How To Use a Voltage Tester | Ask This Old House

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2 жыл бұрын

In this video, Ask This Old House host Kevin O’Connor and master electrician Heath Eastman discuss the different uses for voltage testers, as well as test some of Heath’s favorite models.
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Kevin O’Connor meets master electrician Heath Eastman at the shop to discuss the different types of voltages testers and their uses. Heath has four types of testers to show Kevin, including a non-contact pen tester, a full-size multimeter, a miniature multimeter, and a plug-in tester. Heath explains how each tester works, which scenarios they’re best for, and how he uses them in his work line.
Contactless Voltage Tester [amzn.to/3kZ4VSm]
A contactless voltage tester is shaped like a pen or marker, and it can indicate whether a wire or outlet has voltage feeding it. They’re quick and easy to use, and they can help an electrician or homeowner locate live circuits. However, they don’t tell the user how much voltage the outlet or wire has, and they’re not always completely accurate.
Full-size Multimeter or Contact Tester [amzn.to/30KxzQg]
A full-size multimeter might be overkill for homeowners, but they can tell an electrician a lot about an outlet, switch, fixture, or circuit. These voltage testers have two contact points or probes that the user can touch to the wires in a circuit to determine the amount of voltage, amperage, and resistance on the line. If the pen tester alerts to a circuit having a charge, a contact tester is the best way to find out why.
Small Contact Testers [amzn.to/2Zfr1bu]
A homeowner doesn’t necessarily need a full-size multimeter, but a small contact tester can do much of the same work. These scaled-down meters have two contact points or probes, and they explain the voltage on a system in ranges, such as 24 volts, 48 volts, 120 volts, and 240 volts. They’re more affordable than full-size meters and much more compact. They’re also one of the only options for 2-prong outlets.
Receptacle Testers [amzn.to/3cEXZVC]
Receptacle testers are compact and easy to use, and they provide a lot of information. While they don’t explain how much voltage a receptacle is experiencing, they do explain if there is an open ground, an open neutral, or an open hot. They can also indicate polarity, or whether the hot and ground are reversed, or (more commonly) if the hot and neutral are reversed. These testers will only work on 3-prong outlets, and they can test GFCI outlets, as well.
They All Have Their Merits
All types of voltage meters have their pros and cons, and it could be worth keeping a few types of testers in your tool bag. While the receptacle tester is the only tester that tests polarity, it can’t quantify voltage or test two-prong outlets. Pen testers or contactless testers don’t explain voltage either, but they’re fast and easy to use. For the best results, have a few of these testers on hand before doing electrical work.
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How To Use a Voltage Tester | Ask This Old House
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Пікірлер: 212

@jstasiak2262 2 жыл бұрын

A very important point about non-contact voltage testers (NCVT) was not mentioned: Prior to using a NCVT, it is extremely important to test it on a known “live” voltage source to verify that the tester actually works. This needs to be done each and every time it is used. If the tester fails to illuminate when testing, it could be because the tester has a low battery or is defective. In that case, it would fail to warn you about an actual “live” wire. That is why you need to verify that it actually detects voltage before using it for decision making. I cannot overemphasize the importance of doing this.

@madatown 2 жыл бұрын

Most non contact testers have this feature built right in to the device. It will chirp when you initially press its test button, letting you know that the batteries are working, and you're getting a proper test result. You can hear his chirp and light up each time he uses it in this video.

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

1 st off , it is Not a voltage tester ! It is a no contact current detector , it doesn't measure voltage...it senses the presence of the electromagnetic field on the hot conductor wire of alternating current. We Electricians call them tick tracers , too hunt down where a hot conductor might have burnt or cracked separated .

@jstasiak2262 2 жыл бұрын

@@madatown That’s nice. The two non contact testers that I have don’t chirp. In fact, the user guide explicitly states that to use the device safely, the proper operation of the device must be verified on a live circuit before each use. Because electricity cannot normally be seen, electrical safety cannot be taken for granted.

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

@@rrfields65 Regardless of all of that which you have stated, they are sold as and commonly referred to as NCVT (non-contact voltage testers). The presence of that EM field which causes it to light up and/or beep/chirp is an indicator that there may be voltage present on the conductor. So you are indeed testing for AC voltage but not a specific number of volts.

