voltage tester

[Sonia Norman]

Hi

I am probably going to sound stupid asking this question but here goes. I have just bought a new LAP voltage tester. when testing my plug sockets using a socket test connector I am getting a reading of .410V. Now this is where I will probably sound stupid but I was expecting around the 230V as is the voltage provided in uk houses. Can someone put me right please.

sonia

 

[Leesparkykent]

Hi

I am probably going to sound stupid asking this question but here goes. I have just bought a new LAP voltage tester. when testing my plug sockets using a socket test connector I am getting a reading of .410V. Now this is where I will probably sound stupid but I was expecting around the 230V as is the voltage provided in uk houses. Can someone put me right please.sonia

this is probably your problem lol.

 

[Sonia Norman]

Is that my stupidity or the lap is crap. I have a megger multi meter. I literally just wanted the voltage tester for completing safe isolation but the readings have thrown me.

 

[SJD]

For safe isolation, you want an "Approved Voltage Indicator", plus (ideally) a Proving Unit.

 

[Sonia Norman]

According to GS38 this equipment meets the requirement. I need it for monday, screwfix is the easiest place for me to go. Would you recommend I just upgrade to the kewtech voltage tester.

 

[Sonia Norman]

why is it crap? you isolate and then using a voltage indicator carry out the 10 point check.

 

[Sonia Norman]

all i was doing was making sure it worked before hand

 

[shanky887614]

why is it crap? you isolate and then using a voltage indicator carry out the 10 point check.

that isnt a voltage indicator its a voltage tester.

gs38 covers the leads mate.

get a martindale indicator they go on forever and are reliable

a lot of lap gear is crap

 

[Guest77]

For safe isolation, you want an "Approved Voltage Indicator", plus (ideally) a Proving Unit.

A voltage indicator will prove voltage is or is not present, safe isolation is achieved by competance as well as testing equipment.

 

[davesparks]

.410V ? That's a pretty high resoloution for a cheap voltage tester!

 

[Sonia Norman]

I wanted to be sure that the voltage meter was working correctly. I will be going to get a proving unit before monday, lesson learnt.

 

[shanky887614]

A voltage indicator will prove voltage is or is not present, safe isolation is achieved by competance as well as testing equipment.

he needs a lock off kit as well if he is ttrying to prove safe isolation or he will be laughed off site.

 

[Sonia Norman]

A voltage indicator will prove voltage is or is not present, safe isolation is achieved by competance as well as testing equipment.

Yes and it proved voltage was present I was just confused by the reading. It was not what I expected.

 

[Guest77]

he needs a lock off kit as well if he is ttrying to prove safe isolation or he will be laughed off site.

Yes quite true, very true. by the way it is trying not ttrying :biggrin:

 

[telectrix]

nit picker!

 

[Octopus]

What is happening on Monday???????????

 

[Sonia Norman]

that isnt a voltage indicator its a voltage tester.

gs38 covers the leads mate.

get a martindale indicator they go on forever and are reliable

a lot of lap gear is crap

Thank you for that. I will go with your advice. We used fluke in training another lesson learnt, no good buying cheap crap. Everything is just costing so much but I know it'll be worth the expenditure in the end.

 

[shanky887614]

Yes and it proved voltage was present I was just confused by the reading. It was not what I expected.

induced voltage chuck if its 0.444 volts thats why you want a drummold test lamp or equivalent to prove dead because induced voltage doesn't affect them.

i would recommend you apply for the trainie section where they will offer yiu plenty of advice

 

[telectrix]

Yes quite true, very true. by the way it is trying not ttrying :biggrin:

how many ppppp's in pppppppppeppppperrrr.?

 

[Sonia Norman]

He is a she! I have lock off kit, I have a Megger1760, I have all my regs and all my qualifications. But yes I am a newbie.

 

[Sonia Norman]

Thank you

 

[shanky887614]

He is a she! I have lock off kit, I have a Megger1760, I have all my regs and all my qualifications. But yes I am a newbie.

fair enough

 

[Sonia Norman]

Do you know what, I have offered to work for free with numerous companies because I understand I lack the on site training. Not one company is willing to give me that chance. I'm a single mum, ex forces, reliable and trustworthy. Just trying to get back to work and provide for my family within school hours. It's impossible to get a break!

