1 members (Scott35),
184
guests, and
13
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,527
Moderator
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 45
Member
|
I use Knopp, Square "D", and a Fluke on a daily basis and prefer the Fluke(multimeter) even when I'm busy.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443 Likes: 3
Member
|
So, mate, did you actually choose a voltage tester?. What type did you choose?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 93
Member
|
Steve,
Thats an advantage if you ask me! What better way to test the GFCI?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443 Likes: 3
Member
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 14
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 745
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... Mike (mamills) [This message has been edited by mamills (edited 11-07-2002).]
|
|
|
Posts: 99
Joined: August 2003
|
|
|
|