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#14648 10/05/02 07:40 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,527
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They last for centuries… http://www.knoppinc.com/tools.htm#K-60

#14649 10/20/02 08:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 45
D
Member
I use Knopp, Square "D", and a Fluke on a daily basis and prefer the Fluke(multimeter) even when I'm busy.

#14650 11/04/02 02:07 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443
Likes: 3
Member
So, mate, did you actually choose a voltage tester?.
What type did you choose?
[Linked Image]

#14651 11/05/02 05:16 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
S
Member
The solenoid testers have the advantage of not measuring "phantom" voltages.

But one big disadvantage, in my opinion, is that they cannot measure hot to ground voltage on GFCI or AFCI protected circuits. The solenoid draws enough current to trip either type of protection.

#14652 11/05/02 06:06 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 93
M
Member
Steve,

Thats an advantage if you ask me! What better way to test the GFCI?

#14653 11/07/02 01:49 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443
Likes: 3
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Steve,
What is an AFCI?, is this like an GFCI?, how do they differ?
Matt, I don't really like the idea of using a solenoid tester to test a GFCI, as you really need trip times and currents, to make sure that the thing is working properly, I would sooner use a dedicated tester for this.
Peoples safety is under-mined if these units are faulty.

#14654 11/07/02 01:05 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
S
Member
Trumpy,
AFCI stands for Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter. It "looks" for the characteristics of an arc between hot and neutral. They are required for bedrooms under the latest NEC.
An AFCI also provides GFCI protection, but not Class A protection. Class A requires the device to trip at about 5mA of ground current and AFCI's trip at well above 5mA. The SquareD AFCI breaks at 50mA. Still sensitive enough for a solenoid tester to trip it.

#14655 11/07/02 01:10 PM
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
S
Member
I see no problem using a solenoid tester to test a GFCI circuit. When I test a GFCI circuit, my intent is to verify that the wiring is correct - not that the GFCI device meets the manufacturers specs. That is something that I assume their QC takes care of.

#14656 11/07/02 01:32 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 745
M
Member
Steve:
Since we're momentarily on the subject of AFCI's, will it detect an arc in a hot or neutral unto itself, i.e. a loose connection in a plug or a break in a conductor?

...I hope I described that properly... [Linked Image]

Mike (mamills)

[This message has been edited by mamills (edited 11-07-2002).]

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