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

@@illestofdemall13 : Ohm's law : 1 volt x 1 amp = 1 watt Voltage= the speed of electrons traveling thru a conductor. Amperage= the number of electrons being pushed thru a conductor.

@HenrysHowTos 2 жыл бұрын

So many appliances are wired as reverse polarity, Ive been zapped so many times by everything from DVRs to Stereos. Always completely unplug any appliance before removing the cover and working on it!

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

Even if wired properly, power will come into those devices and zap you. The bottom line is that before you work on things, you need to unplug plug-in devices or turn off the breaker to wired devices.

@mattcolley3844 2 жыл бұрын

That's capacitance. 🤣

@okaro6595 6 ай бұрын

Those typically use figure 8 connector which means they can plug either way. You should always unplug before you open the case. What on earth were you thinking? Many times? That is suicidal. If you need to work on live equipment use an isolation transformer.

@loumonte658 2 жыл бұрын

Great info. It will probably save someone's life.

@novicereloader 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe mine. I was trying to figure the odd reading out on one of my outlets.

@kingssman2 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to see a followup vid on using the multimeter to test a light switch or continuity check when power is off.

@Danny-fs1hk 2 жыл бұрын

Kevin is an excellent host. He asks great questions that us novice folks need answers to. 😂

@nkel6111 Жыл бұрын

he is not so amazing. His point of ''THIS IS CONFUSING'...says it all. He has job here as host because...remember this......he's white. get it?

@nkel6111 Жыл бұрын

notice DANNY.......no one on show that looks like you. Know too the questions were contemplated as a script sorta. I think he's kinda slow, almost dense. No minorities in boston; reason I stopped subscription to magazine

@rogerdevero8726 Жыл бұрын

And what have YOU ever done for anyone? Just another whiner looking to tear others down.

@GerardoRitchey 2 жыл бұрын

That's one of the better explanations for why getting the polarity correct in the outlet is important. I bet this was a follow-up to the previous video they did on this, where Heath used to washing machine example and it was hard for some people to understand what he meant when he said that it could be off, but power could still be running to it.

@bxke3620 2 жыл бұрын

*Jesus loves you*

@devgupta9206 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you TOH for covering something seemingly basic but could “trip” up any homeowner. I’m definitely adding a reverse polarity tester to my tool bag.

@ronk9625 2 жыл бұрын

Before you test a live circuit with a multimeter, put the meter on the lowest ohms setting and touch the leads together. They should read zeros across the display. If not, one of the leads is broken. After you confirm you have zeros on the display, the put the meter on ac and test the circuit.

@mrjack8849 2 жыл бұрын

Bought the 2 simple ones he mentioned about a year ago. Work great when I moved into my new house and replaced light fixtures. Great peace of mind.

@ElectricGears 2 жыл бұрын

Something super important about those contactless voltage testers that was not mentioned is that they are very short range and they are blocked by a Ground or Neutral conductor. If you use one on a jacketed wire like NM-B (Romex), you can tell which side the Live conductor is on. The same with an extension cord with it's twisted conductors. You can follow the twist down the cable. *This means a quick tap will not necessarily cause it to light up so you might cut through a live cable.*

@davidredpath4781 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video! I feel that new people in the trade need to have a basic understanding of how electrical testers work! Heath is a great electrician and I hope to meet him someday! Keep up the great work ATOH!

@ronh9384 Жыл бұрын

Great information and comments. The 3 prong GFCI tester is definitely a good one to have. There is a new version out that also has an LCD screen that actually gives you a voltage readout on the screen that comes in handy. I believe it is made by Klein….

@_pudu661 Жыл бұрын

excellent communication between the two and great information and questions asked. great video and interaction

@SoniaBDorsey 2 жыл бұрын

This has been the most educational video for me. Thank you so much for sharing this.

@libertarian1637 2 жыл бұрын

As an electrician I carry a number of tester with me, including the first 3 types. I also have receptacle testers, one which tests and times GFCI trips as well as an AFCI tester; if you’re going to get a receptacle tester spend the extra to get a GFCI tester at a minimum. Also be careful with sum of the cheaper non-contact and direct contact testers as you can actually get sum parasitic currents/voltages on a line that can be too low to indicate yet still enough to hurt you. I carry a less expensive contact tester as it’s easier than pulling a meter out and unwrapping the leads but a decent True-RMS multimeter is something every homeowner should have. These aren’t expensive things, in fact I use these things along with some cheap tools and a tool box as a home warming gift for family and friends as these are a must have along with screwdrivers, pliers, and a hammer. Giving the basics also saves on having to go help people as they’re in the position to help themselves.

