What is a good test light to use?

[mopar01]

Power Probe 3, you wont ever use your test light again

Seriously worth every penny!

 

[Danglerb]

I have all of them, PP3 from Amazon around $100, LoadPro leads without book around $40 or $50, various meters including probe or pen style, Craftsman 82369 AC/DC clamp meter, and a handful of cheap test lights and some parts waiting for me to make them in special versions of test lights.

Its just a like a socket, I've got a dozen variations on a 10mm because I need a dozen, and its easier to have the right tool than make something else work. ***

*** Total lie, I like buying tools and buy them because I want to, they just happen to be useful from time to time.

Links to PP3 threads.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125769
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130107

 

[binder man]

I love the power probe 3. Don't use it as often as I should as I just got it and am so used to grabbing the fluke. One thing noone has mentioned is it does ohm's too. Little to detailed for me to use but with practice would be a breeze. Awesome electrical tool, Tells you if you have power or ground, how many volts, ohms, easily lets you test a part (use mine for fuel pumps) just probe it, hit the rocker switch if it turns on start pulling out diagrams. Saved my *** on a 96 chevy diesel not to long ago with a bad oil PSI sending unit. Dash gauge worked, had a new fuel pump, new oil PSI sending unit, fuel filter, pretty well anything fuel related. Turned on the key, checked voltage with it, had nothing, hit the switch to give it 12V instantly buzzed. Traced it back to OIL PSI sending unit and checked voltage cranking. Hard to beat for a little over 100 bucks from tooltopia

 

[Stick]

I love the power probe 3. Don't use it as often as I should as I just got it and am so used to grabbing the fluke. One thing noone has mentioned is it does ohm's too.

Nobody mentioned it, because all the ohms function on a powerprobe does is a basic ground continuity check. Over 20k ohms is a blank display, more than 2k ohms but less than 20k ohms shows 0.0v, and under 2k ohms shows 0.0v and a green LED. Not terribly useful for any real diagnostics you'd need resistance measurements for.

 

[JMLoughrey]

PP3 is a great tool, as a car audio installer i use it daily.

I wouldn't mess with a test light, especially on newer cars, too many sensitive elctronics, computers and such.

DMM or PP3 is all i'd use.

I do know Mac did/does make a test light that will give you a voltage reading. forget the model number.

 

[magova1104]

Working in US cars since 1997, i work in 2012,2013 model cars everyday,doing remote starters for some Toyota dealers. When you have 1 hour to do every car,you can't use the multimeter, I guess depend which job you do. Some of the wires that I need are CAN bus, LAN, or other data signals that you won't find with the multimeter, we know exactly where are located,since we have wiring diagrams and wires that we need printed out, but some times we need to test them. Basic test light= dangerous, multimeter=blind in this case,PP3=Not usable here.
This is what we use locating DC,AC, and data signals in modern cars:
http://www.toolsource.com/heavyduty-logic-probe-tester-noid-light-p-101291.html

Note that this is not the classic tester with 2 leds. This is a high resistance logic probe that utilizes an integrated circuit for ensure the safest use, even in ECUs,PCM's and other modules data wires.

 

[Rustypigeon]

I know this is an old thread, but I just happened to stumble across it. There were a few posters commenting on how a old fashioned incandescent test light is useless or for hacks.

Here is a good video showing how useful they can be. Skip to about 22:00 to see the volt reading vs test light results...

 

[sberry]

I got a couple 4$ ones from the flea, they work for what they are for.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I have the snap on light with voltage indicator. I like it for tight and dark spaces since my Fluke multi meter isn't back lit. I didn't know about the PP3 at the time. If it breaks and the truck guy can't replace it then maybe I will try the PP3. But I do like this SO.

 

[anndel]

I have 3 Snap Ons, 1) regular incandescent bulb, 2) LED bulb and 3) LED bulb with LCD voltage display. All are excellent and most times I grab #3 first since it displays volts as well.

 

[Aqua-Andy]

Same here. Test lights are for hacks

All this post tells me is that an uninformed hack wrote it.

Test lights have there place. I use one mostly for a quick check of fuses. Fluke 88 is what I mostly use but even meters have their limitations. I have seen guys get burned. A DVOM can get you in trouble if you just check for voltage. For example, you might have 12 volts when checked with a meter, but not enough current can flow due to corrosion. I have seen wires that are so green and corroded, with only 1 or 2 strands left and you will still have 12 volts. In a situation like that, a test light might better tell the story, but not an led test light. Actually voltage drop testing is the best method in a lot of cases, but thats for another discussion.

