How to check an indicator screwdriver

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 every case, because many difficulties can be dealt with on your own. For example, if contact is lost in a socket or other device. However, to fix the problem, it is necessary to locate the break in the circuit. But how to do this, since direct contact with electric current is dangerous to human health, and the circuit itself is hidden in the wall or in insulating material?

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

Basic verification methods

You can check the functionality of the indicator screwdriver using several methods. 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 check the functionality of the measuring device is to insert the rod of the device into the socket of an electrical outlet. In this case, the device must be energized.

When the screwdriver comes into contact with the socket of the socket, an electric current will be supplied to the rod of the device. If the screwdriver is working properly, the indicator will indicate this - the neon light 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 when the body of the measuring device rubs against any surface, static electricity can occur. This leads to false alarms of the device indicator.

Contactless option

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

1. The measuring device should be grasped by the rod.
2. Press the contact pad of the device firmly against the socket.
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 fittings 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 device case - it must be intact, without chips, cracks, scratches or other defects. If there are signs of damage on it, the screwdriver must be replaced with a new one. After all, personal safety is much more important than spending on a new device.

Battery-powered devices should be replaced regularly. This is quite simple to do:

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

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

If the device fails, there is no point in repairing it. The price of a new meter is not that high, so it is not worth the time spent on repairs. But if you have several broken tools, you can try to assemble one functional screwdriver from them.

Safety regulations

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

Therefore, it is so important to check the functionality of the indicator screwdriver, and also to ensure that there is no mechanical damage to 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. When performing repair work, the plastic case may be damaged, causing the tool to become unusable.

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

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