Test wires using magnets?

[snapetwo]

I know this is prob not best place to ask, but u all are very smart.

I was watching the show chop,cut, rebuild with the charger.
There was a guy doing tail lights and I swear to god he tested them using a handheld pen like device, and when he used it the lights would turn on when he touched a wire.
I'm not an electrical engineer, but I know the sell devices that can detect current, is there a device that uses magnetism and can induce an electrical charge?

If so what is it called and where do I buy it?

 

[Big Jim]

What you are looking for is a "PowerProbe"-can't remembeer all the details but you should be able to google it. Seen it on a couple of car shows...

 

[66plyValiant]

nothing to do with magnetism

he either was using a self powered test light (continutity tester) or a device that can power a light your working on

 

[7dswinger]

There's a device that us electricians use that when you put it up against a wire it'll light up saying there's voltage running through the wire. Looks like a pen but bigger.

 

[Oklacarcollecto]

There's a device that us electricians use that when you put it up against a wire it'll light up saying there's voltage running through the wire. Looks like a pen but bigger.

I have one for AC power and it looks like a big fat Crayon. I think it came from one of the tool stores and was in a kit. It was really cheap. I don't know if mine would work on DC, I never thought about it but have.

Here is the AC version of it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AC-Non-Cont...296?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ae87a230

 

[n00blike]

What you are looking for is a "PowerProbe"-can't remembeer all the details but you should be able to google it. Seen it on a couple of car shows...

X2

watch the video at the 1:28 mark
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94npWntQY2g"]Power Probe 3 Demo Video - YouTube[/ame]

 

[snapetwo]

Thanks all, that power probe is sweet