I purchased this one:
On Youtube I've seen people put it on sockets and on cables and it lights up.
But when I use it, nothing happens. Is there a trick to using it and does it only work on certain things? Thanks!","comment":[{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51745269","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"CurvedSlightly"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T15:48:48.000Z","text":"If you don't know, it's best you shouldn't know."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51744799","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"VeganPolice"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T14:45:52.000Z","text":"Are you touching the metal bit at the end of the handle(blue bit in your photo) when testing? It is used to complete the circuit via you to the ground."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51745263","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"TheUrbis"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T15:47:04.000Z","text":"Don't use one of these.
Seriously.
Get one of these (or a better one!) - screwfix.com/p/l….ds"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51745163","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mds1256"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T15:32:19.000Z","text":"these are nicknamed death drivers...."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51745799","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"aLV426"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T16:43:39.000Z","text":"Firstly - it's NOT a phase tester, it does not test phases! All it can do is light up in the presence of an AC voltage >30 V when correctly connected.
The end cap will have a metal contact on it - this is designed to work when you complete the circuit. You become part of the circuit and the current flows from the mains feed through the screwdriver, through you to ground and will give a faint glow.
The reason why you shouldn't use one is not so much any potential (pun intended) risk of electric shock, it's more that it can not give a definitive answer as to whether or not a circuit is energised. Thus leading you into a false sense of no risk of electric shock or worse!
Other versions use a battery and are usually marketed as a microwave detector as well."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51747077","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mutley1"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T19:09:34.000Z","text":"they are dangerous and should not be used."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51747100","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Willy_Wonka"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T19:11:17.000Z","text":"As says above.
If you have to ask on here & do not even know what it does then don't use it. These things are dangerous."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51748299","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Gollywood"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T21:21:42.000Z","text":"I've got 3. I have no idea how to use it and never been interested"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51748386","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"powerbrick"},"datePublished":"2023-12-14T21:30:06.000Z","text":"Is it left or right-handed?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/51870890","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Trooperman123"},"datePublished":"2023-12-30T19:21:32.000Z","text":"a) Polite response - if you need to ask, suggest you get an electrician in
b) Sensible response - it only works/lights on Live part of the circuit - have used assorted models over the years (inc. plug-in testers / multimeters - but doesn't mean circuit is 'dead' if not alight - Neutral may still be on (Live via SP or SPCO switch) and could still give a 'tingle' (or more) if you bridge N/E
c) Silly response - who needs a screwdriver - stick your finger in the socket - if your hair stands on-end, job-done - that's the Live one "}],"commentCount":15,"interactionStatistic":17,"articleSection":"Ask"}