I bought mine in 1983 when I worked as an electrician's help after getting out of the Navy. It's still in my toolbox to this day! 40 years and going strong! I love it.
I have one and would still use it to test for power or continuity. Very well built product that takes a beating and still works. The rattle is the meter that shows you the voltage. Good old analogue!!
I agree ☝️ mine still works also, but I haven’t used it in a long time. If I ever use it again it’ll be because it’s the only tester I have around. Analog is good, but digital is better that’s just my opinion. Thanks for watching 👍🏽
I bought one of these brand new a few months ago just for the sake of nostalgia. Growing up my dad had one in his tool box and for $45 on amazon I have one in my tool box now too. Thank for for all the great videos you have posted. I enjoy watching your meter tests and comparisons when I have the time.
I truly understand Neff43, your dad was very special to you. What a hellava way to honor your dad man, I’m sure he’s a proud father who raised a great son. Thanks N43 I’m glad you find my videos interesting, stay tuned sir there’s more to come.
Found this left in a new home we purchased in the mid 90s and still have it. It “rattles” like yours too! Sadly, it doesn’t work and I suspect the internal battery is dead. Since you’re saying it’s not safe, into the garbage it goes today! Thx for your videos.
kept me safe for 20 years , its a solenoid tester . 3 chances , bottom lights , center light , top bar. totally safe. if its in good shape. i didnt hear yours vibrating though. thanks
The model that’s shown in the video doesn’t vibrate it just lights up. I believe it’s but they’re safe, but there’s nothing wrong with using a newer tester that’s a little more safer 👍🏿
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel That model vibrates on AC. It's a subtle 60 Hz hum that you feel rather than hear. It's a side effect of the solenoid meter movement. The newer 'XL' models also have an audible continuity and voltage buzzer, but that's separate from the vibration feature. I'm curious why you think that this is no longer considered a safe meter or obsolete. I still see solenoid type meters explicitly specified in equipment installation manuals. The solenoid coil could potentially burn out, but that is why there are two backup indicators.
@@1djbecker I'm glad you ask me that question. Because without research of my own, I heard it from others professionals and I accepted it at face value without doing my own research. I still use my to this day regardless. I'm going to revise this video in the future. Because it may not be as safe as some testers of today but it is safe or maybe even safer than a lot of the testers on the market today. Wow 😮 your question to have opened up my mind to thinking that this meter is very safe. Because IDEAL still sell this tester to this day. That this tester is safe, that is my opinion from this day forward. And I'm sticking to it. Thank you for your curiosity 👍🏾👋🏾🤔😊👌🏽💪🏾💪👍
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel I honestly don't know what their thinking was, they just gave us a list. I've done some research though. These testers are low impedance and thus prevent ghost voltage readings. They also don't need batteries to measure voltage, making them super reliable. Other than that, I don't know. Maybe nobody's updated the list in forty years.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Oh, they didn't specify a brand. They just said a solenoid style voltage/continuity tester. I got one of these Ideals for $30 on eBay.
@@Bapuji42 I understand you didn’t know. But when possible purchase yourself a ( FLUKE T+PRO ELECTRICAL TESTER ) it’s a solenoid type tester that have modern safety features built in, it’s reliable, accurate, very nice and very well built. Take a look 👀 on eBay I’m sure you’ll find a brand new one for an affordable price. Good luck 👍🏽🍀 on your electrical career.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Ok, thanks, I'll take a look. I was trying to save some money but maybe it's worth it to move up to the next level of quality.
Thanks Bob, I agree that for certain usages the solenoid tester is unmistakably supreme. I never used a solenoid tester to check for ghost voltage , I just never thought about it. To chase down ghost voltages I often go to my FLUKE Low OZ measurement for that. But Bob you taught me something new sir. Thanks
Wow , I`m getting old . I have that model and It`s my back up when I can go off grid . I use it more as a back up and 30 plus years down the road mine still works like a champ.
This tool is still around and being sold by the original company ( IDEAL INDUSTRIES). Mine still in working condition but I haven’t used it in a very, very long time. The main reason for not using it is because of it being not as safe as the meters of today. Thanks for watching good luck 🍀, and be careful while using this tool 👍🏽.