 

[Guest77]

Do you know what, I have offered to work for free with numerous companies because I understand I lack the on site training. Not one company is willing to give me that chance. I'm a single mum, ex forces, reliable and trustworthy. Just trying to get back to work and provide for my family within school hours. It's impossible to get a break!

Hence our suggestion for you to join the trainee forum, you can be helped in there and, out here you are shark bait.

 

[davesparks]

gs38 covers the leads mate.

GS38 covers both test leads and voltage detection instruments, and is availble as a free PDF

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/gs38.pdf

 

[Sonia Norman]

Thank you I have taken that on board and applied to the trainee section

 

[Guest77]

Thank you I have taken that on board and applied to the trainee section

Well I promise you we will look after you in there and also help to assist you with proper advice regarding safety proceedures, welcome to the site.

 

[davesparks]

Do you know what, I have offered to work for free with numerous companies because I understand I lack the on site training. Not one company is willing to give me that chance. I'm a single mum, ex forces, reliable and trustworthy. Just trying to get back to work and provide for my family within school hours. It's impossible to get a break!

Offering to work for free is not necessarily going to be all that attractive to employers. And if any do take you on they are likely to be somewhat unscrupulous and short on morals, you'll be treated like a free labourer.

Add you location to your profile and maybe put a post about looking for work on the forum. You might find someone who will help

 

[Pete999]

why is it crap? you isolate and then using a voltage indicator carry out the 10 point check.

Never heard of the 10 point check, can you enlighten me? oh and before anyone has a go I do know how to isolate safely, just intrigued by the 10 point check.

 

[spark 68]

Never heard of the 10 point check, can you enlighten me? oh and before anyone has a go I do know how to isolate safely, just intrigued by the 10 point check.

All probe combinations on TP+N +E

 

[Pete999]

all i was doing was making sure it worked before hand

That's part of the safe isolation procedure, and why you need a proving unit.

 

[davesparks]

Never heard of the 10 point check, can you enlighten me? oh and before anyone has a go I do know how to isolate safely, just intrigued by the 10 point check.

Point 1 - L1 - L2
2 - L1 - L3
3 - L2 - L3
4 - L1 - N
5 - L2 - N
6 - L3 - N
7 - L1 - E
8 - L2 - E
9 - L3 - E
10 - N - E

 

[Simonslimline]

Never heard of the 10 point check, can you enlighten me? oh and before anyone has a go I do know how to isolate safely, just intrigued by the 10 point check.

Maybe she means for TP?


Edit, beaten by Davesparks.

 

[telectrix]

Point 1 - L1 - L2
2 - L1 - L3
3 - L2 - L3
4 - L1 - N
5 - L2 - N
6 - L3 - N
7 - L1 - E
8 - L2 - E
9 - L3 - E
10 - N - E

and what's wrong with a wet finger on each of those shiny brass terminals?

 

[happysteve]

I think there's some folk at cross purposes here. It's not helped by Screwfix using incorrect terminology. Here's what Mark (MDF) thinks the OP is referring to:

from this web page: LAP MS8902H AC Voltage Detector Pen | Voltage Testers | NoLinkingToThis

Here is (I think) what Sonia is referring to:

... from this web page: LAP Voltage Tester | Voltage Testers | NoLinkingToThis

Note that Screwfix (and Sonia) incorrectly refer to this as a "Voltage Tester". Whether it meets the requirements of GS38 or not I don't know. But it's the right tool for the job. <-- Edit: alright, let's change that to "closer to the right tool for the job." Looking at the photo, it looks more like a glorified multimeter than an AVI. Too complicated for the job.

Screwfix also call this a "Voltage tester": Kewtech KT1780/S AC/DC Voltage Tester | Voltage Testers | NoLinkingToThis
... and that definitely is an "Approved Voltage Indicator."

So. Terminology is important. As 3 pages of posts illustrates, if you use the wrong terminology, the best that can happen is some folk get the hump, the worst that can happen is someone reads something (that's incorrect), thinks they know what they're doing, and kills themself or someone else.

Now. Where's that beer? Peace, all.

 

[spark 68]

Nah! just someone's pi$$ed in shreks beer lol

 

[davesparks]

I think there's some folk at cross purposes here. It's not helped by Screwfix using incorrect terminology. Here's what Mark (MDF) thinks the OP is referring to:

from this web page: LAP MS8902H AC Voltage Detector Pen | Voltage Testers | NoLinkingToThis

Here is (I think) what Sonia is referring to:

... from this web page: LAP Voltage Tester | Voltage Testers | NoLinkingToThis

Note that Screwfix (and Sonia) incorrectly refer to this as a "Voltage Tester". Whether it meets the requirements of GS38 or not I don't know. But it's the right tool for the job.

