BEST PRACTICE GUIDE TO USING
USING VOLT STICKS Sometimes, cables can still be live even when the relevant power circuit has been correctly identified and isolated at the distribution board. Unknown factors, such as neutral conductors, can impact on cables and keep them energised, so it is critical to fully test cables before working on them. One important tool that can assist is the volt stick.
What is a volt stick? A volt stick, or a non-contact tester, is a testing device that detects the presence of AC voltages in a cable or piece of equipment, without the need to make direct contact with conductive material. A built-in sensor at the tip of the tester detects the presence of voltage when it makes contact with a conductor, outlet or supply cord - without the need to penetrate or cut the insulation. When the tip glows red and the unit beeps (although not all brands have this feature), this indicates that there is potentially a voltage present.
How to use a volt stick correctly Volt sticks should never be used to confirm that a circuit is correctly isolated - that is a job for a tradesperson using a multimeter. Volt sticks are to be used as a final safety check for you to confirm that what you’re about to touch isn’t energised.
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
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A volt stick must be well-maintained and To ensure you get an accurate used correctly to be an effective tool. reading from the volt stick, Volt sticks do not detect DC voltages. the best practice is to: Firstly, check the volt stick A faulty volt stick can lead to a serious incident! on a known live source. If the volt stick tip doesn’t light up brightly, or if the audible beep fails to sound How to maintain a volt stick (for those brands with this feature), you may need to change the batteries. To ensure your volt stick is in the Ensure the object you are testing best possible condition to work is separated from other conductors correctly, there are a few maintenance or equipment, so that there is no steps that should be followed: doubt about which object you Store the volt stick in a safe place are receiving a reading from. where it won’t get damaged (e.g. not Move the volt stick close to the object in the bottom of your toolbox). The you wish to test. Be cautious and stay tip at the end of a volt stick can be clear of any potentially live parts. easily damaged, which will make it either unreliable or inoperable. Run the volt stick slowly along both sides of the cable or around the Replace volt stick batteries regularly. object, checking it is de-energised. A low battery reading can give the volt stick an incorrect indication. If a voltage is present, the volt stick tip will light up and (if applicable) Always test your volt stick beep. Alert your tradesperson before every use. so they can do further tests. Key takeaway If the volt stick has indicated that the cable or object does not have voltage, A volt stick can be a valuable tool for test the volt stick again on a known live electricians – but only if it is used source to ensure it is working correctly. correctly. To prevent the occurrence of a life-threatening incident, it is essential Repeat these steps until you are that everyone in the electrical industry satisfied that you have correctly knows how to accurately use a volt stick identified that there is no voltage and ensure that the device is not faulty. present before commencing work.
GET WHS EXPERT ADVICE Safety in our industry is of the utmost importance. That’s why we offer a wide range of safety services for our members. Let us help you stay on top of your workplace health and safety requirements. If you have a WH&S question, get in touch with NECA in your state.
NECA ACT/QLD/NSW/TAS ........................................................................................ 1300 361 099 NECA SA/NT ......................................................................................................................... (08) 8272 2966 NECA VIC ........................................................................................................................................ 1300 632 247 NECA WA ................................................................................................................................... (08) 6241 6100
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n e c a n e Ws
September 2021
