The Wiggy

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iaov

iaov

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Rhinelander WI
I've seen a bit of discussion about this device here so I thought I'ld add my two cents. Most trouble shooting that I do I do with my Fluke DVM however I have found over the years that it is "optimistic" at times about the presence of voltage. In particular when you have a number of devices in series. It often will show what is actually only induced voltage. If you stick the leads of a Wiggy into the circuit it will tell you a couple of things right away. No.1 Its' low input impedence will cause any induced voltage to diappear and No. 2 it will tell you if you have a complete path for current through the circuit. I know some old electricians don't trust the DVM and I know the Wiggy has the potential to blow up on 480 but I wouldn't leave home witout either of them.
 
I agree, each has its place. The voltmeter for determining exact voltage, the wiggy for detecting the presence of power.
 
Two new meters from Fluke eliminate the phantom voltage issue, they are the Fluke 117 with a Hi-Z and the Fluke T+pro.
The T+pro also reads voltage, vibrates, lights up, tests GFCIs, has a flashlight, slices, dices, OK sorry. Buts its a great meter for around $80.00, and I forgot it does phase rotation.
 
and please don't laugh at the good ole neon light tester- very compact, and much less prone to "phantom" voltage readings. I keep it in my belt for a reality check on the volt tic.
 
RayS said:
and please don't laugh at the good ole neon light tester- very compact, and much less prone to "phantom" voltage readings. I keep it in my belt for a reality check on the volt tic.
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I don't know, brother. My retired neon would light up on phantom voltage pretty easily. It will show both travellers of a 3-way as hot, for instance. The old man I apprenticed under always used a 220 volt light bulb in a black weatherproof pigtail lampholder for such testing.
 
The ''Wiggy" is the most basic tool to an electrician as a "Hammer" is to a carpenter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the "Knop" solinoid tester is compact and light weight. My only gripe is when ever it is in my tool belt and I walk to close to a lever style door handle It seems to be hanging on the door handle while I am on my way down the hall.:grin:
 
acrwc10 said:
My only gripe is when ever it is in my tool belt and I walk to close to a lever style door handle It seems to be hanging on the door handle while I am on my way down the hall.:grin:
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I love turning around for no apparent reason... :grin:
 
tom baker said:
Two new meters from Fluke eliminate the phantom voltage issue, they are the Fluke 117 with a Hi-Z and the Fluke T+pro.
The T+pro also reads voltage, vibrates, lights up, tests GFCIs, has a flashlight, slices, dices, OK sorry. Buts its a great meter for around $80.00, and I forgot it does phase rotation.
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I am in the need of new rotation meter, and one that also slices & dices sounds like just what the Dr. ordered. Thanks Tom!
 
acrwc10 said:
I think the "Knop" solinoid tester is compact and light weight. My only gripe is when ever it is in my tool belt and I walk to close to a lever style door handle It seems to be hanging on the door handle while I am on my way down the hall.:grin:
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I agree, it is both, and I have four of them for me and the guys.

Try folding the wires against the tester body and inserting it upright into your pouch.
 
lever style door handle
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Man that is the truth the Square D "WIGGY" does not seem to have this issue, but I prefer the Knopp way over the Wiggy. I think the test leads seek out these lever style handles and when they see the handle the lean in that direction.
 
Anyone familiar with Triplett meters? I saw a clamp made by them that could handle DC 1000 amps, AC 1000 amps, true RMS and a slew of other test functions. It was only $130 bucks. Model 9320-A.
Isn't Triplett the meter company we all started with back over 30 years ago? Of course it was all analog back then.
I think it was the multimeter brand that I used during my apprenticeship?

I think I would buy this clamp meter unless someone can tell me why I shouldn't.

The Fluke with those amp ratings is around $300-$350.......Thanks
 
John Valdes said:
Isn't Triplett the meter company we all started with back over 30 years ago? Of course it was all analog back then.
I think it was the multimeter brand that I used during my apprenticeship?
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You sure it wasn't a Simpson 260?

260.jpg
 
Knopp needs to add a continuity checker to that thing. I like my wiggy but have to carry another meter to check continuity. I do like my Fluke, err, whatever it is that has LCDS and checks continuity, very nice.
 
mdshunk said:
I don't know, brother. My retired neon would light up on phantom voltage pretty easily. It will show both travellers of a 3-way as hot, for instance. The old man I apprenticed under always used a 220 volt light bulb in a black weatherproof pigtail lampholder for such testing.
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I have a Fluke that I really like but I also use light bulb in a black weatherproof pigtail lampholder but I use a 120v/100w why a 220v?? I also like to use a 100w/120v lightbulb with a plug in when I'm troubleshooting and trying to find the path of the circuit...
 
Larry, I have the Simpson Analog pictured. But I distinctly remember Triplett in my early years.
By the way I bought the Triplett clamp on. It is a very nice. Heavy duty. Only time will tell though.
 
Knopp needs to add a continuity checker to that thing.
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When Knopp does that I'll be done with their tester, I want my voltage tester to be go no go for VOLTAGE ONLY.

I owned a Triplett meter for years, my fellow electricians told me Simpson was they only way to go, anyway one morning after finding my truck window smashed and ALL my tools missing I moved over to Simpson, still have the Simpson and use it for a variety of test.
 
Brian John......No doubt Simpson is a name we can all appreciate. I still use my Simpson analog. Others ask why because of the ease of the digital. I just know that what I am reading is for real each and every time. Not have to worry about the tiny little indicators in the digital LED readout.

Yes, I though that clamp was a steal at $130 (1000 amp)
 
John:
I use my Simpson Analog for phasing gwenerators to utilities, verifying if the in-phase-monitor on the ATS works. I can use a digital but I like watching the needle swing easier to watch as the unit and utility come in-phase.
 
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