current detector

[nidanaya]

can a neon tester detect leakages of DC applications?

 

[MintJulep]

The last group you want to ask about electricity is a bunch of mechanical engineers.

 

[IRstuff]

generally, no

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[SnTMan]

MintJulep, one of my ME professors used to pose the question "Why do we study mechanical engineering?"

Answer, "Electricity and chemistry"

Regards,

Mike

 

[IRstuff]

"The last group you want to ask about electricity is a bunch of mechanical engineers"

Yeah, but they're always asking and answering EE questions ;-)

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[nidanaya]

i just need to know cus i'm not that fluent with the theory behind it

 

[hacksaw]

As a safety issue, they are not allowed, and you'd likely shown the gate.

That's the theory, the practical result is a boot print in your tail feathers...

 

[MintJulep]

Neon is a gas.

Neon gas can be used inside light bulbs.

Neon gas light bulbs can be used directly as voltage testers.

Neon gas light bulbs can also be used as indicators in other types of electrical testers.

Not all "voltage" testers actually measure voltage directly.

Current is not voltage.

Your question, as currently asked, forces the reader to make too many guess about what you really want to know. That is why you are not getting any useful answers.

That, and you are asking mechanical engineers about electrical stuff.

 

[mikekilroy]

if you are a wikipedia believer:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neon_lamp

"A small electric current, which may be AC or DC, is allowed through the tube, causing it to glow orange-red. The formulation of the gas is typically the classic...."

or:

http://www.amazon.com/Diversitech-Corporation-Neon-Tester-60-500v-Ac-Dc/dp/B008FM41OQ

"Neon Bulb Tester-60-500v Ac-Dc"

 

[IRstuff]

Sure, but read the figure's value for striking voltage; it's over 100V.

The Amazon listing appears to be incorrect. The minimum operating voltage for that tester appears to be 90V:

http://www.coburns.com/Images/PDFs/DEVCO-6209.PDF

TTFN
faq731-376