@deboz8793 2 жыл бұрын

This makes so much sense. Thanks for posting.

@henrythe83rd18 2 жыл бұрын

Can you have a more detailed video about the multimeter tester? ty

@Tractorman-xj4gt 2 жыл бұрын

Good stuff from Heath, as always - have used a couple of these - the "little guy" is worth its weight in gold - has indicated a reverse polarity in one of my kitchen outlets - highly recommend getting one...

@TheBr20042003 Жыл бұрын

Going to sign the paperwork for my first house which is an older house. This is invaluable information, thank you.

@willfergusson724 2 жыл бұрын

Great easy to understand video!

@PlantSmartLivingNOW 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, thank you!

@vanericsam1005 Ай бұрын

This Video is so informative Thank you very much for it!

@josetorres6502 2 жыл бұрын

That was great info. Thanks for that video

@nscaledelights 2 жыл бұрын

Wow that was an awesome explanation of how to test for electricity. Next time Im in Home Depot Im picking up one of those 3 prong testers.

@t.e.1189 Жыл бұрын

This was very informative. Thank you

@thurm101 Жыл бұрын

Extremely important information. I think every homeowner should watch this video. Even if you don’t mess with electrical current. You should always RESPECT ELECTRICITY.

@mythranite 2 жыл бұрын

good to know about the reverse polarity - the previous owner of my house and incorrectly installed the outlets so a large majority of mine were wired in reverse.

@coreysgmail7261 8 ай бұрын

Always love learning things And this was a problem I had Thanks so much

@marcelnowakowski945 Жыл бұрын

An excellent, excellent video! Thank you!

@DSH1LL Жыл бұрын

Helpful vid. Thanks TOH.

@TommyJones49 Жыл бұрын

this show is simply great.

@midwestengimaker8443 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely need to make an updated video showing the Klein Tools RT250 receptacle tester! Way more features than the one shown in this video!

@doihavetohaveachannel8289 5 ай бұрын

Great video!!!!

@josetorres6502 Жыл бұрын

Interesting. Very mutch so. Great content yall

@bjornjoseph 2 жыл бұрын

Literally just learned something about the wiring reversed. I've been doing wiring for a while and never made the mistake. Never knew what would happen if done wrong

@tc9148 2 жыл бұрын

So informative.

@jsubound2007 5 ай бұрын

WooooooooW😳thanks for this vid. I wasn’t 100% confident in knowing if I wired my new smart dimmers and gfci(s) correctly so I was “oh well, they work and I’m tired now so forget it”🤷🏼‍♂️but after seeing this vid and learning the warnings and potential dangers, I’m redoing all of them tonight so I can feel 100% sure and have a piece of mind!! Wheeew! Thx

@Michael1M6 2 жыл бұрын

I don’t do any electricity work at all but this video is very informative!! 👍🏻

@tommycho9068 2 жыл бұрын

Great point Thanks

@skyline5354 2 жыл бұрын

You guys should do a video on electricity basics and how to wire outlets showing how to use the testers as well. …if you haven’t already

@afrtsfan 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful

@user-zx8de8op9l 7 ай бұрын

Good explanation, I have a professional Fluke multimeter, overkill for an average home owner. I use it for auto mechanics.

@kpsher367 Жыл бұрын

You guys are awesome .

@anton1949 2 жыл бұрын

Bought a DVR years ago 3 prong wiring, plugged it in and touched the metal housing and got zapped! Found out it was wired wrong in the breaker box, white wire and black were switched when house was built 30 years ago. Lamps etc. worked fine. So it's wise to buy that unit that checks polarity as shown.

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

The DVR was wired correctly. The outlet was wired incorrectly. The neutral was bonded to the ground. The neutral was swapped with the hot at the panel. Therefore all the grounds became hot including the metal DVR box. Very dangerous.

@anton1949 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 It was wired wrong in the breaker box. Same difference.

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

@@anton1949 I was responding to a comment that said the DVR was wired wrong. I think the comment was deleted. Also, it's not the same difference. If it was only that the hot and neutral were swapped in the panel you wouldn't have gotten shocked from the box.

