Neon screwdrivers - The most dangerous thing on earth!

Neon screwdrivers seem to get a lot of bad comments and there seems to be a lot of urban myths and legends surrounding these tools, much of which cannot be backed up with facts!
For many people a neon screwdriver is a cheap and easy way of making a quick test to see if something is live before you attempt to work on it.
Obviously a GS38 approved voltage tester is better in some circumstances, but the GS38 approved testers do have major problems as the tips are so well shielded that you often cannot make contact with the terminals.
The neon screwdrivers in this video were bought here- fave.co/1PixDK6
The neon screwdriver with continuity test was bought here- fave.co/1PixW7P

[@MrTwisted1977]

The simplicity and humbleness of every video this guy posts absolutely amazes me .helping the average diyer who would otherwise get fleeced.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the videos help ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@beauxtx1959]

"He ended up unarmed?" That sounds pretty serious!! LOLOL

[@ultimatehandyman]

LOL

[@mattybt400]

Joke of the day!

[@latifquest5363]

Looks like a Yorkshirian accent.

[@danyk666]

The GS38 seems to be what I call "Too safe to be useful" :).

[@suryanath8755]

Diode Gone Wild!😳

[@wladkol961]

I find them useful for figuring out which wire is live and which one is neutral, also if u have fuse box it can helps in finding a blown fuse. And there are plenty of fixtures/outlets that do not have ground...

[@GadgetAddict]

The safety concerns are due to the number of ways in which these neon screwdrivers can fail to show live AC. That's why you should use a proper tester like the GS38 which has built in fail safes and verification tests. Otherwise you might check for live AC with the neon screwdriver, it fails to show the presence of AC and then you touch the wire thinking it's safe.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@NotAMinifig]

or you use the GS38, see it not indicate anything because you can't reach the contact, think it's safe touch the wire and you are as bad of as you were with the neon?? (not that i think a decent meter is bad, just think that the GS38's probes are ridiculous.)

[@gaelenbolland7787]

True, but there's also the situation where if you have an open neutral somewhere, a standard volt meter won't show show any voltage either. Best bet is use both and always double check from hot to ground, and hot to neutral when using a meter.

[@fro0tyl0opy87]

That's why you have to prove that the tester works before you use it!

[@Moonstalker]

I don't know about the laws, but in my country they are mendatory in a professionnal work. However many people uses the neon screw driver. The thing about them is that they are good to spot the phase (and so does the non contact ones) but you don't know and cant know about the presence of the neutral, while the voltage tester is made to see if you have full power and everything else that is needed safty wise. I think the general public have to know that these are the testers needed for people's safety.

[@keithterry2169]

I worked for three different electrical companies. The basic neon tester was standard issue but the Drummond test lamp was the preferred item of equipment.

[@sburly2971]

I recently tested a live wire going to an outside security light with a neon screwdriver but it failed to show the wire was live even though I knew the wire was live. I tried three different neon screwdrivers and none of them illuminated but they worked fine on an electrical socket in the house🤔

[@ppdan]

Never seen a professional electrician use one of those! They all use a proper meter from a well known manufacturer. Most of them use a Fluke T5 which is nice for a electrician.

[@Pyridox]

My friend who services home oil furnaces has used one of these screw driver voltage testers for over 30 years. Yes, they may not be accurate sometimes, but he said when he gets no reading he goes to the truck and gets a regular AC tester to back it up. He uses these AC voltage screw drivers as a quick initial test in diagnosing oil heat controls.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@keithterry2169]

Standard practice is to perform a test on a "known" live contact immediately after getting a zero reading.

[@4dam63]

No matter what tester you use, you ALWAYS prove it on a know live, before AND after (twice if your going to touch the copper!!). I still dont like touching the copper even if i can see both ends of the cable, too many belts before I learnt !!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment

[@malcolmjames7388]

Another great detailed video, thanks keep em coming

[@53sindako]

I Use all of these tools except the 5 pound one , i work as an AC technician , and while connecting the AC power , these tools are a must in any toolbox .

