Is this multimeter right for what I need ?

[Big Tone]

On another forum I set out a sequence of tests to work out which was the switched live using the lamp its self.

I detailed how one could safely put wires in a chock block and by a slow process of elimination work out which wires were which, assuming the standard method of wiring was used.

I was banned from the forum for suggesting a dangerous sequence as it was claimed the DIY guy may not follow my advice to the letter and could forget to switch off the power during one of the steps.

This is of course the problem with any detailed instruction set and with Henry Ford's model T the starting instructions failed to tell the driver to take the motor back out of gear on one of the last steps and if followed to the letter would have run over the motorist with his own vehicle.However there are no records of this happening.

Any wired door bell could be used to "Bell out" wiring to find which pair was the switch wires far easier with clips and sound than watching a meter needle but with a second person working the switch it is easy with any ohm meter.

However isolation is an important part and although as electricians we can often work out when a house is on a TT supply so that only the main isolator will do, to instruct the DIY guy is a lot harder. So to be safe All power should be turned off not just the fuse/MCB feeding the lights.

And this is my worry Eric!

It's one thing to get banned/admonished, but quite another to suggest something 'we' might do with confidence which could put someone else at risk.

Maybe I've been infected too much working in the NHS for so long now and elf-n-safety...

 

[JBR]

It’s a bit like a problem someone recently had with an amplifier which was blowing fuses. We can recommend what may be going on from the fault description but it’s no substitute for a qualified electronics engineer armed with a circuit diagram. Or maybe that’s a crap analogy; I don’t know. I’ll get my coat...

Yes. That would have been me.

Ah yes JBR I don't know if you agree with me here but I am just thinking about what's best to do to help, I hope.

Sometimes, it's possible, that advice on this forum might well be one of caution out of genuine concerns. And that's all I was trying to say, clumsily perhaps.

I know more about electronics and mechanics TBH, (my apprenticeship and decades in the business), and have the 17th edition, but I wouldn't call myself a seasoned electrician.

I do think it is a fair concern to be... careful what advice one gives here. And, I say again, it's not out of disrespect but a genuine concern.

I want a vasectomy and it seems straight forward enough. But I wouldn't say I've got a bottle of JD, a mirror and a Stanley knife - now what do I do?

Just goofin'. I haven't fired my 'live ammo' somewhere dangerous for years... (Too much info).

No problem. I think the difference is that if I were to replace a component (with the power off, and without bridging a big capacitor!) I'm not going to kill myself. I suppose the worst that might happen is that I could bugger up other components, but it's not working anyway so what the hell! It could even be seen as a 'learning experience'.

(Edit: what is it with this censoring software? How can anyone these days be offended by the word
'b u g g e r' anyway?)

 

[westie101]

But is this fear of giving advice really banned on H & S grounds or is it fear of liability?

Lets see what the HSE says in a similar circumstance?

http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/myth-busting/2013/case186-service-manual.htm

Issue

A private consumer asked for detailed information (service and/or parts manual with parts listings) from the appliance manufacturer to assist with own repairs of own household appliances. The manufacturer claimed that H&S Regulations prevented them providing this information.

Panel decision

Health and safety regulation does not prevent a manufacturer from providing this information. It is a matter of company policy whether they choose to provide it to domestic consumers. If the concern is that repairs by private individuals to their own domestic appliances may present risks of electric shock, fire, explosion, or CO poisoning (in the case of gas appliances), information could still be provided alongside a strong recommendation that work is only undertaken by competent persons. A proper explanation should be provided to customers.

So if that is the case I doubt any H & S regulations prevent advice being given here or any other forum - just fear of liability by the poster or the forum, fine if that is the case well be honest and say so

 

[Big Tone]

If the concern is that repairs by private individuals to their own domestic appliances may present risks of electric shock, fire, explosion, or CO poisoning (in the case of gas appliances), information could still be provided alongside a strong recommendation that work is only undertaken by competent persons.

Which goes back to what Eric pointed out; was saying

We could argue about which is more dangerous between gas or electricity, but they can both kill just the same. That being the case, I think it would be equally remiss of any professional not to point out the dangers of trying to cut and solder a junction into an existing gas pipe to feed an extra heater.

That’s a better analogy this time methinks.

Nice link from Westie