@anton1949 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 I noticed that also, everyone should check all outlets, assume nothing. I learned my lesson.

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

@@anton1949Well I'm glad you didn't get hurt or have a fire start. As an electrician I' just extra cautious. I find stuff all the time in homes that are wired wrong. As you pointed out, alot of things work even though theyre are not done right.

@kevinclayton1974 2 жыл бұрын

Great video

@brozbro 2 жыл бұрын

What can you use when you're at the main panel and you're trying to determine which switch cuts power to a specific outlet from a distance?

@murdstonecardinal3355 2 жыл бұрын

A circuit breaker finder. They work great. This the one I bought and use. There are others made by different manufacturers. It works great. Klein Tool ET3000

@brozbro 2 жыл бұрын

@@murdstonecardinal3355 THANKS. Exactly what I need.

@julesjames593 2 жыл бұрын

Dang! I might just understand this stuff eventually. Thank You.

@KenKaneki-xh7by 2 жыл бұрын

Very good

@kingshearer2 Жыл бұрын

What happens if you want to test the wires connected to a light fitting?

@chrissanroman1899 2 жыл бұрын

How does this work for light switches?

@GiaHuyNguyenAtlanta 2 жыл бұрын

I don''t own nor have used any of these, but will pick these up when I'm at Home Depot. So, I have a few questions regarding to the video above. 1) With non-contact tester, does it matter which hole you point into to test ? 2) With contact testers (2nd and 3rd item), they both have RED and BLACK pins, how do I know which color goes into which hole, or it doesn't matter? Thanks.

@teeing9355 2 жыл бұрын

1. Doesn't Matter, most non-contact testers will go off when your close to the outlet. Doesn't hurt try try both it your worried. 2. Black goes in the Neutral (larger slot), Red in the Hot (smaller slot). Also, never touch the metal part of the probes, if you have one plugged to the receptacle, the other one maybe hot. Always put the black neutral probe in first, take it out last.

@kenlequack3202 2 жыл бұрын

Ideally for NCV you'll point/touch at the smaller of the two vertical pins. That is the hot. I would check all 3 "holes" because why not. With the digital multimeter on AC, black and red don't matter. AC would be shown as V with a squiggly symbol (~ tilde)

@okaro6595 6 ай бұрын

It tests the hole you are testing.

@okaro6595 6 ай бұрын

@@teeing9355 If they lit close to the outlet you have a reverse bootleg ground. It is very dangerous. They really have to put it in. It is so insensitive. That means a tester for US outlets does not work in Europe.

@brucecyganoski4200 Жыл бұрын

Awsum Video

@THOMASGPII 2 жыл бұрын

How are these with the child resistant/tamper proof outlets?

@rogerdevero8726 Жыл бұрын

Ya'll have the BEST explanatory and professional videos. Keep up the good work (of course always Liked & Subscribed) John 3:16

@397coney7 Жыл бұрын

@5:33.....slow beeping means no power?

@youdqtube 2 жыл бұрын

Why no links so easier to find these products or the names of them in the video's description?

@southerndrive8848 2 жыл бұрын

Just checked the video description & I see name for each item and correct links for the 1st (contactless tester), 2nd (multimeter), and 4th (receptacle tester) item. The third amazon link looks wrong to me (automotive circuit tester?) but more importantly (Props to This Old House) they provided the technical names for each tool. 1. Contactless Voltage Tester 2. Multimeter (Full Sized) 3. Small Contact Tester 4. Receptacle Tester (Check the description for an explanation of each tool's uses)

@MOTOSTAN 2 жыл бұрын

No phantom readings from 4 lights thing??? how about when you checking the outlet and neutral leg is disconnected somewhere in the walls or by the circuit breaker box. I personally recommend neon screwdriver tester or a good meter

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

Then you test hot to ground not hot to neutral. Any multi-meter can get a phantom reading unless you have two points to test between. A NCVT will detect a hot without a need to test across two points.

@rupe53 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 ... true, but those will only give you a go / no-go indication of power. To do trouble shooting you need a meter. (and more education)

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

@@rupe53 I know but the original comment was about a hypothetical situation where there is a hot but no neutral. I went further by describing a scenario where there is also no ground. I agree a good meter is the best and I realize this situation would be way beyond someone who lacks the knowledge of troubleshooting. I would probably just turn all the breakers off and then use a tone tracer to find the wire in the panel.