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@MrSlimbrowser1]

When we say we do not use them, we shurely dont mean what you think. Of course in some cases these screwdrivers are useful, for example if you want to know if there is a voltage. But we will never use these to check if there is no voltage. I hope it is understandable what I want to say. You can use it at home to check if your wall socket is fine (if it lights up your wall socket probably is okay). But you should never trust these screwdrivers when they don't light up, explanations are already in the comments. Additionally the screwdriver kann indicate a voltage without a voltage being present, but that is rather an inconvenience than dangerous because you know you need to be aware of a possible endangerment.

[@chrise472001]

Just bought a small tool set from b and a and had one of the screwdriver type testers included. No idea what it was!! Thanks to your video that’s now changed cheers

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@caskwith]

Good video, I bought one of those non-contact neon type after seeing your video, super bit of kit, most used screwdriver in my kit.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@victor7530]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@556poor7]

Sounds like a simple case of use the right tool for the right job. Household use these would be fine if your working in a high voltage area may want a bit heartier tool. Thanks for the video!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment

[@fro0tyl0opy87]

Thank you and extremely well clarified U.H. It's not always the tools at fault, it's how we use them. I've been using Neon testers for 5+ years with absolutely no problems. As long as you prove that the tester is working properly before you use it and always double check what you are doing, there shouldn't be any problems. Remember, assumptions lead to disasters.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@DesAcetek]

Using the neon screwdriver is a great way to ensure the live is identified and disconnected, further testing should be carried out if in any doubt.

[@jqpublic3104]

Going to buy a set of different neon voltage testers and a more solid bit of kit after watching this, thank you.

[@DumbSkippy]

Thanks for the informative video !

[@geofflotton5292]

No real electrician would be caught dead relying on one of these. Dry skin, dry air, they won't work. DIY shouldn't even be thinking of doing work on LV.

[@davewhite4907]

Interesting and informative vid as always. I like the self test on the approved tester. Those prods look a right PIA though. Lots of terminal blocks in older equipment would have the conductive parts buried too deep to reach. The older "Martindale" neon type of tester had retractable shrouds on the probes. Probably not allowed now as being too useful in the real world! I've still got an old "Prodigee" test lamp set here with two pygmy bulbs inside a wooden box. I'd agree about the neon screwdriver. I'm a time served industrial electrician, although I haven't worked as one for many years. I've been told off at least once for using a neon screwdriver. I never really saw the problem as long as you don't use them for anything apart from AC mains. Often you would be working on three phase with no neutral supplied. There could be a dodgy earth sometimes, so no way to test if one phase was live even after isolation from a "back feed" or whatever, apart from a neon screwdriver. Bit of extra safety IMHO.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Dave some interesting points there. I have a mate that called me once as he was trying to fault find on a lighting circuit in a 1960's bungalow- there was no earth circuit on the lights and he was really struggling, but a neon would have been really useful! Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@Bunnahabhain1982]

They're terminal screwdrivers that allow you to double check the circuit you're working on is definitely the one you just turned off and locked out downstairs, and the labels on the circuits of the consumer unit are right. Of course you don't use them as your only electrical safety. I'm busy fixing the electrics of an old house. I'm using a decent RS multimeter for figuring out what is actually going on ( not technically a gs38, but much easier to use because you can get the probes in better), but it's the trusty neon screwdriver that lives on my belt that gets used all the time to double check

[@alvinashman6371]

A voltage indicator with GS 38 compliance leads is always the safest method for voltage detection or measurement. If like in this video, your probes fail to make contact with the terminals because of the thickness of the insulating sheath, Martindale sale a voltage indicator where the spring loaded sheath retract as the probes are inserted.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@davidbradley1647]

Don't ever use these!! if any qualified electrician ever some someone claiming to be a spark pulling out one of these tools, it would highlight serious questions about their capabilities

[@prockershamian3980]

The number one tool for all electricians around the world is the neon screw driver, where are you from?

[@1954BJohn]

"He did not get injured but all he needed was a clean pair of underpants" - Very funny in the nicest way - You sounded just like Colin Crompton aka Wheeltappers & Shunters. Great video - Thanks Chez!