This is actually still recommended today in the world of appliances because it eliminates ghost voltage that you read with a regular multimeter. I have to get one because my fluke 87 doesn't have a low impedence feature. I believe only the fluke 114 and 117 do. But im not about to spend $300 on new meter just for that feature. If memory serves me these never need a battery
the advantage of the ones without batteries is that they draw some current and let you know if the neutral or ground is interrupted, or if you are looking at a "ghost"/induced voltage. they are also great to quickly see if there's any rogue AC or DC on the circuit.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel yep, meters don't draw much current though. a buzzer will also put a little load through the circuit breaker, we've found out a lot of faulty breakers that way; the voltage will be fine, but they won't pass any amps... never a dull moment with GE or CH breakers (the brown lever ones)!
I have a similar looking voltage tester I bought in 1987. Orange. The black wire just came out yesterday out of the blue. No batteries required and so far completely sealed. Great simple tool. Guess it’s time to move into the 21st century.
The part I don't get is what is unsafe about it. I use mine everyday . I've been using it for 40 years. Use it for 480 3 phase. Built like a tank. Sealed tight. Never lied to me not even once. Sure it's not a digital multimeter, but for 95% of the time my trusty VOL‐CON has served me true. (No disrespect) Maybe I'm missing something please tell me what makes them unsafe? There is a UL label right on them.
@@mr.duckplucker5353 I got mine is 1989. Mine vibrates too. The black cord came out yesterday while I was testing a GFI. (I am going to repair it to just keep around). So, I ordered another one. I just got it yesterday. It was 100 bucks. Not, sure why it isn’t safe. But, I am not in the business anymore. I will use the one I just bought. I already did actually. Ha! Good luck everyone.
Memory lane, remember the 90's ..... I had the same yellow one by Ideal (had it's own leather pouch) and I had the black one just like it by Greenlee and I even had one made by Craftsman (yes,Craftsman - LOL! - But hey, it worked), in fact I carried them all the way until the mid 2000's when much better stuff really started taking over the market.
I wouldn’t call it safe to use today knowing what I know about electrical safety. But way back when, I used this tool fearlessly, and guess what ? It got the job done , and Kingsport do you know what else ? It does bring me back down memory lane.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel . You said that you've been doing this for over 25 years . . . . I got my first apprentice (green helper) job in 1992, sounds like you and I have been doing this for about the same amount of time
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel my work situation is at a convention center my building is mainly 277/480 3 phase. I don’t think I have anything above 70 amp 110/220. The problem is when say you have a dead leg. Personally I have both.
It not dangerous as if it'll kill you if you use it. What they mean and, or what I'm saying is that it doesn't have all the safety features if any of the newer voltage tester of today.
When troubleshooting ghost voltages, a Wiggi (selonoid tester) can be very beneficial or in a higher end modern meter, the low Z function. Got fooled by a ghost voltage by not having the proper meter. Never again.
it will draw a small load on the circuit, which can tell you a lot if it doesn't buzz when supposed too, and it auto-ranges up to 480Volts! so take care :-) so you can use it to test for lack of voltage (not recommended), or to check the circuit & the breaker. or help you figure out if you're chasing ghost/induced voltage or failing insulation. you'd need an zero impedance multi meter to do all that.
I bought mine in 1983 when I worked as an electrician's help after getting out of the Navy. It's still in my toolbox to this day! 40 years and going strong! I love it.
I know this tester won’t die. I don’t know why IDEAL INDUSTRIES reintroduce it back into the market with new features 🤔
Very Useful Today !!! Very Safe If You Know What Your Doing !!!
I agree there's still a useful place for this tester in the electrical field. That's why most electrical manufacturers still make and sell them. 👍🏼
I have one and would still use it to test for power or continuity. Very well built product that takes a beating and still works. The rattle is the meter that shows you the voltage. Good old analogue!!
I agree ☝️ mine still works also, but I haven’t used it in a long time. If I ever use it again it’ll be because it’s the only tester I have around. Analog is good, but digital is better that’s just my opinion. Thanks for watching 👍🏽
Still got mine and it works... since the middle 80's! Old reliable for homes.
I don’t use mine for anything, I just keep it around because it was the first test instrument I purchased over 25 yrs. ago.
I bought one of these brand new a few months ago just for the sake of nostalgia. Growing up my dad had one in his tool box and for $45 on amazon I have one in my tool box now too. Thank for for all the great videos you have posted. I enjoy watching your meter tests and comparisons when I have the time.
I truly understand Neff43, your dad was very special to you. What a hellava way to honor your dad man, I’m sure he’s a proud father who raised a great son. Thanks N43 I’m glad you find my videos interesting, stay tuned sir there’s more to come.