@deegee9560 2 жыл бұрын

*Warning* If you bought that yellow Klein tool, check with home depot or Klein because some were recalled! The on button may not work and you may think there is no power, when it is live, causing possible electrocution! You should always check your tool on a known live circuit to make sure it works-flashes or beeps! This is serious stuff! If you are not sure of your ability, hire a professional to do it right!

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

Are you talking about the tick tracer ?

@GiaHuyNguyenAtlanta 2 жыл бұрын

@@rrfields65 Yeah, he/she was talking about tick tracer, aka non-contact voltage tester ;)

@riffnstrumguitarlessons9196 7 ай бұрын

I love that he plays dumb on our behalf. All the questions get answered and it makes for a perfect video. Thanks.

@jawaroogambian 4 ай бұрын

The small contact tester link opens up to a vehicle tester, not the one shown

@BTheBear 2 жыл бұрын

It’s also a fire issue. Fuses are also placed on the hot side. If it is reversed an internal fuse cannot clear a fault condition. Theoretically the breaker should catch it, except if the short is a low current short exceeding the capacity for internal components it may not exceed the breaker capacity so the fault will continue until unplugged or the breaker is flipped.

@okaro6595 6 ай бұрын

Bull, almost all electronic devices use connector that fits either way. Lamps do not have fuses.

@BTheBear 6 ай бұрын

@@okaro6595 if they fit either way that means the system either lacks protection or is designed to have fuesable links on both sides. The reason non reverseable plugs exist and one blade is bigger than the other is to ensure the hot line is connected to where a fuse or other state is for safety. In lamps as your example without fuses it has to do with making sure the external part of the bulb is neutral not hot so in the event you touch the base of the bulb you won’t get shocked. So go troll somewhere else. How many UL certified products have you worked on? Have you even done the process? I have.

@timbohouston 2 жыл бұрын

back the basics... nice

@garrickwelsh6793 Жыл бұрын

Which prong goes what side

@engrpiman 2 жыл бұрын

I have that middle contact tester and I found it worthless. Give me a multimeter any day. The non contact tester is amazing. I was adding a outlet and had the power off. The box had a second hot wire and I only found out because of the none contact tester

@trevland1303 2 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍

@andystitt3887 Жыл бұрын

There are also screwdrivers which have a neon lamp in the handle.

@TN-bm6dh 9 ай бұрын

I have a problem of opening the cover to put the battery in

@ThisNamesNowTaken 2 жыл бұрын

5:24 ya i have to rewatch this.

@garbo8962 2 жыл бұрын

Good luck trying to use the single point non contact tester in tamper resistant receptacles.

@platoscavealum902 2 жыл бұрын

👍

@TruthSeekerAi 2 жыл бұрын

always must have tools when dealing with ac dc power

@obscuriosities Жыл бұрын

He didn’t say if the red/black matters in terms of where u put them (or for something other than a socket)…?

@AmericanOne9621 14 күн бұрын

I use an Simpson 260😁

@derrickbonsell 2 жыл бұрын

If you have two prongs, get an electrician to add ground wires or a GFCI. You might save yourself a nasty shock.

@flat-earther Жыл бұрын

I'm not a professional. If you have a two prong outlet you can't plug in 3 prong appliances so there is no need to worry. But if you want to use 3 prong appliances in my opinion the best thing to do is to add a ground wire and 3 prong outlet which can be a big job. GFCI is an option instead of ground wire but you don't get the advantage of reduced electric fields the ground wire gives.

@juliebarnett9812 5 ай бұрын

Is he poking those probes in both slots of the recepticle or just one?

@Off-Grid 2 жыл бұрын

Have had a meter for years and still don't think I fully know how to use it.

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

Just don’t stick your fingers in a lamp fitting LOL. Unplug if you really need to for some random reason. Here in Europe you can plug appliances in either way anyway, even the grounded plugs. It’s more of a neat habbit to wire it consistently than of actual use.

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

Polarized plugs have been used here in the US for 60+ years to reduce the risk of shock from lamps, toasters, etc.

@okaro6595 6 ай бұрын

@@illestofdemall13 Toasters have two pole switches.

@tbone21158 2 жыл бұрын

I watched this is see how to use the only one they didn't use. The multimeter! go figure! Thanks for nothing! LOL

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

No, he had a multimeter! He just didn't have a professional electrician A/C current and voltage clamp meter!

