I have the Fluke voltstick, but find I don’t use it much. It’s handy for a quick survey of the fault, as it can indicate voltage without the need to open junction boxes, sockets, etc. It’s ok for suggesting live, but not for proving dead.
It gives false positives, eg where a dead wire runs alongside a live wire (ghost voltage), and also claims my iPad casing is ‘live’ when charging. This is due to capacitive coupling through the power supply and is harmless.
It gives false negatives, eg in screened or armoured cable.
The two-prod indicator and proving unit is ideal - it doesn’t require current through the operator, and there are no batteries to run out or settings to get wrong. A bit expensive for the home gamer replacing the odd cracked socket.
Good habits are a great strings for your safety bow:
- Don’t rest one hand on things while working with the other.
- Stop twiddling screwdrivers by the metal shaft. Preferably, use VDE insulated tools.
- Develop the skill of making off connections without ever touching conductive bits - use pliers to double over the conductors, for example.
- Wear rubber-soled boots. If anyone tries to insist you take off your boots in the house, use the boots to kick them squarely up the backside.
