This is one that I recommend for guys working all over the world, both in security and disaster response. A quick way to know if your shower or bathroom is hot, is to test it with a voltage tick tester. Shoddy electrical work is not just a problem in Iraq or Afghanistan, this is a problem all over, and if you want to protect yourself, then having a way to test your bathroom safely is something to consider. Not to mention testing stuff in disaster zones to insure everything is safe.
The Greenlee was recommended to me by an electrician as one company that makes good testers, but there are others out there. The idea is you want something that is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space. You could throw it in your hygiene kit and when ever you are using a shower and bathroom that you are new too, you could pull the tester out real quick and make sure you are not in a death trap.
Now if you do find out that your bathroom is hot, then definitely tell someone at the camp, and also send Ms Sparky a email about the thing. She is all over this stuff, and the basis for this post came from a discussion she had about an incident in Iraq with electrical work. There have been 18 electrical deaths so far, and Adam Hermanson of Triple Canopy was the last one. We can take matters into our own hands, and just use a twelve dollar device to protect ourselves and others when on contract. Something to think about for your deployment kit, and you too can be a ‘hero in waiting’ by preventing future electrical accidents with this simple device. –Matt
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The Greenlee GT-11 is a non-contact voltage detector that provides the electrician with AC voltage indicating capabilities up to 1000 volts. The GT-11 has the UL safety rating of category IV.
• Greenlee GT-11 Features:
• Bright LED and audible alarm if voltage is present
• On/Off switch for longer battery life
• Comfort grip
• Pen size fits into pocket or tool pouch
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Includes 2 AAA batteries
Price: $ 12.69
Buy it here.
Ms. Sparky posted a comment, but I accidently deleted it while cleaning out my spam folder. Hopefully she will come back and post something else.
Comment by headjundi — Sunday, December 6, 2009 @ 11:37 PM
You deleted me!! I was in SPAM? Well I never!!! 🙂
This is a great post! Packing a tick tracer is a good idea under the circumstances. You rarely get second chances with electricity. If there is a question. Turn the power off. A cold shower is better than dying in one!
Ms Sparky
http://mssparky.com/
Comment by Ms Sparky — Tuesday, December 8, 2009 @ 4:10 AM
Excellent advice and thanks for coming back. Today I was playing around with the voltage tick tester and it was super easy to use. -matt
Comment by headjundi — Tuesday, December 8, 2009 @ 5:05 AM