Topic: Electrical tester

[wannabridin]

Hey guys!  I was wondering if there was an electrical tester out there that could test a wire for voltage over the insulation?  Or if you have any special tools you've made for this purpose.  Thanks!!

[Laminar]

The battery testers at auto parts stores are able to measure current draw by putting a clamp around the main power wire on a car, and timing lights work by detecting voltage through the spark plug wire's insulation.

[myhondas]

But if you have a fine sewing needle, you can poke it into the insulation and then just use a multi-meter on it. I find that the insulation heals itself on a very fine needle hole.

[elquenada]

i think this will work, no?

http://www.summitsource.com/steren-602805-inductive-voltage-detector-meter-tester-tool-100-240-vac-noncontact-14-inch-detection-led-and-tone-with-batteries-circuit-alert-noncontact-voltage-probe-tester-part-602805-p-9807.html

[wannabridin]

i think this will work, no?

http://www.summitsource.com/steren-602805-inductive-voltage-detector-meter-tester-tool-100-240-vac-noncontact-14-inch-detection-led-and-tone-with-batteries-circuit-alert-noncontact-voltage-probe-tester-part-602805-p-9807.html

that's for AC it looks like.  cars are DC...


i like the idea for a sewing needle, but it's still more work than i'd like...  a good compromise, but if there's something with a tiny clamp or something built in, then that's what i want...  can you even detect DC through induction??  been awhile since phys 2...

[Alan F.]

I don't know of one that works like that for DC

[wannabridin]

neither do i... 

looks like the sewing needle or straight needle idea might be it for the time being.

[Laminar]

http://www.omnicontrols.com/detail.aspx?ID=8069

      Description:

Download or View this product's / series details and specifications Specifications (PDF)

MA640: 600A True RMS AC/DC Clamp Meters + NCV
True RMS AC/DC Current Clamp Meter with Built-In Non-Contact Voltage Detector
Features:

* AC/DC Current, AC/DC Voltage, Resistance, Frequency, Capacitance, Temperature, Duty Cycle, Diode and Continuity
* Integrated Non-Contact Voltage Detector with LED alert
* 1.5” (40mm) jaw size for conductors up to 500MCM
* 6000 count, backlit LCD display
* Relative Mode for Capacitance Zero and Offset Adjustment
* Data Hold and MIN/MAX, Auto Power Off
* Complete with test leads, Type K bead wire temperature probe (-4 to 482°F/-20 to 250°C), 9V battery and carrying case

[wannabridin]

ya, i've seen the loop testers, but what if you're in a small space or have a loom of wires tied together?

could i BE any pickier???    but good find laminar!!  just a TAD out of my price range, haha

[demon78]

Can you solder? If yes then solder the needle tips to an alligator clip, the clips are cheap enough that you can dedicate a set.
Bill the demon.

[wannabridin]

Can you solder? If yes then solder the needle tips to an alligator clip, the clips are cheap enough that you can dedicate a set.
Bill the demon.

sounds like something that could be done 

the trickiest part is getting the needle into the wire.  best way i see fit is to put it in an a very obtuse angle (\_) but i like the idea of using the alligator clips for different sized needles.

[Cormac]

that omni control still uses leads for voltage tests. Induction tests just show flow (amperage) not pressure (voltage). Voltage tests are actually a comparrison of two different points, so even if you could do it with out getting to the wire, you would need two different clamps or what not.

I like the soldered needle point idea, I'll have to do that.

[Laminar]

that omni control still uses leads for voltage tests. Induction tests just show flow (amperage) not pressure (voltage). Voltage tests are actually a comparrison of two different points, so even if you could do it with out getting to the wire, you would need two different clamps or what not.

I like the soldered needle point idea, I'll have to do that.

Out of curiosity, what's the "Built-In Non-Contact Voltage Detector"? I just found the thing in a Google search.

[demon78]

only Cavet needles are sometimes coated with chrome or nickel you have to remove enough to get it stick to the clamp either sand cloth or file. Other thing if you can get a darning needle and solder it to a lead then place heat shrink tubing over most of it makes a helluva probe.
Bill the demon

[Cormac]

The non contact detector only really works with AC unless a DC circuit is completed. The detector detects electron flow (amperage) and assumes that if there is flow, there must be pressure. It wont tell you how much pressure there is though (Voltage).