Test Light or Power Probe?
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: General Discussion
Forum Discription: General Mobile Electronics Questions and Answers
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=60255
Printed Date: May 14, 2024 at 6:55 AM
Topic: Test Light or Power Probe?
Posted By: craniumvibratio
Subject: Test Light or Power Probe?
Date Posted: July 28, 2005 at 2:06 AM
Ok, hear is my delema. I have a need for a test light. I know I know use your dmm but sometimes you just need something quick to check. plus my dmm is not cheep. anyways i have been looking at some testers and have narrowed them down to these please let me know witch one you have or would purchase. or would you get the power probe? I just really like the fact of being able to inject a power or a ground to a circuit. PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE.
Waekon 76000
• Ideal for under dash and engine compartment testing.
• Designed specifically for the Automotive Professional with a high intensity headlamp and super sharp tip that pierces the toughest wire insulation.
• Indicates Power and Ground, 6/12/24V
• Computer and Airbag safe.
• Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
• High intensity headlamp, Audible tone beeper, Super sharp stainless steel tip
• Durable coil cord for long reach and easy storage.
OR
WAE-76100
There’s nothing faster or more versatile to verify
circuits and component operation for window and lock motors, fuel pumps, cooling fans, lights, horns, solenoids, relays, and most other power accessories.
• Indicates Power and Ground on 6/12/24V circuits.
• Thumb switch applies power or ground through the tip.
• Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
• High intensity headlamp, Audible tone beeper, Super sharp stainless steel tip
• Durable coil cord for long reach and easy storage.
OR
Waekon 76200
AST Automotive Signal Tester with Logic
Designed specifically for testing computer-controlled vehicles. Tests virtually any circuit on the vehicle.
• The all-in-one quick check tool for no-starts. Use to verify primary and secondary ignition, pick-up sensors, fuel injectors, fuel pumps, and idle speed control circuits.
• Ideal for Electrical/Electronic Accessory installers.
• Indicates: Ground, 5V Reference, 6/12/24V, Pulsing Signals
• Computer and Airbag safe.
• Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty
• High intensity headlamp, Audible tone beeper, Super sharp stainless steel tip
• Durable coil cord for long reach and easy storage.
Replies:
Posted By: Powermyster
Date Posted: July 28, 2005 at 3:49 AM
i've found power probes very handy. especially on the central locking end of things. i use a number of things. i have a stanley knife modified with a bulb inside and butt connector on the end.. I plug the multimeter in the end. its dead handy for testing. all you have to do i press the blade through the insulation. (instead of stripping it then its not the right wire. and taping it back up... u use the bulb to test for indicators when I can't find them. i have a ower probe. which would be the ultimate tool if i could get it into the stanley.. or if it came with a blade on it.. I also have an ordinary test light although i don't use it much anymore. i used to use it for testing the central locking wires. i would earth it then stick it into a neg trigger wire. but the power probe can test and apply ..
Posted By: craniumvibratio
Date Posted: July 29, 2005 at 11:13 AM
thanks for the Info. Do you have a pic of you wonder tool? I would like to make one for myself. Its cool to have tools that no one has. ya
thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: auex
Date Posted: July 29, 2005 at 11:21 AM
Be damn careful if you plan on ever applying power or ground into a wire. I have heard and seen many many problems including starting a vehicle and it never shutting off (blew the ecu) until the battery AND alternator where disconnected, bcm blowing up, etc...
Basically I would NEVER recommend getting a power probe.
-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.
I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.
Posted By: Powermyster
Date Posted: July 29, 2005 at 11:26 AM
My stanley is the business.... i found one made by stanley. with some rubber along the top and bottom where the handle part is. drilled a hole pt get the bulb in. filed the paint off there the two halves joined. to make it conductive. also where the blade mechanism slides forward and back ward. i filed the paint off there too so the current passes fromt eh blade to the knife onto the wire and ontot he wire. into the bulb. then fromt eh bult to the but connector. continuity testin along the way to make sure its all good... i'll try take some pics over the weekend. its trick to put together but once its together and screws are tightened up its cool... very handy testing just push the blade into the wire. test a whole harness in about 2 mins
Posted By: Powermyster
Date Posted: July 29, 2005 at 11:28 AM
i agree with auex you need to be sure before apllying power to a wire.... test twice be sure them apply if you need to..
Posted By: KarTuneMan
Date Posted: July 31, 2005 at 11:59 AM
Powermyster wrote:
i agree with auex you need to be sure before apllying power to a wire.... test twice be sure them apply if you need to..
This is the key.....If you DON"T know....don't use a power probe (not for the newbe) if you are a skilled proffesional, a power probe is a GREAT TOOL. AND YES, I have one, and use it, and love it! -------------
Posted By: NowYaKnow
Date Posted: July 31, 2005 at 7:11 PM
I use a $4 test light from walmart. Works awesome. My other tester is a fluke meter.
Mike
Posted By: craniumvibratio
Date Posted: August 01, 2005 at 12:02 AM
The pix of the knife would be cool. but I dont know if i really want a power probe i think i would like on of the other ones i mensioned in the original pose witch one would you grab, out of you box first?
Posted By: xtremeaudio
Date Posted: August 01, 2005 at 3:35 AM
power probe 2 come with 2 headlight and you can check (-)or (+) at the same time here the link you may want to take a look https://powerprobe.com/pp1.html
Posted By: shesaidshewas18
Date Posted: August 01, 2005 at 4:44 AM
I use one made from Accele?! Anyone heard of that one?
Posted By: Powermyster
Date Posted: August 02, 2005 at 3:45 AM
sorry folks didn't get a chance to take any pics of the knife but i'll try tonight
Posted By: craniumvibratio
Date Posted: August 02, 2005 at 10:11 PM
I have never seen the one by accele, but do you have a link to the tester? and Powermyster im looking forward to seeing the test knife.
Posted By: Powermyster
Date Posted: August 03, 2005 at 4:17 AM
i forgot all about it.. i'm gonna set a reminder for later.....
Posted By: floaterr
Date Posted: August 08, 2005 at 1:59 AM
You could also disassemble any test light , remove and short the light bulb connector together and then clip the aligators clip the your DMM. Now you can poke through the wires like a test light but have the safety of a DMM. You just have to remember not to try and use the light as it was orginal intended.
Also a buddy of mine has a logic probe from Snap-on that plugs into the cigerette lighter. Does not apply power to the tested wire but does tell + / -
|