Really Basic Electrical Safety Tester for DIYer

I use a socket tester and a multi-meter. The socket tester is pretty safe but any multi-meter will involve stuffing probes into live parts of the light switch, which may or may not be something you want to do.

 

An approved voltage indicator meeting the requirements of HSE guidance note GS38 is the only correct answer.

 

Seconded - Approved Voltage indicator meeting GS38 e.g. http://www.screwfix.com/p/kewtech-kt1780-s-ac-dc-voltage-tester/53370

 

The correct tool for the job would be something like this.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/kewtech-kt1780-s-ac-dc-voltage-tester/53370

Kind regards

 

Sorry Anha, we must have been typing at the same time.

Kind regards

 

Just switch off the main switch in your CU(Fuse Box) if you only do occasional work make sure everything is dead and safe

 

Just to throw a spanner in the works. All the guys are correct the voltage tester above.

That is without a doubt the correct one for a sparks.

But that means you have to loosen the socket then put in correct terminals. Knowledge is needed.

A voltage pen I think is better! Logitech one I have. It beeps like mad giving you a warning ! Obviously test power is there to confirm its working then switch off.

Or someone else said a socket tester. More simple for the DIYer

 

The voltage pen is more versatile! For other jobs About £20

 

If electricity terrifies you with respect then it is best to leave it to the professionals. Why does it terrify you? Have you had electric shocks in the past?
Most if not all professionals and DIY dabblers like myself will have had a few "belts" in their time, hopefully not many recently. This gives you, providing that you are still alive, a healthy respect for electricity. It is like being terrified of heights and going up a triple extension ladder. The fear might make you fall off. Just a cautionary post.

 

As a fellow diy'er, I think the basic neon screwdriver is 'ok' for occasional domestic work. Usually hard to see if lit up in daylight, I've got one like this, much easier to see neon illuminated;

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Han...Tools/sd170/One+Contact+Voltage+Tester/p23890

With any tester though, you need to prove if its actually working in the first place and always good to test if circuit is dead by two separate means

I like this socket tester;

http://www.screwfix.com/p/lap-ms6860d-socket-tester/91596

Although will also show you incorrectly wired sockets, no lights on means no power

Easy to double prove socket is dead, especially if your so nervous;

Plug socket tester into known working socket, will light up hopefully showing correctly wired and power on
Plug in say a table lamp to the socket that you wish to work on and switch on
Switch off circuit at consumer unit, or pull fuse (if wired type)
Table lamp will be off
Double test with socket tester - no lights - no power

If your consumer unit is mcb type, you can go a stage further and also use a lockout device;

http://www.screwfix.com/p/brady-mini-circuit-breaker-lockout-system/7074f

Just be sensible, take your time, ensure circuit is dead and you will be fine
ps. If swapping to metal face sockets\switches, ensure that the faceplate is earthed and sleeve the earth core (CPD)

 

Plug this in the socket and switch it on, you will hear music, turn off appropriate breaker and the music will stop.

 

What's the matter with my table lamp tester then chips ?

 

It doesn't play music so you can't hear when it is off

 

I think your socket tester is the same as mine

 

One that plays a lot of "Sparks"