Multimeters.

[RatCav]

As many of us know electrics can be really fustrating when they go wrong. Now a good way of testing your electrics and helping you diagnose problems can easily be tested with a multimeter. Now all you really need is something that can measure up 12v DC, continuity, and resistence testing for finding shorts in wiring.

A good place to get them from is Maplin and I have chosen a couple that fit the bill.

Cheap option at £7.49 (on offer at the moment):

http://www.maplin.co.uk/ut30b-palm-size ... eter-46498

Does all the above ... simples

More expensive option and has far more automotive applications such as rpm readings there is this one at a flat rate of £24.99 (I personally have this one and it has never let me down)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/automotive-digi ... kup-222059

Much much easier than using bulbs and straggly bits of wire.

[drinksoptional]

it something i keep saying i need to buy but there is so many other shiny objects but they are handy to have

[Trugga]

I replaced my old multimeter with the automotive one your link above.

Great bit of kit (although 1. it won't do domestic 240v and 2. the continuity buzzer is a little quite)

I do like the optional crocodile clip leads - very useful for when you find an earth.

Lawrence

[Alchamist]

A real sparky uses two wet fingers to test for voltage

[RatCav]

I agree with both your observations on the automotive one Trugga, but in all honesty if people are messing with 240v they would already have a multimeter suitable ... and I thought it was mine that was quiet ... must be a design thing then

[Drift]

Yup, it works

[Rifleman]

Ah, the finger sockets.

[Krusher]

Jay, phone lines are 50v at idle and that is one way I test for a live line, works for me....

A wet finger on the wires when someone is ringing the number though is a different thing, the voltage goes up and also changes to AC...

.....and it stings

[Rifleman]

And your hair style changes too.

[gregster]

[Dave_RAYNET]

[vauxsqueeks]

I have a couple of meters, but the one I use most in the car was one I got at a petrol station for £3.99 with £10.00 of fuel, Its been running on the same battery for the past few years.

Bargain!

[adyclemo]

The one i use is this one, find it really easy to use and never had a problem with it.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/ut50a-manual-ra ... eter-46390

[alsavs]

Your right there Krusher ringing voltage is 75v ac.