[@ultimatehandyman]

;-)Thanks for the comment John ;-)

[@johndavies4421]

I am an electrician of 36 years standing and I thought what you said was balanced and objective and I am in complete agreement (apart from the 12v tester bit). It's a shame the nic , the iee and all the rest of the powers that be don't take a more down to earth approach with stuff. The people who make the rules never have to do the job.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment John ;-)

[@dthundergunb3115]

I use an old school wiggy tester they vibrate when they have current traveling through them. Unfortunately it doesn't help testing continuity, so I was wondering if this could be used to test continuity of a fuse?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think some wiggy testers can measure resistance, so depending on the model, you might be able to check fuses with it 👍

[@sandywoolf2883]

The video explains very well. The voltage test pen is still necessary. I bought a renhotecic brand test pen not long ago. The test is very convenient, accurate and safe. Family must.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@JuiceBanger1]

i have that lap non contact tester and i am not sure about it because, i've found that it detected when close to a plastic socket but didnt when i replaced the socket with a metal one, even though I had the power turned back on. i found that it wouldnt detect on any socket i replaced with a metal one. also last week i placed it in a socket with the faceplate of and no reading as i had the power off, but when i poked it about fats, it sounded the buzzer, so i dont know as id the power off.

[@ninelaivz4334]

I've had the no contact one for about 8 years and the battery is still going! Touching both ends of it tells you if it is working as the neon lights up. It's very sensitive though and lights up on a neutral wire but more dimly as it is next to the live wire. It saved me once. I turned of the lights at the board then run a test on wires in the attic that should have been dead and it showed they were not. Scary. It told me I don't know how these wires are wired and left them alone.

[@joejoejoe451]

I took the tips off my voltage testers, and you can also get some with screw on/removable tips. I don't use neon drivers myself as apparently they are not accurate under 80v and can give false readings and considering anything over the "touch voltage" of 50v is considered dangerous there is a small window of danger there. Seen them in plenty of toolbags on site mins you. ATB

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment Joe ;-)

[@gstarny]

the most honest opinion ever on youtube. finally we have someone like you doesn't believe all good stuffs have to be expensive

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Zaaz-km3zd]

With the cheap plastic 1s, do I have to touch the top with my bare finger ? Changing some pendants and feel nervous I will get a shock

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, you need to touch the top of the neon to make it work. If you are not 100% certain, it might be best to get an electrician to change them.

[@juanmilland549]

The pros I know including me use voltage indicator pens to detect voltage. Also a good multimeter will do. I will not risk my life over a cheap tool!

[@Rick-wj4pr]

how would you do a continuity test with the better screwdriver? i need to do one but would like to know how cheers

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can get a circuit (non energised) , put one wire on the tip and one wire on the other end of the screwdriver and if there is continuity the screwdriver will illuminate.

[@Asteroid828]

Thanks for the info' I have been reading the comments and gained some useful knowledge from both sides. I am a DIY sort of guy and have a multimeter. Unfortunately I left it at work. Didn't want to go in as I just had a small electrical issue I needed to resolve at home. Popped out to my local (2 Letter) DIY superstore purchased a plug and some lead as well as a two size pack of neon screwdrivers. Guess whet despite knowing 100% that there is power to the leads I have no light showing on either. Most important aspect when using these is that you are 100% sure they are working properly. Will go and get the multimeter I guess....

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@colincrooky]

Common sense prevails! Electronic testers can fail as you demonstrated. I always make sure I find a live to confirm the tester detects power!

[@MarkJones-gt2qd]

The only addition I would make is to test your neon screwdriver on a known live circuit before you depend on it each time... I have at least one that doesn't light up anymore. But quickly confirming that the circuit is safe using one of these has saved me from a few shocks in my time. (The RCD has saved me from a few more). That non contact pen tester looked great, any idea of the cost?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely, its always a good idea to test before and after. I think you mean this one (bargain at just £6) - www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ms8907-voltage-detector-pen/3222g

[@MarkJones-gt2qd]

***** Excellent, I will pick one up when I buy my new hedge trimmer this weekend. Thank you for the link. six quid is a bargain, methinks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely.Thanks for the comments

[@somecrapname1]

I had one and could feel a buzzing when I tested a live circuit, must say I don't use it for testing anymore!

[@richardm9550]

Yes I have found the same. I binned it and bought a have way decent digital volt meter.

