How to use the indicator screwdriver ?

Existing types

to begin explain what are indicator screwdriver and what is the benefit of each of the species.Today decided to use the following types of indicators:

1. Neutral probe without batteries with a light bulb.The operating principle of this model is quite simple: the current falls to the sting, and then goes to the resistor is limited and is supplied to the indicator light.Please note, that on top of the screwdriver is a nickel metal, which is the second contact.To check wiring, human finger must be on this penny, otherwise the probe will not work (circuit is closed).The advantage of this model - the low cost and simple construction.The second advantage appears immediately and the main drawback - the indicator screwdriver without batteries has a minimum set of features that allows you only to find the phase and zero, or check the AC mains voltage.Find an open neutral conductor or phase this tool you could not, becausedisplay threshold is quite high - more than 60 volts.
   
2. indicator with battery.A more advanced version of the probe - a power source and an LED.In appearance they do not differ from the previous model, but if you look inside, you can see the bipolar transistor, which is shown in the diagram below.Use a screwdriver with battery indicator may be the following types of work: the definition phase / zero, plus and minus (in the car), open circuit and the location of the wiring under the plaster.The latter option allows you to find a wire in the wall of a non-contact manner, but the error may be high.Advantages with battery screwdriver is that compared with a conventional probe, such a device can be used even for checking the integrity of the conductors and the fuse, which makes it multifunctional.For home use with battery indicator fits best.
3. indicator Electronic screwdriver with LCD display.This model is a multi-functional and besides, that includes all the functions described above, so it is still further possible to determine the magnitude of the voltage (in the range from 12 to 220).In addition, an electronic indicator can be used to detect hidden wiring.In fact, the electronic probe is a mini version of the meter.Due to the fact that it costs 3-4 times higher than conventional indicators and at the same time functions not so much as have a full tester, professional electricians it is used very rarely.Home self-taught electrician this option is also not recommended, as thethe overpayment will be significant, and all the functions will still not be used.

So we looked at the most popular types of indicator screwdrivers.Next we will look at how to use each of the models for the most common situations that may occur at home.

Tips for using

At home, the indicator may be needed for the following reasons:

• find the phase and zero in the socket or lamp;
• make sure there is voltage in the mains;
• define appliance, from which the sample phase of the housing;
• test the functionality of the electrical extension cord;
• find a wire in the wall under the tile or plaster.

before using the indicator, it is necessary to check.It is recommended to check the work in the area under the voltage (so we know if the indicator lamp lights up at all).In addition, if the sampler with battery can be checked as follows: one finger to touch the tip, the other to five kopecks, and if the light bulb lit up (as shown in the photo), so the device works.

So, for instructions on how to properly use a screwdriver indicator in each of the situations.

phase Search / zero

first and most popular situation where we have to use the probe - when you need to find the phase conductor, if this is not color coded wires.In this case, it is necessary to turn off the electricity at the opening panel, then using a screwdriver to touch one of the cores.If the lamp lights up - you've found a phase no - 0.

Do not forget when using a conventional probe to touch your finger to the penny, or determine the polarity will not work!If the indicator screwdriver with battery, touch five kopecks is not necessary.

To determine whether the line voltage, simply touch a sting to the connectors outlet.LED lights - voltage is, no means no.

Determining leakage

The second reason for which you want to use a screwdriver indicator in the home - when you need to find where the leakage current, in other words, the breakdown in the body of the appliance.In this case, the problem can handle as a conventional probe and the electronic version.Use in this case is simple - you need to bring the sting tendrils to the earth in one of the sockets.If the LED lights up, it means that there is a leak.

Next you need to act by process of elimination, namely:

• turn off all electrical appliances from the network;
• turn include each device and check the leak;
• lamp does not light up - machines working by turns - there is a leak on the appliance is.

Looking for wire breakage

If the electricity is not supplied to electrical appliances and outlets in the room, but on the input power is, you can try to determine broken wire indicator screwdriver.Probe, of course, not so good place flush show damage, but nevertheless, the electronic device can detect the approximate termination zone.To do this, based on the wiring diagram in the house to conduct a sting in situ cable in the wall of the junction box to the power outlet.Where there is an open, light should stop burning.

second search method - check the line.In this case, you can not identify the indicator, where exactly break contact occurs, but it can at least make sure it is.Incidentally, in this case, you can even use a simple indicator with battery screwdriver.All that is needed - always disconnect the electric power on the instrument in one hand to take a bare wire, and the second strand of the probe tip touch.This method results in a closed circuit and open circuit if indeed there, the light does not illuminate.

immediately draw your attention to the fact that the check on the open lamp a must during a power outage, but the switch is turned on the light.If you forget to close the circuit on the switch, a screwdriver indicator shows that the chain is broken, but this is not to say that there is a break!

Immediately I would like to add another case, which is often found in the home.To check whether the lamp working, you need to take her fingers over the base and touch a sting to the center pin.At the same finger should lie on a penny pens.If the indicator lamp is lit in the handle, so the lamp itself works!

Check extender

And the last point on which I would like to stay - tell us how to properly use a screwdriver while checking the indicator on the extension cord.Here, things are a bit more complicated, so pay heed to the material described below.

must first disable the "portability" of the network and the other electrical appliances.Then you need to make a jumper from the wires and insert it between the slots of one of the unit sockets (shorted circuit).Then everything is quite simple - you need to take one finger of the plug electrodes, and the second touch probe tip.The result is determined as always - the indicator light is on, it means that everything is working, there is, accordingly, no.

Do not forget to check after necessarily pull the jumper from the socket, otherwise there will be a short circuit in the power supply when connecting the carrying.If the indicator shows that the product does not work, be sure to make an extension cord with your hands, instead of repairing the old!

So we dismantled all of the most popular cases in which you need to know how to use a screwdriver indicator with battery and without a power supply.We hope that now you understand the principle of the probe and the situation in which to use it.
Also read:

• How to determine the phase and zero without
• devices How to use a multimeter
• What tools need to be an electrician