Kewtech Voltage Pen £8.99

[Argyll]

To all sparkies, is this a good buy?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07PZHJXY8? ... 2321220815

I always test on a known live circuit and use two different brands.

[Razor]

It doesn't comply with the regs now it's probably why it's cheap.

That one starts detection at 90v but the new standard is for it to work down to 50v

[Neelix]

voltage "sticks" are just dangerous and should be banned.

They are not an approved method of proving safe isolation

[kellys_eye]

voltage "sticks" are just dangerous and should be banned.

Dangerous in the wrong hands! I frequently use one as a go-nogo test which doesn't stop me making provision for proper isolation when working though.

[Razor]

In what way are they dangerous? They are non contact devices not like neon screwdrivers.

It is now a requirement from Gas Safe Register that gas fitters carry and use these.

I recently attended a commercial job where water was seeping down the wall and also into the backplate of a BMS unit and a big patch of render about a metre wide was live. If I hadn't waved my wand over it I would have got a belt.

They are invaluable for running over boiler cases and pipework before you cut into it and potentially earth an installation through yourself.

I can't see where anyone has said they should be used for dead testing on their own but they are a very useful and quick first line of defence.

[kellys_eye]

The sticks themselves aren't dangerous (of course) but some uneducated idiot will take a 'non reading' to be gospel (even if they either had a flat battery, faulty device or was using it wrong) and grab hold of a live wire. It's bl00dy inevitable in this world of moronism!

The stick is my first line of testing - and it is VERY useful - but I never use it as the ONLY test for safe working. No one should.