The economic activity of any enterprise and housekeeping cannot be imagined without electricity. Electric energy is necessary for the efficient operation of equipment, machinery, large and small household appliances. wiring often leads to various types of malfunctions. In one case, home appliances and household appliances will stop due to a lack of mains voltage. And in another situation, a fire may start, the ignition sources of which can be sparking switches, sockets, extension cords, as well as failed sources of artificial lighting. To solve this kind of problems with power supply in houses, apartments, the services of professional electricians are needed. For a fee, they will be able to fix any wiring problems and restore comfortable household conditions. But most breakdowns can be repaired by hand. A voltage indicator, also called an indicator screwdriver or an indicator screwdriver, is mainly used to determine whether there is voltage on the network section or not. This will ensure safety during electrical repairs, connecting household appliances, troubleshooting caused by a power outage. With its help, it is not difficult to determine zero and phase in the network. Solving problems with power supply yourself is a rational, cost-effective solution that allows you to save money on paying for electricians.
A voltage indicator that is universal and accessible to all segments of the population should be in the arsenal of every owner. Troubleshooting electrical wiring using reliable, compact devices that identify the voltage in the network eliminates the danger to the health and life of the master. The device of the indicator screwdriver is simple and has a small number of parts. 
The main structural elements of a device that can show phase and zero include:
- a body consisting of an insulated handle, a rod, at the end of which a screwdriver tip is placed;
- high resistance resistor;
- indicator light;
- spring;
- contact plate.
The principle of operation of a contact-type indicator screwdriver is based on the passage of electric current through the tip after it touches phase wire, resistor and light bulb, causing it to glow, as well as its subsequent departure with the help of sensory contact towards the ground through the body of the master. A large resistor value results in a low voltage. Its value is imperceptible and safe for the health and life of people.
Product selection criteria
Knowing how to determine the phase and zero with an indicator screwdriver, you can always quickly fix problems with the power supply of your home with your own hands. When choosing a voltage indicator, it is recommended to take into account a number of characteristics. Their list includes:
- body size and shape;
- color shade and ergonomics of the handle;
- functionality;
- the presence of a power source for autonomous operation of a screwdriver;
- indicator light type: neon or LED;
- the presence of a display and a sound signal;
- company - manufacturer;
- product cost.
The optimal choice of voltage indicator determines the successful use of products and the absolute safety of repair work.
Varieties of indicator screwdrivers and their features
Voltage indicators are presented in a wide range of models, thanks to which professional and home craftsmen can purchase reliable, versatile devices in accordance with their preferences, wishes and financial capabilities. The most common types include the following models:
The use of an electronic screwdriver does not differ from the use of other analogues of screwdrivers designed for safe repairs of electrical networks, appliances, and equipment. The practical determination of voltage, fault points of sockets, switches and other power sources using a multifunctional device can always be seen on a video on the Internet. Knowing how to use an indicator screwdriver, you can always avoid electric shocks, the impact of which is a danger to human health and life.
Use of voltage indicators
The use of indicator screwdrivers makes it possible to find the phase wire, zero and ground in sockets, switches, lighting fixtures, make sure that there is voltage in the electrical network, detect voltage breakdowns on the housing of household appliances, and also detect wiring in walls under tiles or a layer of plaster with a finishing coating. Work with testers begins after their verification. The test is carried out on a section with voltage. Its presence in the network will be indicated by a light signal of a neon or LED indicator lamp. After checking the suitability of the device, the elimination of breakdowns and malfunctions of electrical networks, household appliances, and lighting devices is carried out. The main types of work using voltage testers include:
Hello. Today I will tell you how I did homemade voltage indicator. Words will not be many, as I have photos. Also interesting news.
What is a voltage indicator?
This is a device () for determining the presence or absence of voltage on live parts. Such as wires, busbars, contact connections, etc.
Everyone should have your personal index, but sometimes you have to deal with the fact that the company does not purchase all the necessary tools and materials at the right time. It happened to me recently, I came, it seems like I need to do something on my own, but there is no tool for personal use, even a tool! What is there to say about the devices ...
Well, it turned out that among the electricians there is an electronics engineer who knows how to assemble voltage indicators himself. I looked at the device, tried to contact, it works fine. I decided under his guidance to collect myself the same.
In general, I advise everyone, if you are learning something new, listen to the advice of those people who give tips from my practice and not read or heard something somewhere.
Evgeny Vasilyevich is the name of the electrician who taught me this. It is unlikely that he will read this article, but I convey great respect to this person. He is 74 years old now. All the electricians in the factory have his instruments to check the voltage. So, scheme, photo.
In order to assemble the voltage indicator we will use:
- Foil textolite
- cable channel
- semiconductor diode
- LEDs
- Resistances are resistors.