[@LudoA]

The link for the £5 continuity tester screwdriver no longer works. Does anyone have a link or know the brand & model number? Can't find anything like it on Amazon.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think you mean this one- fave.co/3zMIPqp 👍

[@kickpublishing]

I quite like neon screwdrivers as they are the perfect size for screwing terminal blocks and other small electrical screws - but I would never knowingly use one as intended. They are reasonably safe unless exposed to wet - if anything bridges the contacts within the handle and bypasses the resistor then you're gonna get fried. I use a Fluke non-contact tester, its a great gadget.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@billysmart24830732]

Excellent channel, very good videos. A common trait I have noticed in all your videos that reduces a little of the "polish", is that when your hands are redundant e.g when you are explaining and not demonstrating, they move a lot which is distracting. Maybe cut to a still image? Have a second camera that records your upper half and when the demonstrating bit is over, you cut to upper body? I only mention it because I would really like to see this channel do loads more and I am guessing the more you earn, the more you will film, so the better your videos, the more I get to see and learn.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Billy, that's a great idea as I do keep moving my hands. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@jackjill3205]

Every time I get home I get a shock from the Mrs. I am definately buying one of thoes to test on her

[@JasonDunlop247]

Very useful info. Thanks as per usual......

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@jusb1066]

i find one of those socket testers with the 3 lights useful, i tend to turn off the entire electrics when im doing anything cause im paranoid anyway. perhaps a review of those socket testers might be a good thing also, good video again man.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, they are useful for sockets but not much use on a lighting circuit. Some of the socket testers such as the socket and see are very useful- kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYLLkouceNGYiJI Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@jusb1066]

yeah, there is already a tester for the lightbulb socket, someone invented it years ago!

[@markosparko7873]

Known in the trade as suicide sticks, says it all.

[@ultimatehandyman]

How many people do you know that have died using them ;-)

[@markosparko7873]

No one I know in the trade uses them.

[@paulspyker3749]

I use them. You now know someone who does.

[@Sooka_Phatwon]

I use them, now you know 2!

[@markosparko7873]

I have been a site manager for 30 years I know many professional sparks and if you came to any site of mine with one you wouldn't get back. I have had the misfortune to have a man die because of one of these giving a false indication. I say again Suicide Stick, its your life.

[@nitramretep]

Good points. I agree about the uses but there are better testers, good multimeters, but the neon screwdrivers are always around. I would suggest buying as better quality as you can afford. Non contact testers can often confuser DIY people and should be avoided. Since I am in the US (but from Harrogate) we have different rules. Good video, thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@lengthmuldoon]

Thanks mate I'm a diy fella and found this very useful

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@johnfithian-franks8276]

Hi, As far as I am concerned the more checks the better when working with electricity, You should make sure the circuit is dead before attempting and work on it but if for some reason it is still live I would always like to see a screwdriver light up and not me. keep up the good work and information.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely.Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@LeonRL]

I'm not entirely sure about your specific model, but usually the rubber insulation at the tip of the probes is removable if a greater depth is needed.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks, mine is an older model and the insulation cannot be removed- well I did cut the insulation off using a knife at work, then people kept commenting on here that the tip does not meet GS38 standards, so I applied a bit of heat shrink to the tip ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@ratchriat1716]

thanks for all your fantastic video very use full

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@leeandbeahinton]

I thought, for one terrible moment, that you were gonna condemn these nifty gadgets. I use mine as a multitool until it gets too knackered and gets demoted to "Bradawl replacement". Thanx, Dude.

[@ultimatehandyman]

They are useful to be honest, and they often fit some small slotted screws much better then insulated screwdrivers! Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@benedictearlson9044]

it's not advised to heavily use one for screwing and unscrewing as you can damage the construction leading to a loss of insulation. Best to use it to test only and use another screwdriver for the heavy lifting.

[@stephen5598]

Hi as a qualified electrician the reason why these types of testers aren't approved for use is that you have to be part of the circuit for this to work and this increases the risk of electric shock as if one component in these fail you can receive a full main voltage of what you are testing.I have never used these and never will use one as alot of these don't have fuses in they use resistors. Also there are videos by other you tubers that show you what can happen when these things go wrong. As a follow up I don't think any handyman or diy enthusiast should ever attempt to do any electrical work unless they have sort the correct training. my advice is to buy an approved set of testers if you plan on doing any electrical work.

