How can you tell if a loose electric cable is live?

[pheonixxx]

Hi,

I am knocking out a boarded up alcove and i have discovered a loose electric cable. Is there a simple way of telling if this is live?

Cheers,

Pheonixxx

 

[Steve]

Yes - there are various methods, some would get you killed though.

A voltage glowstick testery thing, or a neon screwdriver are basic test tools, though neon screwdrivers are notoriously unreliable.

The best tool to use is a multimeter. They get be purchased from £5.

Another method is to trace the cable. IMO, by far the most reliable option.

 

[pheonixxx]

thanks for the reply. I have a multimeter, but dont know how to test the cable. Can you advise on this?

Many thanks

 

[Steve]

Set it to volts AC ~. If its not auto ranging, set it to minimum 300 volts.

The best way to test it is to turn off all the electricity in the house, terminate the cable into terminal blocks, and then probe the terminals when energised again.

But you can just touch the probes to the live and neutral (red and black), but be very careful not to slip - wear gloves and thick long sleeves.

 

[IJWS15]

Make it RUBBER gloves - the thick industrial type, not the ones paramedics wear!

 

[THRIPSTER]

Steve,


How do you know that a fault/short hasn't made both phase and neutral live wrt to earth? There is one very reliable item that I always carry to eliminate this possibility - a neon screwdriver. Don't knock it too much - it does have its uses and it is safer that a DIY enthusiast use it than nothing at all.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Both phase & neutral?

I can see how phase-reversal would make "neutral" 230V wrt earth, but both at a voltage wrt earth means an odd multi-phase or split-phase supply, or a L-N fault, which will take out the MCB...

Which reminds me.....

 

[pheonixxx]

Thanks for the advice, i checked it and its not live.

Cheers