- Zener diode - D 814 A
- Diodes
- Electrolytic Capacitor - 2200 microfarads, 25 volts
I'm not sure that everyone knows the entire list of components, since I myself encountered some for the first time, but they are needed. You can also add a speaker for a sound signal. There is no speaker in my circuit.
You will also need tester, ohmmeter, to know how to install LEDs that pass current in only one direction, this is necessary for the correct operation of the circuit.
So, let's start assembling!
We take a foil textolite, cut islands on it, make a board, as shown in my photo:
This can be done with a regular knife. I think it is clear why we cut out the so-called islands. Each has its own circuit component. Next, you need to irradiate the surface. That is, apply a layer of solder (tin) on each. Let's start installing LEDs and components according to the diagrams.
After assembly, the circuit is installed in the cable channel. You can fix it there in any way, even glue it) the main thing is not to damage the circuit. They laid a channel in the cable, melted or cut holes in the cover for LEDs, brought out convenient probes using wires, that's all. You can draw your brand. Since it is your product
The voltage indicator circuit may not be clear to beginners, but if you collect all of the indicated components, I think you can navigate by the photo.
I would like to point out that homemade voltage indicator is prohibited by the rules, because of him I did not pass, the first time, read it.
Pointers must be certified and be verified. Now there are many stores where you can easily buy a voltage indicator, good or bad. It will help you make a choice. Do not be stingy, choose good ones.
Interesting news:
1) The British make fuel out of thin air!!!
Engineers at the British company Air Fuel Synthesis have announced that they can get gasoline from the air. Believe it? The presented prototype, according to its publishers, has been available since August this year (2012) and has already proved that it has coped with its task. The developers say that within two years they will build the first power plant. The method is environmentally friendly. The production technology provides for the extraction of carbon dioxide from the air, hydrogen from water. They are then converted into methanol by reaction. Also, you can get both gasoline and diesel fuel, according to the company. The power plant will cost £5 million. The inventors have been criticized for how much energy it takes, but they say the results have already surpassed coal-fired power plants, which are 70% efficient.
2) Recently received, with the 3rd group. It is only strange that the score was ud, they gave 4 on the exam.
With information about the assignment, you can also find on the blog pages. I also want to add:
Always, before checking the voltage, check the voltage indicators for serviceability, especially homemade ones. How? Very simple - touch the pointer where there is 100% current, if it shows, then it is working.
One of the most important devices for an electrician and other electricians is a voltage gauge. The safety of an electrician or operating personnel directly depends on it, because according to the readings of this device, it is possible to determine whether there is an electric current in the conductor or not. In this article we will consider the types of voltage indicators, the purpose and rules for using them.
Device types
Pointers up to 1000 volts and above 1000 volts have different external and design features. For low voltage measurements, up to 1 kV, there are two types of devices:
- single-pole, reacting to the flow of capacitive current;
- bipolar, gives an indication when an active current flows through it.
The single-pole pointer is designed to work in alternating current circuits, to detect a phase conductor, in lighting circuits, when phasing an electric meter, and checking cartridges in lamps. Simply put, to detect live wires.
Single-pole phase indicating devices are of the same design and usually consist of a gas discharge indicator lamp, with an ignition threshold of 90 to 120 volts and a 1 MΩ resistor connected in series. The resistor limits the current to a safe value, about 0.5 mA.
Indicator IN - 90 is made in the form of a screwdriver.
The disadvantages of such indicators include low sensitivity (the indication threshold of some devices starts from 90 volts), as well as sensitivity to pickups in adjacent wires.
For networks above 1000 volts, voltage indicators are made with handles made of insulating material and long, excluding the approach of a person to current-carrying elements. The appearance of UVN-10 is shown in the photo below:
When measuring voltages above 1000 volts, they resort to the use of additional protective equipment: rubber gloves, boots or an insulating mat. You can find out from our article!
A two-pole pointer consists of two cases of insulating material and a flexible insulated copper conductor that connects them. Scheme of a two-pole voltage indicator type UNN-10:
In this circuit, the discharge indicator is shunted with a resistor, which makes the circuit insensitive to induced voltages. Also, on its basis, an indicator with a voltage value indicator UN-1 is produced:
This device uses a special linear discharge lamp and a scale on the body with a graduation of 127, 220, 380, 500 Volts.
There are also universal voltage indicators, for checking the presence of voltage and indicating its value from 12 to 380 V. For operation in DC circuits, up to 500 volts and alternating current, up to 380 volts. They can be additionally used to test the integrity of connections.
In these devices, LEDs are used as indicator lights, and a large capacitor is used as a power source.
