dipil
713

Dear All
For checking the presence of Electricity in industry normally any of the following are used.
Neon testers
Test Lamp - Some time with single bulb, sometimes with double bulb
Multi Meter
Which one is safer and why?
What are the benefits of each and where one should use it in specific? Which job?
Single bulb test lamp & double bulb test lamp - Which one is better and why?
Nowadays even non-contact type voltage detectors are available in market. But many industry hesitate to buy those considering the expenses. So we have to opt the best practically feasible option.
So awaiting to hear from the forum members with their opinion and suggestions.

From India
Hi Dipil,

If i was you I’ll highly suggest to u to suggest them Non-conduct type voltage detectors even its little expensive (I don't think really it is) if they take care of their equipment they will use it until the calibration date expiry (If applicable).

So far i know all branded Non-conduct type voltage detectors cost less than 2,500 INR.

We are discussing here which is the best tool for testing (Cost wise)? I'm sure there is an requirement in IS standard as well - All the electrical testing and Inspections should meet the requirement whenever they perform any electrical inspection and test they should have appropriate PPE as well.. The PPE (High Hazard category) is way more expensive than Non-conduct type voltage detectors if one electrical company can't offer the Non-conduct type voltage detectors to their employees then how can they offer the appropriate PPE?

Let me know if you need NFPA reference for PPE requirements while doing electrical testing and Inspection.

Thanks – Hope its Helps.

From United States, Fpo
dipil
713

Dear Raghu

Thanks.

I come to below conclusion to the query I bring forward. Sharing with the team , as it may helpful to someone out here.

Why one should ban the use of Neon (Line) Testers

• Glow of Neon (line) tester lamp requires some amount of current passing through body of person who is checking the voltage as circuit is getting completed through human body. And amount of current through Neon (line) tester also depends on inbuilt resistance + human body resistance involved in making circuit complete. Theoretically for perfect electrical safety of human, there should be no current passing through human body.

• Neon (line) tester may glow at very few voltage (leakage voltage) and when its inbuilt resistance become short, chances of electrical shock existing. If the resistance inside failed , it could have a sort off shunt inside and the worker can be shocked.

• Not suitable for 44o volts. normally Neon (line) tester is used for 220v. the resistance is “calculated” for 220v. In-case someone wrongly test the 440 volt supply with this Neon (line) tester, he/she will get electric shock.

What is the alternatives available in Indian Market

1. Screw Driver Tester (MO-65222GB) of M/s. Catu .

• Insulated for 1000v.

• No return current by your body to the earth. This tester use a capacitive effect.

• A capacitance is a conductor/ an insulation / and a conductor , so they have a conductive “counter balance” on the body of the driver tester which do a capacitive effect with the floor by the air (which is the insulation).

• Just have to take in your on hand ( there is a guard) and if you want, in addition of the insulation of the drive tester by itself ( which is tested conforming IEC60900), you can use insulating gloves.

• This is not a “true” voltage detector, because when the battery is dead (Manufacturer giving guarantee of 3 years for battery) or where something is failed inside, there is no self-test or nothing to warn the worker that the unit is in defect.

• But is better than your neon tester which is dangerous for the 3 reasons mentioned above.

2. Voltage Multi Tester (MS-917-EX-GB) of M/s. Catu.

• The standard for the low voltage detector is IEC61243/3 (2010). This is applicable for hand-held two-pole voltage detectors. There is no standard for single pole neon (line) tester. The standard IEC60900 (Mentioned in above product) is the standard of insulating tools ( only for the insulation, not for tester function). So I propose you to use a voltage detector (MS-917-EX-GB) conform to this standard with rods.

• IEC61243/3 (2010) standard was written after accidents.

• The standard specified that you need to do a self-test before use , and the self-test is include on the detector.

• There is a processor inside whose test the “ detection circuit” to be sure that the circuit , including components, well operate and is safe .

• No button on /off, no fuses inside the detector ( always on the same spirit ,to be safe , because a button and a fuse could be In failure )

• That sort of detector , if well stock and well use is for life.

3. Multi Meter – Almost all the industries have this. Much safer than Neon (Tester) as no current is passing through human body.

4. Double bulb test lamp – Much safer than Neon (Line) Tester for the fact that no current is been passing through human body. If safe use of this by observing required protective measures, can be a better replacement for Neon (Line) Testers.

5. Non-contact type voltage detector –

• For primarily checking of absence of voltage

• Salisbury By Honeywell – 4556 – Voltage detector Kit – Not exact replacement of Neon (Line) Tester as it won’t help to recognize the presence of voltage phase wise. But very effectively can use for checking the presence of voltage before going to start in any electrical equipment after LOTO.

• Due non-contact type in nature – electrical accident can be prevented – Electrician can be sure with presence or absence of electrical voltages

• 240V to 230kV,

• Salisbury’s Self-Testing Voltage Detectors allow testing to be continuous and automatic. An intermittent flash and beep confirms the detector is functioning properly.

• Because the Salisbury Voltage Detector alarms in the proximity of electric fields, it is not necessary to make physical contact with the equipment being checked. Because it is made of non-conductive materials, it will not conduct electricity and not cause an arc flash even if contact with energized equipment is made.

6. VF3 - AC Voltage detector of M/s. Megger

• To identify the presence of live AC voltages from 90 V to 600 V

• Can be used for identifying the presence of ac voltage at socket outlets, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, luminaries, wires and cables.

• Not exact replacement of Neon (Line) Tester as it won’t help to recognize the presence of voltage phase wise. But very effectively can use for checking the presence of voltage before going to start in any electrical equipment after LOTO.

• Pen type design – easy to handle.

Inviting views and suggestions from the CiteHR team.

From India
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