Electrical tester

[Mountain J]

So who all has a power probe tester and do
you like it ?? if so what are its good and
bad points

 

[1950MFD]

I have a power probe 3. I love it- it lets you check for power as well as ground and it also has a volt meter on it. Mine came in a kit with a 20 foot extension to put on the power leads and a light plug and battery clips. It is my go-to tester anymore. You can also power up something like a light or fan motor with it. I would highly recommend one. There are videos on you tube on how to use it and what they can do

 

[randyrenfro7]

Love mine. All good and no bad points I have found.

 

[buickanddeere]

Just a potential tester that indicates if a circuit has 120V or more ?

 

[Billy Shafer]

If you get one. Read the manual. Learn what it can and can't do. As one that has worked on power systems. I have seen too many idiots. That should not have been around power systems.

 

[Tony in SD]

Billy
Your idiot comment reminded me of short lived technician (both career & life) that could not grasp the concept of reading an analog VOM. The boss finally set the meter to a lower range setting and asked if the meter pegged. That was the best he could do..

 

[dr sportster]

When the battery goes dead there is the possibility to get shocked thinking a circuit is not hot when it is . I have one but use a wiggins for testing things I touch.

 

[Billy Shafer]

Tony

I still have me Simpson 260. I used it for years retired it. Because lugging that thing around all day. Will wear you out. I now have a Fluke 77IV. Not so hard to carry around.

I only have a GED and from some of the smart idiots I have seen. I am glad that is all I have

 

[K Effective]

When the battery goes dead there is the possibility to get shocked thinking a circuit is not hot when it is . I have one but use a wiggins for testing things I touch.

The proper technique is to do a Live-Dead-Live test- use the tester to check known live circuit, then test the circuit to be worked, then immediately recheck a known live circuit. You should get a live then dead then live set of results, and know your tester was on and working when testing the circuit to be worked.

 

[dr sportster]

That is like a three point hot stick test.

 

[Tony in SD]

Billy
My Simpson 260 is also retired and replaced by several Flukes. One thing I have noticed over the 40 + years of working and hiring people is that their education should not be confused with intelligence. The smartest person working for me has a GED. To put that in perspective, I’ve had many college grads any a few with masters degrees work for me.

 

[Carls70]

I wore out the switch on my Power Probe 3. It is a handy tool for sure. I would recommend trying to find a tool truck etc where you can handle several of them side by side. I like the PP3 but would be intrested to play with the newer ones too. Had mine for about 10 years I think. Looks like they have a newer version or 2 since then...

https://www.powerprobe-emea.com/product-category/circuit-testers-new/

https://www.powerprobe-emea.com/product-category/circuit-testers-new/

I also like my Fluke meters as well. I think of the power probe as a handy supplement to the DMM.

Carl

 

[IaLeo]

And here I thought a pair of Kleins or a screwdriver was the only sure way to see if it was "hot"! Must have too much education! lol Leo