[@erickjuma6211]

but is there any other cheap equipment you will use for testing?

[@stephen5598]

+Erick Juma there are some good meters out there for around £20-30 that will keep you alot safer if you look in some of the well known diy stores. The only reason these neons aren't good is because you are part of the circuit to make the neon light up. there are loads of non contact pens that light up when they get near live cables these aren't the best but alot safer than making yourself part of a live circuit

[@erickjuma6211]

wAit a minute check the price of fluke multimeter! !!

[@stephen5598]

+Erick Juma fluke meters are of professional quality they are one of the best brands that make test equipment. they are more expensive but worth every penny.

[@GretatheEvilGremlin]

Kew Technik kit is pretty good, and sensibly priced. Engineers usually have a digital meter of high quality, and expensive, for all things electrical. But also carry a reliable set of voltage probes for proving a dead circuit.

[@yensabi]

I've been using them for years with no problem , i just make sure it's working now and again by testing something i know is live...... Cheers chez

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@illegalfreedom1055]

I just bought one. Could I insert it in to the live in on a 3 pin socket to test if it’s working?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You could, but it's not recommended to go shoving things in sockets. You would have to override the safety cover on the socket by inserting something insulated into the sockets earth pin. Obviously you have to be very careful ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@Sequencers]

Hi I have been a qualified electrician for many years and have used the led type tester it works on the same electronics as a volt stick ( no contact required ) they come with instructions and have many uses other than mains test , fuse test, polarity of batteries, diode and lots more I have been told by other electricians they would never use them ? and have saw them do more dangerous things (working live) I would not recommend the neon type tester as you have to touch the end and like someone said if it faulty ! Zap I think it best if pos to get an electrician to do work, but it is hard to find a good tradesman these days there are so many crooks and money grabbers cheers stef

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Stef, The one with the led is very useful as you say. I was speaking to a friend the other day who is a qualified electrician and he said when he was an apprentice they used to mess with neon screwdrivers and put nails in them etc. which sounds really dangerous! It is best to get a qualified electrician to do any electrical work, but unfortunately there are some real rip off merchants out there (not just electricians), I employed one a few years back and if it was not for my knowledge he would have ripped me off! Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@brandonhutchison9864]

A *very* useful tool. And you don't need to find a neutral ffor it to display. Test it on a known live point first, as with any testing device.

[@mrcynical9368]

I stick my tongue on contacts it always works

[@mule666]

mr cynical i use my pecker 😃

[@jamesreizner2673]

And you are dead.

[@Crazytesseract]

The 1 to 1.5 MΩ resistor inside is the key to your safety. Any value less than 1 mega ohm may allow you to experience shock (240 V to 440 V AC line).

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@vmm5163]

Bought a neon screwdriver yesterday, but didn't realize the current has to go through your body. Thanks for all your info - I'm going to get the non-contact screwdriver instead.

[@Mishn0]

It's got a resistor inside that limits the current to a safe value...if it's not shorted somehow inside. If it gets wet and water provides a bypass to the resistor the current may be higher.

[@b.w.s.k.3894]

AAMOF the non-contact version is not a valid testing device - it will not show any live DC since it relies on induction from a changing magnetic field. If you want to check something so you don't touch a live line, the standard version is safe to use - if checked beforehand. If you require more accuracy than on - off: use a multimeter.

[@leexyz6398]

B.W.S.K. Hall effect sensors will pick up DC non-contact

[@vmm5163]

B.W.S.K. thanks. I bought a no contact tester - B+Q, £10, but it doesn't work through the plastic sheath as shown in this video, just on the bare wire itself, so will go for the meter

[@SolarPhantom]

I'm lost in KZbin send help

[@garrygemmell5676]

Got your SOS - Im on my way - it may be tricky to extricate you! Im stuck myself! >;o)

[@SolarPhantom]

O shit, everyone is stuck ;-;

[@thequranjourney1405]

+Sol ar im in, im in ............oh is that a cat video......ha ha..........ahoh im stuck in too this Is. To. Addictive. SOMEONE HELP

[@Kodi00]

+Sol ar IM COMING TO HELP BUT ITS DARK OUTSIDE. Oh crap I dropped my torch next to cats seeing a laser for the first time ....ohoooh did that cat just-imma be - here a while.....

