How to test a neon screwdriver

[greencoat]

Hi all,

just read the large post from ages ago on neon screwdrivers .

and I absolutely don't want to start another but ;

How would you quickly then test one with a multimeter? I've had several neons over the years as backups for a simple check, but I've got one now which lights up when you are touching both ends of it. Seems odd to me.


Cheers,

Pete

 

[breezer]

you dont you throw it away.

seriously throw it away


you cant test a neone "tester" screwdriver with an ordainairy dmm

 

[greencoat]

You mean throw it away because it shouldn't light from contact at both ends, or throw it away because they're useless/dangerous ?

Pete

 

[breezer]

useless / dangerous

 

[Kes]

I've got one now which lights up when you are touching both ends of it.

Have you tried the multimeter across your fingers?

Rgds.

 

[greencoat]

I know what you mean, It's just that it's the only one of several neons which has lit doing this. Maybe just more sensitive. ( the neon not me )


Pete

 

[JohnD]

You can get a simple tester with two probes that will do the job... I use a Steinel where one probe has a biggish handle (with finger protectors) and a small metal point, in the handle are a row of LEDs to indicate voltage (from memory, something like 6v/12v/25v/50v/100v/200v/400v, plus a polarity/AC/DC indicator.

the other probe is just a simple one with finger protectors and a small metal point. You touch one probe to earth or to neutral, and prod the other at whatever you want to test.

There is a double-insulated cable between the two probes.

There should be fuse inside one of the probes.

The whole thing can be put in a biggish pocket; it is small, simpler and quicker to use than a meter for identifying live circuits. It is also accurate enough for the job.

 

[greencoat]

Yes John, I was looking at voltage indicators yesterday. I must admit though, for the price of the ones I saw, (£45-£70) I'd have been tempted to invest in a new DMM.

I suppose that price is miniscule too, compared to if you had a problem with a duff neon.......................


Thanks for all advice,


Pete

 

[JohnD]

Mine is much thinner than the ones I've seen recently - not much bigger than a fat fountain pen. No torch, no buzzer, no semiconducor testing, just volts. Suits me fine!

Not like

or

 

[simon_d]

i have one of those. still going strong after 3-4 years, altho i have replaced the wire between the to parts 2 month ago