Found this left in a new home we purchased in the mid 90s and still have it. It “rattles” like yours too! Sadly, it doesn’t work and I suspect the internal battery is dead. Since you’re saying it’s not safe, into the garbage it goes today! Thx for your videos.
Smart choice, it’s not worth getting injured or much worst. Junk it !!!🎊🎉 Thanks for watching 👍🏿
it rattles to tell you that there is high voltage
kept me safe for 20 years , its a solenoid tester . 3 chances , bottom lights , center light , top bar. totally safe. if its in good shape. i didnt hear yours vibrating though. thanks
The model that’s shown in the video doesn’t vibrate it just lights up. I believe it’s but they’re safe, but there’s nothing wrong with using a newer tester that’s a little more safer 👍🏿
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel That model vibrates on AC. It's a subtle 60 Hz hum that you feel rather than hear. It's a side effect of the solenoid meter movement.
The newer 'XL' models also have an audible continuity and voltage buzzer, but that's separate from the vibration feature.
I'm curious why you think that this is no longer considered a safe meter or obsolete. I still see solenoid type meters explicitly specified in equipment installation manuals. The solenoid coil could potentially burn out, but that is why there are two backup indicators.
@@1djbecker I'm glad you ask me that question. Because without research of my own, I heard it from others professionals and I accepted it at face value without doing my own research. I still use my to this day regardless. I'm going to revise this video in the future. Because it may not be as safe as some testers of today but it is safe or maybe even safer than a lot of the testers on the market today. Wow 😮 your question to have opened up my mind to thinking that this meter is very safe. Because IDEAL still sell this tester to this day. That this tester is safe, that is my opinion from this day forward. And I'm sticking to it. Thank you for your curiosity 👍🏾👋🏾🤔😊👌🏽💪🏾💪👍
I just got accepted into an electrician apprenticeship and they told us to buy one of these.
Why ? I’m curious to know why ? These tester are older technology. Did they tell you to purchase this one or another one ?
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel I honestly don't know what their thinking was, they just gave us a list. I've done some research though. These testers are low impedance and thus prevent ghost voltage readings. They also don't need batteries to measure voltage, making them super reliable.
Other than that, I don't know. Maybe nobody's updated the list in forty years.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Oh, they didn't specify a brand. They just said a solenoid style voltage/continuity tester. I got one of these Ideals for $30 on eBay.
@@Bapuji42 I understand you didn’t know. But when possible purchase yourself a ( FLUKE T+PRO ELECTRICAL TESTER ) it’s a solenoid type tester that have modern safety features built in, it’s reliable, accurate, very nice and very well built. Take a look 👀 on eBay I’m sure you’ll find a brand new one for an affordable price. Good luck 👍🏽🍀 on your electrical career.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Ok, thanks, I'll take a look. I was trying to save some money but maybe it's worth it to move up to the next level of quality.
Nice meter... hard to beat a solenoid tester expecily when testing for ghost and/or power loads circuits...
None replaceable !!!
Thanks Bob, I agree that for certain usages the solenoid tester is unmistakably supreme. I never used a solenoid tester to check for ghost voltage , I just never thought about it. To chase down ghost voltages I often go to my FLUKE Low OZ measurement for that. But Bob you taught me something new sir. Thanks
I have one I bought years ago and still use it.
Great to hear.
Wow , I`m getting old . I have that model and It`s my back up when I can go off grid . I use it more as a back up and 30 plus years down the road mine still works like a champ.
This tool is still around and being sold by the original company ( IDEAL INDUSTRIES). Mine still in working condition but I haven’t used it in a very, very long time. The main reason for not using it is because of it being not as safe as the meters of today. Thanks for watching good luck 🍀, and be careful while using this tool 👍🏽.
This is actually still recommended today in the world of appliances because it eliminates ghost voltage that you read with a regular multimeter. I have to get one because my fluke 87 doesn't have a low impedence feature. I believe only the fluke 114 and 117 do. But im not about to spend $300 on new meter just for that feature. If memory serves me these never need a battery
I believe it takes two nickel batteries in fact I'm sure it takes two nickel batteries.
the advantage of the ones without batteries is that they draw some current and let you know if the neutral or ground is interrupted, or if you are looking at a "ghost"/induced voltage. they are also great to quickly see if there's any rogue AC or DC on the circuit.
buzzers are a great improvement over the NCV sticks, which just indicate the 60Hz.
I only used it to make a quick check to see if electricity is present. But I’m glad to know that it has other useful functions.
