Gaffer & Gear 34 - Testing Outlets

[@Anglesandacid]

Holy smokes that Edison screw bulb scenario is scary!! I’ll be sure to add this scenario to my science lessons when I teach the kids about circuits.

[@alexanderaleksander4272]

Over the years I've spent weeks trying to explain most of the things you've told in this video to my every new assistant. Now i'll just send them your explanation, thanks!

[@retlwiz]

Going back over your videos for gaffer tips and this is great. Your reviews are top-notch but I think I value your general gaffering videos even more. Hope we see more of them.

[@vincentzavier8109]

Andrew. just Two months ago I got electric shock due to the same scenario. I touched the thread of light while threading it in. I always worried if it damages my electrical equipments. Now that I know what is causing the problem. I will check my house electric board and change it appropriately. Most of the Electricians here in India are dumb and don't own a license. Thanks for the great knowledge. May God bless you.

[@wrightcubbins]

As long as we are talking about AC (alternating current) it is generally not dangerous for your equipment, but is VERY dangerous for people. This is one of the reasons circuit breakers switch off both poles of an electric circuit, and I recommend you to always use that, if you cant unplug something out of a socket. Also, when working on electricity, make sure someone can't accidentally plug the thing you are working on in (tape the plug up with electrical tape or whatever)

[@peterevans8194]

Great video, and I had a chuckle at the need to be careful when throwing the test switch as I have seen that done many times over the years. I am not a qualified electrician, but know a little from working in an associated trade. I would add to the video that people need to also consider that those socket testers can't pick up every type of fault. For instance they can't pick up an earth and neutral cross in the outlet. In fairness most of the testers I have seen have warning to that effect either on the unit or less ideally, in the instructions. Additionally, if the socket outlet being tested is on a "ring main" (the most common wiring practice here in the UK but not sure about Oz) you can have certain types of fault on one side of the wiring on the ring, but as long as the other side is ok, it wont detect the issue. Potentially it means that the current carrying capacity of the circuit is halved. In a domestic environment that might go unnoticed for years, but start plugging in equipment that draws a lot of current, and you can have problems. Still the outlet testers are a very useful item to have, especially if you get some short "breakout" leads or adapters for the various light bulb sockets you may come across as you will then be able to test the power to those as well. As somebody else already mentioned you can also get outlet testers that display voltage as well and they are cheap as chips.. Finally, a comment on safety...If you guys are working on electrics or electrical equipment on a busy set, i would have thought you should be using an electricians "Lock Out Kit" to stop other people inadvertently switching on a breaker or plugging in some extension cord and re energising a cct wp you are working on ? The use of Lock Out Kits is very common ( it's actually mandatory) especially for industrial electricians...

[@gdrriley420]

I've seen quite a few in the US that also have a voltage readout for like 20$. yes its 2x the price of the base or one with GFCI but its just handy to have

[@carlosmonino6993]

Your videos are really helpful

[@wrightcubbins]

As a certified electrician, I NEVER trust a normal switch to keep me from beeing electrocuted - the distance within a switch might not be enough and can arc. When you need to be safe, take it out of the socket or trip the circuit/ earth fault breaker. Also, make sure only ONE person is allowed to use the fusebox for firesafety and risk of electrocution, this best is the Gaffer (head of electrics) As an addition, power generated from a generator is not grounded. It can be grounded using an earthing pin, but always assume generated power to not be properly grounded/ don't rely on it!!!