Choosing the Right Electrical Testing Tool: Which Is Safer and More Practical for Your Needs?

To check the presence of electricity in the industry, the following tools are commonly used:

- Neon testers
- Test Lamp: sometimes with a single bulb, sometimes with a double bulb
- Multi Meter

Safety and Usage of Electrical Testing Tools

Which one is safer and why? What are the benefits of each, and where should each be used specifically? Which job suits each tool best?

Single Bulb vs. Double Bulb Test Lamp

Single bulb test lamp versus double bulb test lamp - which one is better and why? Nowadays, even non-contact type voltage detectors are available in the market. However, many industries hesitate to invest in these due to cost considerations. Therefore, we need to choose the most practical and feasible option.

I look forward to hearing from the forum members with their opinions and suggestions.

Thank you.

If I were you, I’d highly suggest recommending non-contact type voltage detectors, even if they are a bit expensive (though I don't really think they are). If they take care of their equipment, they can use it until the calibration date expires (if applicable).

So far, I know all branded non-contact type voltage detectors cost less than 2,500 INR.

Cost-Effective Tool for Testing

We are discussing which is the best tool for testing in terms of cost. I'm sure there is a requirement in the IS standard as well. All electrical testing and inspections should meet the requirements. 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-contact type voltage detectors. If one electrical company can't offer the non-contact type voltage detectors to their employees, then how can they offer the appropriate PPE?

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

Thanks – Hope this helps.

I have come to the following conclusion regarding the query I brought forward. Sharing with the team, as it may be helpful to someone out here.

Why One Should Ban the Use of Neon (Line) Testers

• The glow of a Neon (line) tester lamp requires some amount of current to pass through the body of the person checking the voltage, as the circuit is completed through the human body. The amount of current through the Neon (line) tester also depends on the inbuilt resistance and human body resistance involved in completing the circuit. Theoretically, for perfect electrical safety, no current should pass through the human body.

• A Neon (line) tester may glow at very low voltage (leakage voltage), and when its inbuilt resistance becomes short, there is a risk of electrical shock. If the resistance inside fails, it could create a sort of shunt inside, and the worker could be shocked.

• Not suitable for 440 volts. Normally, a Neon (line) tester is used for 220V. The resistance is "calculated" for 220V. If someone mistakenly tests a 440-volt supply with this Neon (line) tester, he/she will get an electric shock.

What Are the Alternatives Available in the 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 uses a capacitive effect.

• A capacitance is a conductor/an insulation/a conductor, so they have a conductive "counterbalance" on the body of the driver tester, which creates a capacitive effect with the floor through the air (which is the insulation).

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

• This is not a "true" voltage detector because when the battery is dead (manufacturer guarantees 3 years for the battery) or if something fails inside, there is no self-test or warning for the worker that the unit is defective.

• However, it is better than your neon tester, which is dangerous for the three 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 handheld two-pole voltage detectors. There is no standard for single-pole neon (line) testers. The standard IEC60900 (mentioned in the above product) is the standard for insulating tools (only for insulation, not for tester function). So, I propose you use a voltage detector (MS-917-EX-GB) conforming to this standard with rods.

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

• The standard specifies that you need to do a self-test before use, and the self-test is included in the detector.

• There is a processor inside that tests the "detection circuit" to ensure that the circuit, including components, operates well and is safe.

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

• This type of detector, if well-stocked and well-used, is for life.

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

4. Double Bulb Test Lamp – Much safer than a Neon (Line) Tester because no current passes through the human body. If used safely by observing required protective measures, it can be a better replacement for Neon (Line) Testers.

5. Non-contact Type Voltage Detector

• Primarily for checking the absence of voltage.

• Salisbury By Honeywell – 4556 – Voltage Detector Kit – Not an exact replacement for a Neon (Line) Tester as it won’t help recognize the presence of voltage phase-wise. But it can be used effectively for checking the presence of voltage before starting any electrical equipment after LOTO.

• Due to its non-contact nature, electrical accidents can be prevented – Electricians can be sure of the 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 confirm 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. Made of non-conductive materials, it will not conduct electricity and will 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 an exact replacement for a Neon (Line) Tester as it won’t help recognize the presence of voltage phase-wise. But it can be used effectively for checking the presence of voltage before starting any electrical equipment after LOTO.

• Pen-type design – easy to handle.

Inviting views and suggestions from the CiteHR team.

Regards,