- Joined
- Jan 9, 2013
- Messages
- 1,020
[QUOTE=When I take the non-contact detector/indicator and get close to the body of the fixture (~1") it starts beeping like it's hot.
I have one of those detectors and they're useful for what they do, see if a circuit is on or off. When I take mine and wave it anywhere near my computer when its plugged in, it beeps within about 2 to 3" away. Likewise for my desk lamp, television, and most things even if they don't have a metal exterior. If I go into my shop, where everything is three wire i.e. grounded, there isn't a peep unless I insert it into the hot side of an electrical outlet.I just tried it on the plastic exterior of an LED ceiling light in my office and even in my shop where the boxes are grounded and it beeps. Don't rely on these non-contact devices to check electrical circuits for anything but on or off at the electrical outlet, thats all that they should do. To trust them for a grounding problem could prove shocking or even fatal! Use contact type devices, i.e. digital multimeters, that are designed for this purpose, and always wear proper gloves (and safety glasses). If you don't know what y0u are doing, don't do it, get an electrician.
Chuck the grumpy old guy
I have one of those detectors and they're useful for what they do, see if a circuit is on or off. When I take mine and wave it anywhere near my computer when its plugged in, it beeps within about 2 to 3" away. Likewise for my desk lamp, television, and most things even if they don't have a metal exterior. If I go into my shop, where everything is three wire i.e. grounded, there isn't a peep unless I insert it into the hot side of an electrical outlet.I just tried it on the plastic exterior of an LED ceiling light in my office and even in my shop where the boxes are grounded and it beeps. Don't rely on these non-contact devices to check electrical circuits for anything but on or off at the electrical outlet, thats all that they should do. To trust them for a grounding problem could prove shocking or even fatal! Use contact type devices, i.e. digital multimeters, that are designed for this purpose, and always wear proper gloves (and safety glasses). If you don't know what y0u are doing, don't do it, get an electrician.
Chuck the grumpy old guy