Depends on the voltage. For solid-state amps with 50V rails, I would feel comfortable doing so (I'm not sure what Pomona recommends though). If it's a tube amp with a 600V power supply, I would not feel comfortable doing so.
In general, I try my absolute hardest to avoid probing high voltages live. I'd much rather clip on probes when it's de-energized. This is especially important if there's a lot of stored energy.
In general, I try my absolute hardest to avoid probing high voltages live. I'd much rather clip on probes when it's de-energized. This is especially important if there's a lot of stored energy.
I use those small ones for low voltage DC (anything I would be happy to touch bare hands are fair game). I've had the bare wire fall out of the top before, so I'd hesitate to use them on anything close to the 300V.
I've got more robust (read expensive) ones for HV circuits. I always clip when powered off, turn on for the measurement then turn off before moving the clip. Perhaps over cautious, but I'd rather not be bitten by HV.
What kind of circuits do you intend on probing with these?
I've got more robust (read expensive) ones for HV circuits. I always clip when powered off, turn on for the measurement then turn off before moving the clip. Perhaps over cautious, but I'd rather not be bitten by HV.
What kind of circuits do you intend on probing with these?
I've had the bare wire fall out of CHEAP ones, but the Pomona ones seem to be built better in that regard.
Those Pomona ones do look a bit more robust than the generic el cheapo ones. But for some reason my local distributor wants $3.60 more for the red one compared to the black.. 😕