Potential checking wire for energy

[frankiee]

When using a Fluke T+ (or other voltmeter) to do a potential check, to make sure the circuit is dead,can any residual voltage in the circuit light the 12 volt bulb and make it stay on?
I can imagine that the 12 volt light could flicker on with any residual voltage and then I imagine that it would be consumed by the meter and all lights would be out then.
Under not circumstace the 12 volt light would stay on with a dead circuit.
Am I right?
The case is a multi unit power plant and the wires can be very long

Thanks

 

[itsmoked]

You haven't really provided enough information to conclusively answer you.
What is the voltage of the circuit you're testing?
Is it AC or DC?
Is it run in close proximity with other current carrying wires and are they AC or DC?

If the circuit is "powered off" but still lights a bulb it could very well be electromagnetically coupled to other wires and could be lethal without the light bulb dropping the leakage or coupled voltage. That would suggest you should should short the wire with multiple jumpers to ground while working on it - but that is hard to decide due to a lack of info.


Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[IRstuff]

I suppose if you don't mind exploding light bulbs, then the voltage isn't terribly relevant

TTFN
faq731-376

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