been marked up wrong and stuff is still live when you've had as many shocks as ive had you wont want to be putting your fingers in without knowing. i work live often but i know its live thats why ive lived so long in the game

 

[Hitch]

Doesn’t answer your question, but in a factory (which I guess where you are probably working)

Permit to work with proper lock out tag out in place

or don’t touch it

this is a common cause of accidents

Absolutely. Its always in place, but usually relying on someones electrical kowledge of the site/machinery.
Dunno, something you've seen and double checked yourself often puts your mind at rest.

 

[Screwdriver]

I might use one to test a switch, positive confirmation of a live and positive confirmation of it being switched. I wouldn’t bet my life on a negative test “confirming” a cable is not live.

 

[Ruffian]

I use one combined with my meter and amp clamp.

Dont rely on it but handy to know if sticking your hand in somewhere that got more chance of stuff being dead rather than you.

 

[eLuSiVeMiTe]

Couldn't trust mine last week. Power was dead to the light and still showing live because of all the other wiring in the walls

Ended up turning off the main breaker for peace of mind

 

[Screwdriver]

I use one combined with my meter and amp clamp.

Dont rely on it but handy to know if sticking your hand in somewhere that got more chance of stuff being dead rather than you.

If there is any doubt, there is no doubt.

 

[Agroshield]

http://docs.healthandsafetyhub.co.uk/ERIKS/Toolbox_talks/testing-for-dead.pdf

 

[Hitch]

This would be used just as a quick visual test in conjunction with a lockout/permit procedure...
Usually prior to doing unrelated work.

It wouldn't really be viable to start pulling covers off and using test leads/meters.
The work wouldn't involve electrical, and as not electrically trained thats probably more dangerous.

 

[mdr]

They only work on AC. So would not show on DC voltage (you mentioned a motor).

 

[Ruffian]

If there is any doubt, there is no doubt.

Always going to be a little bit of doubt as the volt sticks dont do dc voltage.

 

[Screwdriver]

Always going to be a little bit of doubt as the volt sticks dont do dc voltage.

No I mean if you have any doubt about power being off, there is no doubt you shouldn’t go anywhere near it until you are certain.

 

[Brad93]

I’d rather use a multimeter

 

[mdr]

I’d rather use a multimeter

Yep. However, I prefer to use a Fluke T90 or similar. It basically has one job (well voltage and continuity).

 

[Hitch]

They only work on AC. So would not show on DC voltage (you mentioned a motor).

Usually pretty big 3ph flange/foot mounted gear... do they run on DC?