[@SolarPhantom]

Ismael Deria ;-;

[@Paljk299]

Fair point, I'd prefer that non-contact voltage pen as the neon I had was so low quality and poorly made I wouldn't trust it. With the voltage testers can't you just take the probe caps off and expose a little more of the probe if needed? I have the same brand tester as you, might be the model down, and it has removable plastic caps for shielding. In general I'm paranoid about getting electrocuted.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I don't think you can remove the caps on the probes of my voltage tester, I'm sure I had to cut some of the insulation off when I was at work a few years back. People then commented about the probe not being GS38 compliant so I put some heat shrink on it LOL. Being paranoid about getting electrocuted is a good thing- it'll only happen once in most cases! Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@RexBanner_]

Great title! Definitely got my attention

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@girenloland]

No no no.... We DONT use them. If I did I would be fired

[@1982garyo]

Mine is rated at 100 to 240 v will I be able to get a reading on a 12 volt fuse on my car as im needing to check my pump if live thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

I don't think it will work, but can't say for certain as I have never tried it. A multi-meter will work though, they are relatively inexpensive now.

[@1982garyo]

Ultimate Handyman your vids are great n now the reply I'm in subscribed thanks for the help mate

[@mohammedkhan3399]

I prefer the non contact voltage indicator. Thanks for the video

[@ultimatehandyman]

Anything is better than no test at all. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@BrianBell4073]

I used these for years and got bitten a few times when they failed at just the wrong time.Test the tester (neon screwdriver) first on the live circuit. Tester is working. Circuit is live. Go and pull the fuse. Test the circuit......Nothing. One of two things has happened...the fuse was labeled correctly and is now isolated or your tester blew up and you got the wrong fuse for one of a variety of reasons. You are in for a shock. Probably OK for a DIYer, but if you are doing a lot of remedial work you would be safer spending the cash on a decent multimeter with a variety of leads. If you are doing clean install work then you probably don't even need a tester. The remedial work is usually where someone has previously screwed up....and if they made one mistake then they probably made several..

[@ari91629]

i have been using these neon lamp screwdrivers they work perfectly for me.BUT i make sure they are of sound quality and use them within the prescribed voltage range..No one will use a contact tester in high voltages@transmission lines etc.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@Mrmhibbert]

Test the CK heavy duty ones, they have 20mm of exposed metal on the end and I was testing a switch and it touched the metal switch place and popped. Some are dangerous and badly designed

[@chrisjw37]

I use the more expensive one, it's sold by CPC Farnell (mail order) It's brilliant when working with older houses when you want to be doubly sure the circuit is not live. They have saved me a shock, there was a secondary fusebox! It's also great for a quick circuit test, I have found a dodgy connection where the wire was in to far and screwed up on the insulation. I found a couple more when I checked and the insulation was burnt where only a tiny connection had been achieved in the same house. They are also great for a quick check on a new socket for continuity, saves getting the multi-meter out and trying to balance it without dropping it! They also amuse children as by joining hands and touching one end, you can demonstrate what a circuit is, obviously its just using the screwdriver detector, not voltage! It will work with upto three kids.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I do buy stuff from CPC as they sell everything and deliver very quickly ;-) Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@geoffabbotts8044]

Thanks really useful advice

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@zedman442]

Nice explanation. I inherited one from my old man, I use it because it's a handy size for terminals! I do use GS38 leads for the rest of my work though but mine do have the removable covers which tend to be more off than on just because like you mention you can fit it in the ole!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Ha Ha, thanks for the comment ;-)

[@biggurs]

The £5 one is the exact sort I bought from either poundland or 99p stores few years ago and still works with original batteries! !!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@ninelaivz4334]

Same here. Mine is 8 years now on the same battery!