The digital voltage gauge has an LCD screen with printed values in volts. At the maximum value of 220 volts, all values from the minimum to the maximum are lit on the screen. Those. this tester shows an approximate value. The only plus of this model is the lack of a power source.
Non-contact indicators are designed to detect live conductors, including those hidden in walls or panels. The circuit of this device responds to an alternating electromagnetic field, is equipped with light and sound indication. We talked more about these devices when we talked about.
Terms of Use
Before using the voltage indicator, you must make sure that it is in good condition. To do this, in a known working network, you need to check the indication of the device. Only after a positive result is it allowed to use it.
It is forbidden to use an incandescent lamp as an indicator, due to its low reliability and high injury risk. When searching for a phase, it is necessary to install the pointer probe on the conductor of interest, hold the device in the right hand, hide the left hand behind the back, touch the end contact with the thumb of the right hand. This is for a single pole indicator.
For a two-pole probe with an indicator, put it on the conductor or terminal of interest, and the second probe on zero or the adjacent phase. As you can see, there is nothing complicated in working with these devices. Be aware of the dangers of working under voltage, and observe personal safety measures.
So we examined the types, purpose and rules for using a voltage indicator. We hope that the information provided was informative and useful for you!
When carrying out even the most elementary work with electricity, it is important to observe safety measures. Even with extensive experience in this area, it is not worth the risk, as it is life-threatening. In order to check the presence of electric current, it is always necessary to have a voltage indicator on the farm. The main advantage of this device is ease of use and instant detection of the presence of current in the network.
If you look at the photo of the voltage indicator, you can see that this tool is a screwdriver with a built-in indicator.
Manufacturers offer many different types of indicators, but each has its own principle of operation. Before using it, you need to understand the rules and avoid mistakes.
Types of indicators
Screwdriver
The simplest and most common is the passive indicator screwdriver. With its help, you can find out whether or not there is voltage in the circuit. The main advantage of this type of screwdriver is that the indicator shows the presence or absence of voltage after touching the contact.
On the handle there is a contact that must be clamped when we bring it to the conductor. The result of the presence of current is shown by a neon lamp built into the handle.
Electricians rarely use this kind of mains voltage indicator due to low functionality. This type of indicator is more suitable for home use.
Active screwdriver
A more advanced indicator model is an active screwdriver. This type of screwdriver determines the presence of voltage in the network, as well as its integrity. The case contains a battery-operated circuit and an LED.
The main feature of this indicator is the possibility of contact and non-contact application, and is suitable for professional use.
control
The most popular probe among electricians is a do-it-yourself voltage indicator - a control. This is a design in the form of a light bulb inserted into the cartridge and a wire, the edges of which are probes.
The control is convenient in that it shows the presence of voltage and whether the power of the network is normal. The main advantage of this indicator is the ability to check three-phase circuits.
multimeter
Another type of voltage indicator is a multimeter. This is a universal device that measures current, voltage, frequency, capacitance, etc. The multimeter measures to the nearest thousandths.
Universal probe
For professional use, electricians often choose a universal probe. This device is more versatile than the others. Thanks to the ability to determine phases, pluses and minuses, call, etc. This indicator is considered one of the main tools of an electrician.
Non-contact voltage indicator
Also, a non-contact voltage indicator is considered one of the safest. This type of indicators is equipped with three modes of operation. These are non-contact use with high and low sensitivity and light notification. These three modes change depending on the tasks being performed:
- Light alert - the signal is given by the glow of the light bulb. It detects the presence of current only upon contact.
- Non-contact notification at low sensitivity - the device detects the presence of current at a short distance.
Non-contact notification with high sensitivity - detects the presence of current at a great distance. This mode allows you to measure the voltage in the wires plastered in the wall, as well as to identify their route.
This screwdriver is a simplified multimeter. This is a great device with many features and very easy to use. With it, you can check the integrity of the circuit, determine the voltage at a distance, and there is also a light and sound indication.
To obtain more information about the electrical circuit, use a digital voltage indicator. This pointer on the display gives more detailed information by showing the digital value of the mains voltage. With it, you can control the voltage by setting the maximum and minimum values. This device is installed to protect against voltage surges.
When choosing an indicator, it is important to know all the pros and cons. It is recommended to carry out work related to electricity with extreme caution, and to check the presence of electricity in the network only using indicators.
Photo of voltage indicator
With electricity you need to be on you!!! (wisdom, time-tested).
Many have probably heard that a real electrician is not one who is not afraid of electricity, but one who is able to avoid direct contact with electricity. According to statistics, most often electricians with an experience of ten years or more die from electric shock. It is at this age that the sense of danger is dulled. Some experienced electricians check the presence of electricity by touch, yes, by touch. But why risk your own life when there are devices that show the presence of voltage?