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

@@rrfields65 tbone didn’t say anything about clamp meters, neither are they necessary for the job.

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

@@Engineer9736 : like hell they ain't! How are you going to test amperage draws on A/C circuits !???

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

@@rrfields65 The entire video is about voltage testing. It’s with font size 100 on the introduction picture.

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

@@Engineer9736 : the ONLY voltage testers there in the video is the 2 lead direct contact tester , which lights up on the LED of the scales 120,220,240vac and the multi-meter.

@pbr2424 Жыл бұрын

I think a 6 minute video is enough to start testing electrical wiring. 220 volts is fun to play with two hots. But you watched this video.

@Jeremiah.1 8 ай бұрын

He never show the multimeter how to do the reading in those outlets?

@Dirtyharry70585 2 жыл бұрын

Klein digital plugin is the best other than a DMM meter $19 model RT250

@joeychiaramonte459 2 жыл бұрын

Oh no I’ve gone cross eyed

@kataysmith9581 2 жыл бұрын

I know that this is off subject but I can't help commenting about how MUCH Kevin looks like 1940's actor Van Johnson! I mean he could be his twin. Check it out!

@yonseienglish 2 жыл бұрын

What is meant by “socket”, “center pin”, “shell”? Still quite confusing, but thanks for your best attempt.

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

Socket or outlet is slang for duplex receptacle, and look at the bottom of a light bulb ... the tip is the loadside ( current in ) and the " screwshell is the neutral return out .

@jameshuban6515 2 жыл бұрын

In terms of a light bulb, the socket refers to where you install the lamp into the fixture. Looking into the socket you will see 2 pieces of metal. A small metal button in the center and a metal shell lining the outer side. Both pieces will be insulated between each other and the outside of the socket. You will notice that the outer metal is twisted like the threads of a nut. Looking at the lamp you will notice that bottom outside part is twisted like a screw. The lamp is designed that way to hold the lamp in the socket when you twist to install it. Looking at the base of the lamp you will notice a piece of metal that protrudes from the base of the lamp. It makes contact with center button inside the socket. When the light fixture is energized. Current will travel to the center button enter the lamp and exit through the shell.

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

He’s refering to the bit of the lamp where the bulb screws into. The threaded part = the shell, the small metal dot at the far end = the center pin.

@jameshuban6515 2 жыл бұрын

@@Engineer9736 A better description than my rambling. K.I.S.S. - thanks

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

@@rrfields65 Socket isn't referring the a duplex receptacle in this video. Heath was specifically talking about the lamp socket.

@creamymoto 9 ай бұрын

How many people's live would be saved from this video?

@JasonMcLoughlin-ro6lv Ай бұрын

What’s that cute lil thing called?

@robolson1576 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kevin for making professional electricians look like idiots!

@ja8898 2 жыл бұрын

Would reverse polarity cause an issue with toasters too? I'd guess yes. Way easy to get shocked there.

@rupe53 2 жыл бұрын

in older homes with Formica counters that had the chrome band on the front that metal was usually grounded by the sink. If your appliance was plugged in backwards or the outlet was wired in reverse, you got a shock. This is another reason that countertop appliances are plastic on the outside these days.

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

@@rupe53 Lol exactly. Don't you just hate when people say "the white wire is the neutral it won't hurt you"? I hear it all the time and it drives me nuts.

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 : the neutral wire will never shock you if it is wired correctly! Electrons hate a resistance path ( you ) to run back home to momma ( electric company generator ) ! Now if you cut that preferred pathway and grab both ends with both of your hands , you are now a resistance load path inline!

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

Reverse polarity does not matter. Here in Europe (even double the voltage on a single phase compared to USA) you can plug plugs in either way, even the grounded ones. It’s more of a neat thing to wire it consistently than of anything actually useful. Of course you should not poke your fingers into lamp receptacles when the plug is in the wall. The metal of a toaster should be grounded & not in contact with either neutral nor phase.

@rupe53 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 ... key words SHOULD be neutral and SHOULD be working / wired properly.

@jameskappel 2 жыл бұрын

Is Scott part of the show anymore?

@oldtwinsna8347 2 жыл бұрын

He posted long ago that his contract ended and was not renewed.