[@writerNB]

Hmm... Thanks for this interesting guide. Although I worked as a (PC) Tech, I never worked on MAINS voltage equipment and wiring (unless you count PSUs which step down mains voltage to - i think- 3V or so for PC equipment). Working on MAINS voltages is SCARY... You need to know how to terminate the supply in your home correctly (at the Consumer Unit... That used to be called the Fusebox in my day), then you should test the circuit (wires) before doing any work. So here's my question: I need to replace a ceiling switch pull chord in my bathroom. In my case, there are 2 red wires that go into the unit (that will be exposed when i remove the old circular light switch housing). How would I test if there was MAINS voltage flowing in those 2 red wires with a Neon Screwdriver Tester, please? (Do I have to touch both of the red wires, or just one?) Is it best to touch one wire at at time to see which one may still be LIVE? Or.. In fact, should I just accept that its dangerous and hire a qualified electrician to install a new switch? Advice welcomed!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can test it safely using a neon screwdriver. Once the cover is removed, touch the terminals one at once, if the light is switched off only one terminal will make the neon illuminate. If the light is switched on, either terminal will make the neon illuminate. Switch off the MCB for the lighting circuit (probably either upstairs lights, or downstairs lights), then test both terminals again. If both terminals do not illuminate the neon you have probably isolated the correct circuit, but you need to test the neon screwdriver on a known live source to ensure it is still working before continuing. But if you are not 100% certain you can always call out an electrician. Thanks for the comment

[@aserta]

I've used these on occasion. There is something anyone with their head on their shoulders should do and that is to check it before using it. Every story has a grain of truth, and whilst i've never heard of anyone among my friends or family, even people i know in passing, about serious injury on account of one of these, i do believe there is a form that can harm you. IE, if they cheat on the fuse. Always check the fuse so it's made properly, heck, buy a pack of proper fuses for very cheap and you're sorted. Never had anything happen, but i did find one that had a far too big a fuse to be safe, in my mind.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@stanilastefan1687]

I have been using those neon tester for 20 years and i never had a accident with them but with non contact ones it happened to not light up when it should, so i don't trust those. Get a quality neon test light and it will never fail on you.

[@eddieprout1767]

Good info as usual...and the Wanted posters for your Barber are being printed off as i type ....

[@ultimatehandyman]

Ha Ha, I can only blame myself- I think I adjusted the guard incorrectly and took too much off. Luckily it will grow back ;-)

[@bobsden25]

Great video and subject matter.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@j7ndominica051]

To me the screwdriver is safer than a multimeter that completes the circuit with two probes. I've accidentally left one in current mode once and vaporized the probe. There might not be an obvious ground nearby for determining the live wire, when it is important for routing to a switch. Unless you are also touching the ground, the phase can't hurt. In a steel reinforced building the neon glows a little bit even without touching.

[@uncelsminor]

Clean underpants and some loo paper. As you say, all tools are dangerous if not used properly. I also 100% agree the professional sparks do use them.

[@iScoTT29]

The use of Martindale VIPD138 test lamps, retractable test probes are perfectly able to fit into any terminal due the the construction of the probes.

[@ultimatehandyman]

That looks much better than my GS38 approved tester, but at £118 its a bit expensive for the home user.Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@iScoTT29]

Yeah they are great but very expensive, its all a money making scheme if you ask me!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely. Thanks for the comments ;-)

[@compscript7973]

How do I know if one is contact only? They all say non-contact or nothing at all. I need one that only works when making contact because a non-contact will say every wire in a switch is hot and does not point out the hot one. That is great for knowing if the power is off but not for diagnosing issues.

[@ultimatehandyman]

If they don't state "no contact" then they will be "contact" type testers. Thanks for the comment

[@KyTaundry]

When I was younger I acidentally used a 12v rated one of these on a 240v circuit once without knowing any different, what a surprise I got when the tip of the screwdriver practically exploded 😂. That said though it didn't shock me!

[@ultimatehandyman]

😂 Thanks for the comment 👍

[@benderrodriquez]

I've owned one of those for years and I have always used an insulated earth wire to touch the back. It never even occurred to me just to touch it with my finger! They sell those at the hardware store with no instructions and I just assumed that was the way to do it.

[@paulspyker3749]

I bought a screw driver from a hardware store, no instructions with it. Do I turn left or right? Sorry, had to say that.

[@benderrodriquez]

paul spyker No you didn't.

[@jjarry]

You twist down.

[@e1woqf]

A little bit of moisture in a neon screwdriver is really dangerous.