I use the volt stick , but I don’t trust them. I ALWAYS use a clamp or multimeter to make my final check. Why, because my life depends on it.✅
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel yep, meters don't draw much current though. a buzzer will also put a little load through the circuit breaker, we've found out a lot of faulty breakers that way; the voltage will be fine, but they won't pass any amps... never a dull moment with GE or CH breakers (the brown lever ones)!
That is a flash from the past. My antique is a Sperry Snap 8 that still works and is accurate.
Gary do a oldie but goodie video on that Sherry Snap 8.
Okay👍
I have a similar looking voltage tester I bought in 1987. Orange. The black wire just came out yesterday out of the blue.
No batteries required and so far completely sealed.
Great simple tool. Guess it’s time to move into the 21st century.
Yep 👍🏽, I think 🤔 it’s about time to get away from that old unsafe technology and get something more safe.
The part I don't get is what is unsafe about it. I use mine everyday . I've been using it for 40 years. Use it for 480 3 phase. Built like a tank. Sealed tight. Never lied to me not even once. Sure it's not a digital multimeter, but for 95% of the time my trusty VOL‐CON has served me true. (No disrespect) Maybe I'm missing something please tell me what makes them unsafe? There is a UL label right on them.
@@mr.duckplucker5353 I got mine is 1989. Mine vibrates too. The black cord came out yesterday while I was testing a GFI. (I am going to repair it to just keep around). So, I ordered another one. I just got it yesterday. It was 100 bucks. Not, sure why it isn’t safe. But, I am not in the business anymore. I will use the one I just bought. I already did actually. Ha! Good luck everyone.
I just found my pops…. 👌 I’ll just display in shop lol
LOL, thanks for posting
Memory lane, remember the 90's ..... I had the same yellow one by Ideal (had it's own leather pouch) and I had the black one just like it by Greenlee and I even had one made by Craftsman (yes,Craftsman - LOL! - But hey, it worked), in fact I carried them all the way until the mid 2000's when much better stuff really started taking over the market.
I wouldn’t call it safe to use today knowing what I know about electrical safety. But way back when, I used this tool fearlessly, and guess what ? It got the job done , and Kingsport do you know what else ? It does bring me back down memory lane.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel . You said that you've been doing this for over 25 years . . . . I got my first apprentice (green helper) job in 1992, sounds like you and I have been doing this for about the same amount of time
That’s right Kingsport you and I have been around for awhile.
Where I work I get a lot of RF that throws digital off
So is analog better ?
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel my work situation is at a convention center my building is mainly 277/480 3 phase. I don’t think I have anything above 70 amp 110/220.
The problem is when say you have a dead leg. Personally I have both.
I have one! It’s a little older… and yeah, not sure I want to ever use it again!
No need to ever use it again it’s out dated technology. If nothing else it’s a conversation piece 👍🏽
I'm confused,why is it dangerous, can you give me a list of reasons?
It not dangerous as if it'll kill you if you use it. What they mean and, or what I'm saying is that it doesn't have all the safety features if any of the newer voltage tester of today.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel ok got it.
👌
Fluke T-PRO.....is a update version
And have even phase rotation
The best...👍👍👍...and safe
I agree with you.
How do you change the batteries
At the top where the test leads connect there are two compartments where the nickel batteries 🔋 are located. Thanks for watching 👍🏽
A tester that won’t lie to you
Well, that's correct!
When troubleshooting ghost voltages, a Wiggi (selonoid tester) can be very beneficial or in a higher end modern meter, the low Z function. Got fooled by a ghost voltage by not having the proper meter. Never again.
What brand high end meter were you using? I really would like to know? Thanks 🤔
Throwback.
Yes it is Shawn, yes it is sir.
Can it do anything a multimeter cannot ?
No sir .
The Electricians Tool Channel I looked it up because I saw it an Menards and was trying to figure out why it cost $45.
it will draw a small load on the circuit, which can tell you a lot if it doesn't buzz when supposed too, and it auto-ranges up to 480Volts! so take care :-) so you can use it to test for lack of voltage (not recommended), or to check the circuit & the breaker. or help you figure out if you're chasing ghost/induced voltage or failing insulation. you'd need an zero impedance multi meter to do all that.
@@wim0104 can i kiss u
@@joew4202 for the it’s main function it doesn’t require batteries , there is no fear of error because of low battery
Cool stuff! I start my apprenticeship soon, it's always so cool to see the old tools used in the trade.
It sure is!