Can we talk about using a tick tracer on a live circuit

I was checking a bathroom fan that wouldn't turn off and my non-contact voltage tester kept beeping at the switch box. My buddy, a 20 year journeyman, saw me and said 'that thing lies more than a politician, go get your meter.' Sure enough, the hot was back-fed from somewhere else. Anyone else get burned by trusting a tick tracer too much?

3 comments

3 Comments

lisab322d ago

Yeah but come on, they're fine for a quick check. Just don't treat it like a final answer.

rose_clark812d ago

Except they're often wrong on the basics.

knight.uma2d ago

Ever tried double-checking with a real book, @rose_clark81?