[@ari91629]

sealed Neon lamp screwdrivers are available in stores they are well protected from water and moisture,i personally use them.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

i got some kitchen outlets i need to pull out to tile around them ,although i know which breaker is fore the kitchen circuit id still like to KNOW before touching lol

[@ultimatehandyman]

Absolutely, you can never bee too careful ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@scottishjimmy9813]

What if there is no test window? Can you put the neon screwdriver straight on a live cable?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes 👍

[@AleksandarKospenda]

Those induction voltage pens are probably electricians favorite tool. Easy and quick.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, but they can be unreliable. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@seabiscuits]

Listening to you, it might be a regional thing. The tutors at a large Lancashire technical college drummed it into me 20 years ago neon screwdrivers were bad. All to do with 'what if the resistor fails' you're relying on a tiny cheap 1/4 watt resistor to limit the current passing through your body. Far better to not have your body form part of a circuit. The screwdriver isn't dangerous per se, but it has a higher risk of being dangerous.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Michael. Have you ever known a resistor to fail "closed circuit" ? Like I said in the video if these were dangerous the government would ban the sale of them. Thanks for the comment

[@LiamKarlMitchell]

Seems like Magic Screwdrivers :D

[@Marcel_Germann]

In Germany we're calling them "lie stylus" because of two reasons: 1. It could indicate reactive voltages that are coupled in capacative or inductive, but they are not resilient. Not much current behind it... 2. If you're too isolated from ground (shoes) then the device is indicating no voltage, neon is not lighting up although there's a dangerous voltage. I'm using my Benning Duspol, now it's more than ten years old and it's probes are fitting into the Wago connectors. But this device is not longer conform with the newest version of regulations. It's only IP 40, and for switching the load you now need two buttons (one on every probe). But it's reliable, and they've build this design for decades. abload.de/img/img_0127fss4b.jpg The plunger coil is serving as a load, so you could suppress reactive voltage, doing this between line and earth would trip the RCD (if there's one): abload.de/img/img_0129b1sf8.jpg

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@tammas2000]

They're fine for confirming polarity. For anything else - they only tell you part of a story.

[@alengine94]

Will I get shocked by using neon screwdriver tester if the voltage 500 volts? In other words, is there a maximum amount of voltage that the neon screwdriver can't tolerate?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You should never use anything that is not rated for the electricity supply that you are working on, that includes insulated screwdrivers/neon screwdrivers/multi-meters/voltage testers etc. Even professional electricians have been killed by using the incorrect rated piece of equipment.

[@alengine94]

Ultimate Handyman Thanks a lot!

[@fiftystate1388]

The pen type tester I use has the tip shielded. The commentors who warn ~"test the tool on a known live circuit, then on the repair circuit ... false negative ... because it can break in the seconds in between." The chance they are right is so minuscule. If that worries the electrician enough then use two tools for every test; they're cheap and easy to use and the chance both die in the same moment drops from minuscule to infinitesimal. If that still worries you it's not the tool, it's your skills, experience and practices that need to be reviewed and perhaps your career choice.

[@pubcollize]

The only problem with testers is that people are ignorant. When I was 8 years old my dad taught me that when you use a tester and it lights up - you know the wire's hot. If it doesn't light up - you just don't know! Now exert some common sense and safety practices. When I was 18 years old a professional electrician (a very good one, mind you), taught me the exact same idea. He uses a tester all the time, and common sense even more. Just cause the tool is prone to false-negative doesn't mean it's a bad tool.

[@ericthekingthekingtheking4842]

guy called John ward has got a couple of videos on you tube testing these neon drivers. worth a watch interesting results

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks Roy, I just watched on of his videos. You only need to read the comments on it and look at the number of dislikes to see that there is something not quite right about the video ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@ericthekingthekingtheking4842]

I was thinking something was a miss myself to be honest mate,he knows his stuff to be fare to him. he hates them though 😀

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yeah, there is no disputing that he knows his stuff. But I have still yet to see any proof that these screwdrivers are dangerous outside of urban myths, legends and "what if" scenarios. Thanks for the comments ;-)

[@tonyohagan280]

I am a fully qualified sparks. I wouldn't stir paint with one. Let the part P hero's use them

[@deniz271]

Tony OHagan i do use one as a screwdriver not a tester😂

[@GrahamDIY]

“Qualified sparks” - what you mean is anyone you don’t approve of Part P is nonsense.

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

Nonsense