voltsticks

[lifesagasman]

has anybody noticed odd results from voltsticks when they are used on a wall? may be an odd question, but in my gaff in france if i run the voltstick up the wall i get a reading up to about 2 metres in height, then nothing, and on several walls. it does make chasing cable runs more difficult. could it be damp in the (plastered) walls?
i know the sticks are quite sensitive but WTF?

 

[Doodley]

Yep..... I have a fluke voltstick that operates on voltages above 100v, it was about £15, my apprentice has a voltstick (from maplin i think) for about 8 pound, it is far to sensitive, it will light up on walls floors or totally random stuff that is totally impossible to become live.

Some are very sensitive to static, but i wouldnt trust one to locate live cables within walls anyway. Better off with a stud/cable/pipe detector for that.

 

[lifesagasman]

the one i mean is a cheapo one that untied utilities issue. it is really crap for voltages but it's great for telling you that you have just walked into a wall

 

[Doodley]

the one i mean is a cheapo one that untied utilities issue. it is really crap for voltages but it's great for telling you that you have just walked into a wall

Haha! The fluke one is brill!