Screwfix also call this a "Voltage tester": Kewtech KT1780/S AC/DC Voltage Tester | Voltage Testers | NoLinkingToThis
... and that definitely is an "Approved Voltage Indicator."

So. Terminology is important. As 3 pages of posts illustrates, if you use the wrong terminology, the best that can happen is some folk get the hump, the worst that can happen is someone reads something (that's incorrect), thinks they know what they're doing, and kills themself or someone else.

Now. Where's that beer? Peace, all.

Unless you want to use GS38 terminology and call it a voltage detection instrument!

 

[DPG]

It's not so much that they are using incorrect terminology, it's more the fact that 'Voltage Tester' can mean different things, whether it's a fully approved tester or just a volt-stick. Daz

 

[Guest77]

I think there's some folk at cross purposes here. It's not helped by Screwfix using incorrect terminology. Here's what Mark (MDF) thinks the OP is referring to:

.

:smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5:

 

[DPG]

MDF, ha ha. Hi woody!

 

[Sonia Norman]

It is the second piece of equipment shown. But I am listening to the experts and in the process of getting a martindale. Thanks

 

[happysteve]

It is the second piece of equipment shown. But I am listening to the experts and in the process of getting a martindale. Thanks

You'll be right with a Martindale. And yep, join the trainee section, it's nice there.

 

[Des 56]

Do you know what, I have offered to work for free with numerous companies because I understand I lack the on site training. Not one company is willing to give me that chance. I'm a single mum, ex forces, reliable and trustworthy. Just trying to get back to work and provide for my family within school hours. It's impossible to get a break!

Difficult but not impossible sonia
Try your local contractors,not by mail but in person,turn up on their doorstep and opt for paid work as a mate,don't offer free labour,it will attract the seediest type of employer,it will do you no good

Being armed forces trained that should be a big plus in your favour in your search
the training in the forces is excellent


Oh and don't listen to recommendations of garbage,get yourself a Fluke lol

 

[Marvo]

Okay guys, please can we be less abrasive and not jump into threads boots first, whilst Sonia may be inexperienced her question had merit. I've removed some of the less savory posts.

 

[GB.Kayak]

Do you know what, I have offered to work for free with numerous companies because I understand I lack the on site training. Not one company is willing to give me that chance. I'm a single mum, ex forces, reliable and trustworthy. Just trying to get back to work and provide for my family within school hours. It's impossible to get a break!

Hi there Sonia, there are a few ex Forces on here, welcome. What were you doing in the Forces?

 

[Guest77]

Hi

I am probably going to sound stupid asking this question but here goes. I have just bought a new LAP voltage tester. when testing my plug sockets using a socket test connector I am getting a reading of .410V. Now this is where I will probably sound stupid but I was expecting around the 230V as is the voltage provided in uk houses. Can someone put me right please.

sonia

Either user error, no voltage at the socket outlet, or a faulty tester, To finish without trying to be insulting can you confirm how you actually obtained this reading with the equipment you have mentioned?

 

[Octopus]

I still want to know why Monday is important!!

 

[Sonia Norman]

Oo you probably don't want to know what I did in the forces. I was an RAF POLICEWOMAN! And Monday i am putting a new fuse board in my mums church. I'm doing the job free and have another electrician to give advice and check my work for me.

 

[Sonia Norman]

Either user error, no voltage at the socket outlet, or a faulty tester, To finish without trying to be insulting can you confirm how you actually obtained this reading with the equipment you have mentioned?

Hi I put my kewtech socket tester in my house plug socket. Put the probes into the live and neutral (correctly!) and the reading was .410 volts.

 

[Guest77]

Hi I put my kewtech socket tester in my house plug socket. Put the probes into the live and neutral (correctly!) and the reading was .410 volts.

Well back to your earlier statement sonia regarding a voltage proving unit, I agree with you that you need to get one. If when you have tested your unit with your new proving unit it becomes apparant the unit is faulty my advice would be to replace it straight away. I would suggest with a reading which you mentioned your unit is indeed faulty, I hope though it is just user error( rookie mistake) as they are not cheap.