Bottom line, all tools have their uses. It's the guy deciding which one is the right one that makes a difference.

I have see many people get burned by using a DVOM on simple circuits. when using a test light you just have to know what you are doing and not just stick it anywhere you please. They are a valuable tool if used properly.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I know this is an old thread, but I just happened to stumble across it. There were a few posters commenting on how a old fashioned incandescent test light is useless or for hacks.[/url]

the hacks must be quite the genius bunch then, as there are plenty of places where an old fashioned incandescent test lamp is still a useful tool. .

 

[IsaacJ]

I don't want to throw more fuel on a 5 year old argument, But as an auto tech, I use my two test lights (1 snap on, 1 lisle) more than any of the rest of my electrical tools. Just be aware of where you're sticking it and how the circuit works and you won't burn up any computers, I promise.

 

[dnschmidt]

Any incandescent test light will work fine. The LED ones that are called computer safe are frankly useless as they don't load the circuit. That's one of the problems with a high input impedance DVOM. Since they don't load the circuit you can't see voltage drops. If you know what you're doing incandescent lights are computer safe. ScannerDanner, Eric O and Ivan on YouTube all use incandescent test lights and these are considered the best techs on YouTube. Typically an incandescent test light will draw less than 0.5 amp and unless you do something stupid that's not going to blow any transistors.

 

[mbshop]

I have used many from so, mac, matco and others.
last time I bought one was from mac near 20 years ago and it became my favorite. Md119. Course by now they have ones much better I would assume. If dealing with computer circuits then one needs a meter as others have mentioned.

 

[K-Dog]

The A.P. wireless test light is the best. It is also very safe. I love it.
Anything beyond this gets my Fluke meter.

 

[vssjim]

Lisle Tools and S and G Tool Aid have many choices,

 

[WittHay]

Just bought a new Mac 12V test light, old fashioned kind useful for trailer wiring and older tractors and trucks.

 

[GTA Matt]

Power Probe 3, you wont ever use your test light again

I used my power probe to check for errant spark through a coil boot. It found it

Good thing I kept my test light around for backup

 

[jerseykat1]

Can anyone recommend a good test light? I have bought the cheep chinese ones from the auto parts stores and they don't last long. The alligator clip spring always looses tension and light is not that bright. What is a good test light to buy that has a bright light?

Get a good incandescent test light. skip the LED test light you want something that will put some type of a load on the circuit. Any major brand will do.

IF you willing to spend big bucks. Snap-on has a VERY nice new powerprobe light tester that does ciccuit loading, amperage, resistence, voltage ac/dc. It's good enough to replace your multi meter.

I am not usually one to endorse Snap-on tools unless it's best in class by far and this is less money than a power probe 4 and has more features. So it's a nice tool IMO.

 

[jerseykat1]

I used my power probe to check for errant spark through a coil boot. It found it

Good thing I kept my test light around for backup

I currently have the powerprobe 3. It is a great tool i love it. Im thinking about getting that new snap-on version that i mentioned in the previous post though.

 

[mattwhite079]

I have a pp4 and a hook, and they are great, but don't confuse their ability with that of a test light.
A pp will definitely destroy a module in the wrong hands, where as a test light will carry enough current to be useful without melting transistors.
I've just got a Toledo light. Pretty cheap but rugged enough. Couldn't justify SO with the Taiwanese manufacture.


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[G-Ram]

I can't help but laugh at all the responses saying "test lights ruin computers, buy a power probe!". That handy rocker switch on the power probe can get a guy in trouble real quick sending 12V down wires trying to test circuits. A test light, not so much.


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[thegroundpounder99]

I currently have the powerprobe 3. It is a great tool i love it. Im thinking about getting that new snap-on version that i mentioned in the previous post though.

What is the new SO version you're mentioning? I haven't seen it. Thanks.


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[jerseykat1]

What is the new SO version you're mentioning? I haven't seen it. Thanks.


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Post #60.. I posted a YouTube video about it...

Power probes don't ruin computers. People that don't know what they are doing is what ruins computers. I rarely use the power toggle switch on mine. I like it for the instant measurement feature and the fact that I don't have to waist time finding a suitable ground like I would using a test light. Especially doing interior troubleshooting. Being able to put ground and power to what I need is just a bonus. In capable hands it's an awesome tool.

