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 Topic: power probe discussion
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offroadzj
Joined: June 03, 2005
Location:
New York,
United States
Posts: 1,240 |
| Posted: January 05, 2012 at 11:19 AM - IP Logged |
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For those of you that use any form of a power probe, what model do you have/use and do you like it?
I currently have what I believe is a Blue Point with the pistol grip and the option to send 12v and ground. I grabbed it off a Snap-On truck back when I worked at C.City but for the life of me can't find it online anywhere. I personally love it but was curious what other ones were you there. I see the Power Probe III has a built in voltmeter which is pretty nice, but it seems pretty bulky.
All opinions / thoughts welcome!
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Kenny
Former Installation Manager
Circuit City Roadshop
Store #3160
Albany, NY 12205 |
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howie ll
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location:
United Kingdom
Posts: 9,717 |
| Posted: January 05, 2012 at 11:35 AM - IP Logged |
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Personally Kenny I wouldn't touch a power probe, they scare me! And this is the person who prefers to use (properly) a Snap-On bulb test light!
But then I have a pal who's an extremely competent and experienced auto electrician who uses them all of the time with no problems.
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Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first.
Read the installation manual, do a search here for your vehicle wiring. |
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offroadzj
Joined: June 03, 2005
Location:
New York,
United States
Posts: 1,240 |
| Posted: January 05, 2012 at 1:12 PM - IP Logged |
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let me rephrase it. I don't necessarily mean the actual Power Probe model, but any airbag/computer safe test light, etc. I use mine mostly as a test light (shows power and ground) and ONLY use the actual power selection after I have verified the wire (ie honk horn with actual horn button, LED turns green, send (-) pulse to double check, horn honks, good to go)
___________________________________
Kenny
Former Installation Manager
Circuit City Roadshop
Store #3160
Albany, NY 12205 |
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howie ll
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location:
United Kingdom
Posts: 9,717 |
| Posted: January 05, 2012 at 3:53 PM - IP Logged |
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In truth I've never played with one long enough to get used to it. Testing after verifying is a good idea actually and quite subtle.
___________________________________
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first.
Read the installation manual, do a search here for your vehicle wiring. |
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metz35
Joined: January 13, 2003
Location:
Pennsylvania,
United States
Posts: 361 |
| Posted: January 05, 2012 at 5:41 PM - IP Logged |
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90% I use snap on test light
10% fluke dmm |
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howie ll
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location:
United Kingdom
Posts: 9,717 |
| Posted: January 05, 2012 at 5:51 PM - IP Logged |
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100% with Metz, but I would never let an apprentice use anything but a DMM.
The joke is I've had a DEI techie down to look at issues (mainly caused by customer being a D***k) and when offered a choice, he picked up the Snap-On.
If you know what you are doing Snap beats DMM every time. The bulb acts as a buffer, it draws enough juice to pull a relay, e.g. horn, locks, etc. and it will protect you against fuse blows.
In all honesty my 10% is tach, continuity buzzer and battery testing.
___________________________________
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first.
Read the installation manual, do a search here for your vehicle wiring. |
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kreg357
Joined: January 30, 2009
Location:
New York,
United States
Posts: 2,661 |
| Posted: January 15, 2012 at 6:42 PM - IP Logged |
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Here is my favorite test light.
Called a Circuit Buddy. Draws only 3.85mA at 12V. Connect to ground to test for positive voltages and get a Red light. Connect to +12V source and LED goes green for a ground. Easy one hand operation to hook and pierce wire, with a latch to hold. Probe can also be removed from yellow plastic and used as a wand/probe for tight places or fuse checking.
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Soldering is fun! |
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i am an idiot
Joined: September 21, 2006
Location:
Louisiana,
United States
Posts: 10,454 |
| Posted: January 15, 2012 at 7:11 PM - IP Logged |
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I do not know just how safe an airbag safe test light can be. I have seen one turn over a starter. I do not remember what vehicle, but it had a negative start wire. Installer probed the wire not noticing that it was a negative wire. When the probe hit the wire, the starter motor turned over.
I use a Fluke meter. |
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howie ll
Joined: January 09, 2007
Location:
United Kingdom
Posts: 9,717 |
| Posted: January 16, 2012 at 1:37 AM - IP Logged |
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I have a Mac version of the light (120?) Kreg showed but with 2 x LEDs, I also agree with the Mr. I comment.
To me it's down to experience and taking care. By the way, probing air bag wires apart, and who would anyway, VW/Audi apart it's pretty hard to damage these components, I wonder how many of the horror stories we've heard were actually "urban myths"?
___________________________________
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first.
Read the installation manual, do a search here for your vehicle wiring. |
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offroadzj
Joined: June 03, 2005
Location:
New York,
United States
Posts: 1,240 |
| Posted: January 18, 2012 at 12:12 PM - IP Logged |
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I'm going to have to find myself one of those circuit buddy's. That actually looks pretty useful. That is the one thing I disliked about my probe is taht its still hard to just pierce a wire for testing. I think I've pierced my finger more often then any wires.. lol
___________________________________
Kenny
Former Installation Manager
Circuit City Roadshop
Store #3160
Albany, NY 12205 |
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