There are a lot of devices showing the presence of voltage - from the simplest voltage indicator on a gas-discharge light bulb (neon) and ending with devices showing not only the presence of voltage, but also many other parameters.
In this article, we will look at indicators and voltage indicators, which are most often used in their practice by both professional electricians and home craftsmen. In electrical installations, indicators with signal lamps are most often used.
Relatively recently, we have voltage indicators that allow us to detect the presence of voltage without direct contact with a current-carrying conductor.
An example of this type of device is a Chinese-made indicator (although it is written everywhere that it is made in Germany) - MS-18, MS-58, etc.
Such indicators consist of an LED, two miniature batteries and a pair of radio components. Such indicators can be safely used, having enough experience and knowledge in electricity, since these indicators react to everything in a row. For novice electricians and people with no experience, using these probes is undesirable and even dangerous.
Single-pole voltage indicators can be made in-house. The figure shows the data for the manufacture of the voltage indicator UNN-10. A cold-cathode thyratron of the MTX-90 type, with an ignition threshold of 90 V, was used as a signal lamp.
If it is impossible to obtain a neon lamp or a thyratron, it is allowed to use an incandescent lamp with a power of not more than 10 W, enclosed in one of the voltage indicator cases, as an indicator of the presence of voltage. In the second case, a wire additional resistance is mounted. For a 380 V network and a 220 V lamp with a power of 10 W, the value of the additional resistance should be 5000 ohms.
The next most popular among electricians are bipolar voltage indicators. Such indicators consist of two parts. In one of the parts there is the entire filling of the device, in the second part there is a probe.
Bipolar voltage indicator: a - indicator UNN-10; b - indicator MIN-1; VS 3 MOhm.
Bipolar voltage indicator consists of a neon lamp, additional resistance and contacts 1. Neon lamp, so that there is no glow under the action of capacitive current. The pointer elements are fixed in two plastic cases 2, connected by a flexible wire 3 1 m long with increased reliability insulation.
Two-pole indicators require touching two points of the electrical installation, between which it is necessary to determine the presence or absence of voltage.
There are many types of such indicators. They also differ in functionality.
The simplest indicators show only the presence of voltage. An example of such an indicator is the devices of the PIN-90 series (-2m, -2mu), UN500, -453, UNNU-1, UNN-10, MIN-1, etc. More advanced models - the ELIN-1 series (-СЗ, -С3 IPM, -С3 Combi) and many other devices, show not only the presence of voltage in the circuit section under study, but also its nominal value, voltage polarity.
As an indication, neon bulbs, LEDs of various colors, digital and indicators are used. There are also combined indicators, where, along with light indication, there is also sound, which makes working with devices more comfortable and safer.
Unlike single-pole pointers and indicators, in order to find out the presence of voltage with these (two-pole) devices, you must use two probes. The use of such devices gives a more complete picture of the presence or absence of voltage, which is undoubtedly very important in the work of electricians.
In addition to checking for the presence or absence of voltage in the section of the circuit under study, some bipolar indicators can be used as a "continuity", that is, to check the circuit for an open circuit.
Digital devices are also quite popular among electricians -. These versatile instruments allow you to check voltage, resistance, etc. A digital display, sound and light indication are used as indication.
Some models are equipped without violating the insulation of the conductor. Also, many models of testers are equipped with a temperature sensor, with which you can measure the temperature of equipment - transformers, motors, power switches.
Caveats:
1. It is not allowed to use as a voltage indicator (a conventional cartridge with two leads) in networks with a line voltage of more than 220 V, since if the lamp is switched on by mistake to the line voltage of 380/220 V, the lamp explodes and fragments can injure the worker.
2. In practice, single-pole voltage indicators are often made on their own, usually in the form of a screwdriver. In this case, there are cases of improper manufacture, and then there is a danger of electric shock. Do not make a screwdriver shaft longer than 20 mm. If the rod is long, there is a danger of touching it during the voltage test. It is advisable to pull the insulating tube tightly over the rod, leaving a section no longer than 5 mm long uninsulated. On the side close to the voltage source, there must be a thrust ring protruding 3-4 mm to prevent the hand from slipping.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of a neon bulb so that the ignition threshold does not exceed 90 V. The IN-3 type lamp is most suitable. Additional resistance must be at least 200 kOhm.
The housing should be made of ebonite or dark-colored plastic, which makes it easier to notice the glow of the light bulb. Manufactured pointers should be tested.
In any case, using indicators and voltage indicators requires knowledge and skills when working with them. Also, do not forget about safety. And, trust the professionals, electricity, as you know, does not forgive jokes and mistakes!
