Forgive me if I'm wrong, but one of the first things we were told on the Part P course (or should I say 'joke course' ) was that neon screwdrivers were legal to sell/buy, but illegal to use
Bearing this in mind, the answer would seem to be to firstly use a digital multimeter to check that the neon screwdriver impedance is high and then use the neon screwdriver to check for voltage on the phase under test.
I use a meter all the time but I also have a neon screwdriver in my pocket for the odd quick check. It's my screwdriver - I know where it's been and I know it's safe. Not that I'd necessarily recommend one to anyone else and certainly not someone who uses it for everything else under the sun. How many people grab a meter and use it without first checking on a live circuit that it actually reads something? Hands up???
A colleague of my once used a 2"x4" steel bar to prove that a new uncommisioned conductor was dead. There was a bit of a bang and a flash before it glowed red and melted. Someone had connected the conductor to live without running it through any breakers. 760V DC at any amps you wanted to draw, and that kit sized for normal use of up to 3000A could provide.
The chap who helped commision the electrical installation at the new(at the time) Hatton Cross Station if he is still alive will be shivering in his boots reading that last post
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