Safety in use of Electrical testing equipments (rated voltages less than 650V) .......4

Test lamps and voltage indicators are recommended to be clearly marked with:

(a) The maximum voltage which may be tested by the device; and

(b) Any short time rating for the device if applicable. This rating is the recommended maximum current which should pass through the device for a few seconds. These devices are generally not designed to be connected for more than a few seconds.

The use of test equipment by electricians falls into three main categories:

(i)     Testing for voltage (voltage detection);

(ii)    Measuring voltages; and

(iii) Measuring current, resistance and (occasionally) inductance and capacitance.

Item (a) forms an essential part of the procedure for proving a system dead before starting work but may also be associated with simple tests to prove the presence of voltage. Items (b) and (c) are more concerned with commissioning procedures and fault finding.