CHEAPO electircal test meter: ALDI

Got one of these today from ALDI for less than a fiver.

Handles both 12v and mains.

Doesn't give voltage level, but tells you +ve and -ve which is dead handy when wiring in accessories etc.

Me thinks there is going to be a run on ALDI now, good post Mal

Be really careful if you are going to try to use that for fault finding. Not knowing the difference between 2V and 12V.

Sorry mate you've lost me there....

Dirty contacts or corrosion can cause a high resistance. With a test LED like that the led will light up whether you have 6V or 12V there. You can spend a lot of time chasing your tail because everything looks OK even though there's a problem there.

So that would mean that you could only use it to see if there is a current rather than there is enough current.

In basic terms that would be it.

bigmal wrote:

Sorry mate you've lost me there....

Lost me too? I thought it was just for testing for live wires and taking the guess work out, not giving voltage readings :what1:

No confusion on your part Sim, that is what it is for!

I only bring up as through years of experience of working on electrical and electronic systems I have seen people waste a huge amount of time and money using things similar to that and deciding that a circuit or wire was OK because the LED came on.
If you have a way of using it that satisfies your need go for it.

I agree with Ian, these little tools have a use but are very limited. Much better to buy a cheapo meter.

You can always get the live and earth, stick them in your mouth at the same time and give them a good suck & if your eyebrows burst in to flames and you piss yourself you know the connections good

captain crash wrote:

You can always get the live and earth, stick them in your mouth at the same time and give them a good suck & if your eyebrows burst in to flames and you piss yourself you know the connections good

But don't try this on your home electrics folks

Guys - this might be a better option and much more versatile
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-LCD-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Ammeter-OHM-AC-DC-Circuit-Checker-Tester-Buzzer-/360538749861?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item53f1c8bba5

Good find Mick I always wanted a tester but funds have always made me say no but even I can afford that one

Simbo your a good man for putting in the household wiring warning, sucking that stuff will make you shit yourself as well

Crickey, that's a silly price. Got one as a spare, be silly not too.