Welcome to ECN Ronald [Linked Image]

One thing you will learn quickly is the people here care intensly about safety & doing things the right way... We hope as you learn more & more about the electrical trade that these values become vital to you.. (As evidently they are.. You're here seeking guidance [Linked Image] )
As far as equiptment to check for live voltage.. Multimeters, wiggys, non contact voltage sensors, etc. are all things that are used... Different situations are going to require different testing methods & equiptment.. Reading the manufacturers instructions from the testing equiptment is a good place to start for further information.
As said above, the voltages we encounter on a daily basis are dangerous. If you haven't already, you might consider seeking an apprenticeship with a local contractor to learn "hands on"..
I personally always do a "double check" with 2 different testing methods to make sure power is disconnected from what I may be working on.. Proper protection equiptment is always a good idea when live voltage may be at hand...

While on the subject, You may want to do a search under "Lockout/Tagout" procedures if you're not familiar with this term... This is a procedure in which you follow to make sure when you de-energize a circuit or equiptment you need to work on, it stays de-energized! This procedure is also mandated by OSHA..

As far as any other questions you have, ask away! [Linked Image] There are no "too simple or even 'stupid'" questions here... The smart people are the ones that ask & then proceed upon seasoned advice when in doubt... There are members here from all across the globe & from most every variation of the electrical world.. [Linked Image]

Good Luck [Linked Image]
-Randy

[This message has been edited by Lostazhell (edited 06-30-2004).]