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[jerseykat1]

I have the harbor freight 4 dollar test light. The only thing that fails is the buld that's supplied in it. Change that bulb to a quality bulb and your set.

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[bubinga]

I got a nice Mac, I'm happy with it.
They were cheap(er) on e bay, a while back, cause they were labeled 24 volt,
But were really 12 Volt. Guess it's mostly the bulb.

 

[dopod]

Get a good incandescent test light. skip the LED test light you want something that will put some type of a load on the circuit. Any major brand will do.

IF you willing to spend big bucks. Snap-on has a VERY nice new powerprobe light tester that does ciccuit loading, amperage, resistence, voltage ac/dc. It's good enough to replace your multi meter.

I am not usually one to endorse Snap-on tools unless it's best in class by far and this is less money than a power probe 4 and has more features. So it's a nice tool IMO.

So the EECT900 has the ability to load a circuit and measure voltage drop? I was thinking about getting the loadpro leads and a power probe, but if the EECT900 would do what both of those would...hmm...

 

[jerseykat1]

So the EECT900 has the ability to load a circuit and measure voltage drop? I was thinking about getting the loadpro leads and a power probe, but if the EECT900 would do what both of those would...hmm...

I know right.. It's a dilemma.. I'm pretty sure I read or saw in the video that it does circuit loading.

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[GTA Matt]

My post above was a bit sarcastic, using the power probe to check for spark. There are just some things a test light can do that a power probe simply can not.

I have the pp3 and 4, along with a load pro. Meters, power probes, the load pro and a test light are all different tools that serve different purposes. I've been debating the multi probe, but I don't think there is a big enough advantage over the 4 for me to justify at the current pricing. If I didn't already have a 4 I'd be all over it. I don't believe it can technically load a circuit like the load pro, but if it's like the 4, it can give an indication of a volt drop, unlike just using a meter.

 

[MadTinkerer]

Isn't the snap-on EECT900 a power probe 4 in a different package? When my dealer showed it to me a few weeks ago I didn't see anything it could do that the power probe 4 couldnt

And if you watch any of Dan Sullivan's angry videos, I believe he shows one in which a power probe 4 uses a resistor to load a circuit just like his load pro leads.

 

[GTA Matt]

About a minute it he explains its load testing capabilities. I might talk my driver into letting me test drive one, I'm actually pretty curious if it could take the place of a load pro.

 

[dopod]

About a minute it he explains its load testing capabilities. I might talk my driver into letting me test drive one, I'm actually pretty curious if it could take the place of a load pro.

In the video he makes it sound like it has the same "hot shot" function as the hook power probe. I'll be checking it out when the truck stops for sure.

 

[foghorn1966]

Old thread, but I use this Mac ET112X, have had one for years.

http://www.mactools.ca/en-ca/NoValu...ircuit-Testers/ET112X/6-12-24V-Circuit-Tester

 

[MikeF2316]

I have a real cheap one, it was given to me more than 30 years ago. A friend just bought a 280z for parts, it was in the back. He had no idea what it was for, so he gave it to me. It uses a 3893 (4 watt) bulb. I wouldn't want a test light that didn't load the circuit. DMMs are for when you don't want to load a circuit.

 

[mbshop]

Long ago I made my own load testef as you call it now.
I would have loved one of those mac testers but not around at my time.

 

[dbabicky]

I was just out in the shed tonight playing with the Power Probe 4 that I bought from the SO driver about 4-6 months ago. I need to play with it some more but I really like a lot of the features and possibilities of this tool.
Yes, I still use a test light in some situations and I also use my trusty meter. ( I'm just more familiar with the test lights and meters than I am with the PP4. More practice)

 

[torqueman2002]

OTC 3636 Circuit Tester w/ Heavy-Duty Coil Cord Amazon Prime $21.93

Computer circuit safe.

 

[jo4gj]

Well best I'm sure would be two power probes.... some how when I typed snap on and hook in you tube it came up. I don't think they get much better lol

 

[Westozfixer]

Caterpillar 5P7277, about $8 at the dealer and pretty rugged. That being said I have PP3 and 4 and about 20 different test llghts, each have their own benefits and uses but I usually just grab my incandescent Snap On. Ive never really liked the PP but it does have its uses, I only have it because my wife bought it for me otherwise I wouldn't have bought it.