Trusting a Volt-stick

[Mike2007]

I have used my Fluke Volt-stick on quite a few occasions and don't know if I should trust it? Yes if I can test between two conductors I would use my voltage indicator, but extraneous conductive surfaces?
I got a "Live" from the face of a FCU the other day of closed fuse holder.
How do they work anyway?

 

[Lectrician]

Umm.....

by all means have one in your tool box, but NEVER use it as a means of proving dead.

You could easilt test from an extraneous part to earth by litterally putting one side of a voltmeter/indicating device to true mother earth......ie.......the SOIL!

 

[Spark123]

They are useful for testing which one of a string of mains fairy lights is dead .
I don't think I would trust my lift to something that lights up if you rub it on your arm tho!!
I think they must work by looking for a 50Hz signal or something, can't really be magnetic field as they work when no current is being drawn.

 

[securespark]

We are told only to trust them for checking live metalwork ie switch plates or appliance cases.

 

[breezer]

my own opinion they are inly useful for novelty value.

it cant be 50hz they detect since as spark 123 pointed out, rub it up and down on your arm (must be wearing jumper) they will light up

 

[securespark]

Mine lights up when I rub it up & down bare skin.

No wonder Mrs Secure thinks I'm electric in bed!!!

 

[tim west]

They work by detecting a varying voltage induced field such as in an AC circuit or varying electrostatic voltage as caused by rubbing. Just be careful about the static, if you build up too high a static charge it could short the FET inside and leave it permanently glowing.

 

[Mike2007]

my own opinion they are inly useful for novelty value.

it cant be 50hz they detect since as spark 123 pointed out, rub it up and down on your arm (must be wearing jumper) they will light up

I don't wear jumpers just tank-tops as they are more aluring!

So binning the volt-stick off, rather than using my body as a simple test conductor what else. The idea of using your tester phase probe + PE probe to ground...is that sensible or just a laugh??
Thanks