How to test an indicator screwdriver: basic test methods

No one is immune from minor breakdowns of electrical appliances or problems with electrical wiring. It is not always advisable to call a specialist in each case, because you can cope with many difficulties on your own. For example, if contact is lost in an outlet or other device. However, to fix the problem, it is necessary to locate the open circuit. But how to do this, because direct contact with an electric current is dangerous to human health, and the circuit itself is hidden in a wall or in an insulating material?

A small device, an indicator screwdriver, is able to cope with this. The easy-to-use device will help you “see” where there is no voltage. But before you start looking for a problem, you should make sure that the tool is working correctly.

Basic verification methods

There are several ways to check the performance of the indicator screwdriver. So, if you are using a device equipped with a neon lamp, it is better to use the contact option. And a tool with a built-in battery can be tested without touching external power sources.

Contact method

The easiest and fastest way to test the performance of the measuring device is to insert the rod of the device into the socket of the electrical outlet. In this case, the device must be energized.

When the screwdriver contacts the socket of the socket, an electric current will be applied to the rod of the device. If the screwdriver is in good working order, the indicator will inform you about it - the neon lamp of the device will glow. If there is no light or sound signal, then the measuring device is faulty. Therefore, they cannot carry out repair work.

Reference. It is important to remember that rubbing the body of the meter against any surface can generate static electricity. This leads to false positives of the device indicator.

Contactless option

Using this method, you can check the performance of the product without touching the conductors:

1. The measuring device should be taken by the rod.
2. Press the contact pad of the device firmly into the outlet.
3. If the indicator light comes on, there is voltage in the circuit.

Reference. This option is also suitable for finding electrical wiring hidden in the wall. However, the presence of reinforcement reduces the measurement accuracy.

Since the measuring device is designed to work with voltage, it is extremely important to monitor its performance. To do this, before each use, it is necessary to inspect the case of the device - it must be intact, without chips, cracks, scratches and other defects. If it shows signs of damage, the screwdriver must be replaced with a new one. After all, personal safety is much more important than spending on a new device.

Battery operated devices should be replaced regularly. It is quite simple to do this:

1. Unscrew the cap.
2. Remove old batteries.
3. The final step is to install new batteries.

The main thing is to observe the correct polarity. Therefore, when removing old batteries, remember their location. If done correctly, the device will serve you for years to come.

If the device is out of order, it makes no sense to repair it. The price of a new measuring device is not so high, so it is not worth the time spent on repairs. But if you have several broken tools, you can try to assemble one workable screwdriver from them.

Safety regulations

Electricity is a source of increased danger to human health. In accordance with existing regulations, a room cannot be considered safe if it has at least one socket, switch or a working electrical appliance. It follows that when using household appliances, tools and other equipment connected to the network, it is necessary to strictly observe the existing safety requirements.

Therefore, it is so important to check the performance of the indicator screwdriver, and also to monitor the absence of mechanical damage on its body.

Reference. When using an indicator screwdriver, it is strictly forbidden to take it with your hand below the handle!

The device cannot be used as a regular screwdriver. During repair work, the plastic housing may be damaged, which will render the tool unusable.

If you plan to check the outlet, set the polarity, determine the presence or absence of voltage in the network over 1 kW, be sure to use dielectric gloves.

Do not use the device in rooms with high humidity, as well as take measurements with wet hands - in this case, you will feel a current passing through the body.