@mathdreamerpi 9 ай бұрын

Receptacle testers - You have to be careful about the tester saying the ground is good. People that don't care about safety will put a short piece of wire connecting the ground screw to the neutral screw. If wiring in the house doesn't up to code a lot, then I would also take the cover off and look at the screws to be safe.

@okaro6595 6 ай бұрын

A socket tester is for casual testing. A proper test would include testing he ground loop impedance. The tester might show there is ground even if the impedance was way too high.

@colinziolkowski9043 2 жыл бұрын

@god-tx4xz Жыл бұрын

If you're never going to trust a NCV tester then why use it? Why not just use the tool you trust?

@joszub3765 11 ай бұрын

Ah, more confused then before,🤣

@evenfrank5223 7 ай бұрын

1 multi-meter or 3 specialized items... ya I'll keep my multi-meter

@johnroberts9560 2 жыл бұрын

HI TOH , I would hate too get shocked , it wouldn't be very fun , it could kill you especially if it was enough watts/ volts passing through your body & it was a long time being electrocuted ! 😲🔌⚡

@walterbrunswick 2 жыл бұрын

I've been shocked by 120VAC several times One time the current went across my heart when I touched a hot conductor and a stainless steel boiler vent pipe Was the start of the workday, and suffice to say, definitely woke me up... didn't need any extra coffee that morning 😂

@johnroberts9560 2 жыл бұрын

@@walterbrunswick Wow that doesn't sound very good , I hope you don't get shocked anymore , I can't even stand static electricity from carpet or any other kind for that matter !

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

@@walterbrunswick Maybe try plumbing?

@rrfields65 2 жыл бұрын

@@walterbrunswick : I've been bit by 277 vac ... Hello!!! The voltage gets your attention! But it is the current that fries you!

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve touched 230 volts by accident over a dozen times when i was younger. Sure it’s not fun and dangerous but it doesn’t end your life right away. Lessons learnt: If you work on the electric installation of your house, turn the main breaker off, and use a voltage tester on the wires you’re working on, and before grabbing the wire with full force first quickly stroke it with one finger. If you live with more people in the house then apply some kind of LOTO (lock-out-tag-out) practise on the main breaker. I’ve had it once that someone just flicked the breaker on while i was working on an outlet 🤦🏻‍♂️

@MrTitaylor 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry, but a tutorial on how to use the voltage meter too would have been much more informative

@oambrosia 2 жыл бұрын

While you're not wrong, this is more of a "quick tip". Explaining how to make good use of a DMM would take the entire 25 minute program.

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

@@oambrosia For testing the electric installation of a house you only need 1 setting: AC. Earth to neutral should measure 0v, earth to hot should measure the line voltage. Neutral to hot should obviously show the line voltage as well. With those 3 measurements you have checked everything that that 3-LED tester does. If neutral to hot shows voltage but ground to hot doesn’t, then the ground is NOK. (But if it does show a voltage it still doesn’t guarantee that the ground is OK; you need complicated pro equipment for that with prongs that go into the soil outside)

@illestofdemall13 2 жыл бұрын

@@Engineer9736 The problem is you can't stick the probes inside a tamper resistant receptacle, which are used a lot in the US.

@Guardducks 2 жыл бұрын

Still Don't understandl Kevin? Tommy is laughing and shaking his head.

@Vanilla_Icecream1231 2 жыл бұрын

What?

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

@@Vanilla_Icecream1231 Waterbike

@ChickenPermissionOG 2 жыл бұрын

it doesn't want anything. You want it to be a certain way.

@Highlanddragon 2 жыл бұрын

If I have to work on anything electric in my house like replacing an outlet I shut off the whole house

@beerbeforebreakfast 2 жыл бұрын

That's not a danger. Having to reset a clock is wayyyyyy better than having to reset your heart beat! Which you can't do so yeah just shut the house down. Especially if you have no testing device.

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

If you have to do that you should probably hire an electrician. If you turn it on and it's wrong you could burn your house down.

@Highlanddragon 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 if I don't think I can do it I have my brother in law and his dad do it for me that way it is inspected by firefighters who are also trained in electrician work as the work is being done

@Engineer9736 2 жыл бұрын

@@JustinL614 You are overreacting quite a bit. Installing an outlet is a matter of 4 screws…. Like the toy of a kid to put blocks in the right shape hole is more complicated.

@JustinL614 2 жыл бұрын

@@Engineer9736 4 screws? Lol I'd probably fire you just for saying that.