- Joined
- 28 Apr 2004
- Messages
- 7,504
- Reaction score
- 687
- Country
But still advise people to throw them awayI suggest they are the ones with the correct knowledge and experience.
I am not included as I don’t own one.
But still advise people to throw them awayI suggest they are the ones with the correct knowledge and experience.
I am not included as I don’t own one.
The cost of trying to repair a small fan can often be greater than the cost and time of simply replacing it.
These days if any of mine go wonky I simply replace them.
You were advocating throwing a working voltstick in the bin earlier, make your mind up
The basic problem with those is that only indicate the presence of a live voltage.
As you probably know, for something to work if needs a live and a neutral. A magic wand won’t show you if the neutral is, or isn’t there. And half of circuit faults are due to the absence of the neutral. So you’ll need a proper tester.
No because if there is a small fault elsewhere on the circuit you have an induced voltage in the neutral. There is also the slim chance that the switch is wired through the neutral instead of the live. For the sake of a couple of quid it could save your life. NEVER take shortcuts or skimp on safety.
Can you elaborate on how to do this please?If you are aware of the limitations and know how to make good use of a voltstick, then yes you can detect the lack of a neutral.
Can you elaborate on how to do this please?
I use them and LED/neon screwdrivers in much the same way although I haven't owned a voltstick for a number of years. but I've been on sites where they inspect tool kits and quaranteen such items.OK, a voltstick is always the first test instrument I pick out, they are a none contact tester, so safer than using a meter and probes. If there is a break in the neutral, with the item switched the stick will light up near both live and neutral. You can run the tester tip along a live flex, shielded by your finger tips and will be able to pick up the live for around 1/3 of the diameter of the flex, or 1/2 if a two core. Lighting up for 2/3 suggest a neutral or possibly an earth break, lighting around the entire circumference on a two core suggests a neutral break. No light at all suggests the plug fuse has blown, you can check the socket is live, by holding the tip close to the plug. A series of no contact tests, so no risks involved.
You can check the voltstick is working, by rubbing it along your hairy arm.
That where I start, takes just a second and then you move to better, more involved methods.
I use them and LED/neon screwdrivers in much the same way although I haven't owned a voltstick for a number of years. but I've been on sites where they inspect tool kits and quaranteen such items.
In the wrong hands I very much agree but LED versions are so much more versatile.. Neon screwdrivers are much less safe than voltsticks..
Yes, but only if those switches actually work.Would switching off electricity on all circuits avoid this problem entirely?
...break in the neutral, with the item switched the stick will light up near both live and neutral. ...
Did you forget a word right after "switched"? I assume you meant to say switched on
If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.
Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.
Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local