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

 

[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.

 

[Sonia Norman]

I only bought it today so I am going to take it back anyway. I have ordered a new one and a proving unit. I completed my pat course today so I've got a meter in order too. An expensive Friday!

 

[Guest77]

I only bought it today so I am going to take it back anyway. I have ordered a new one and a proving unit. I completed my pat course today so I've got a meter in order too. An expensive Friday!

Do you mind me being rude and asking you what that cost?

 

[Sonia Norman]

The seaward prime 100 with all extensions was £359 in vat and the martindale tester and probing unit was £129 inc. phew

 

[Guest77]

The seaward prime 100 with all extensions was £359 in vat and the martindale tester and probing unit was £129 inc. phew

Crikey relatively cheap compaired to other courses we have heard about, I have seen many posts where the members starting them have mentioned upwards of a grand for a pat testing course, you at under 500 all in have got away without being scanked, probing units are around 80 notes usually so you are not being ripped off with the price of the test kit at least.

 

[Simonslimline]

Crikey relatively cheap compaired to other courses we have heard about, I have seen many posts where the members starting them have mentioned upwards of a grand for a pat testing course, you at under 500 all in have got away without being scanked, probing units are around 80 notes usually so you are not being ripped off with the price of the test kit at least.

I think the seaward prime 100 is a pat tester, not a course?

 

[Sonia Norman]

Crikey relatively cheap compaired to other courses we have heard about, I have seen many posts where the members starting them have mentioned upwards of a grand for a pat testing course, you at under 500 all in have got away without being scanked, probing units are around 80 notes usually so you are not being ripped off with the price of the test kit at least.

Mi have bought the voltage indicator and proving unit so £129 isn't that bad either. The seaward was the pat tester we used in the course and it was frat. And u agree overall a great price.

 

[Guest77]

I think the seaward prime 100 is a pat tester, not a course?

well that seems cheap fella, I have seen pat testers at 3k, the seaward must be a basic bit of kit then?

 

[Guest77]

Mi have bought the voltage indicator and proving unit so £129 isn't that bad either. The seaward was the pat tester we used in the course and it was frat. And u agree overall a great price.

well for decent indicators and a proving unit 129 is pretty good, I paid about the same for my ethos kit, mind you the indicators were digital and also were continuity testers.

 

[Sonia Norman]

It does the stuff I need. Has class1, class2, ext. holds 500 results comes with 425v, 110v and 230v ext. generally I'll be doing offices, churches etc. so perfect bit of kit for me.

 

[Deleted member 72666]

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.

Can you not get to shadow this chap for a while?