That's a good idea about blocking off that hole. I'll do something like that.
I didn't realise this was primarily a plumbing forum - i found it googling for electricians, with my multimeter problem.
So now I've got a plumbing problem, surprise, surprise.... I'll start a new thread would be the thing to do I reckon.
Back to meters: After my experience of false readings from meters with insufficiently strong leads I am truly wary and worried. I wonder what's the sure way to know that your dealing with a dead circuit? Those 'light up' screwdrivers that many electricians seem to carry? A 'snap on ammeter' ?
I read those comments about it being rare for the homeowner to want to read AC current (and therefore having little need for a snapon ammeter) but in fact it is our mains AC current that we most frequently deal with.
Just putting in a light globe. Replacing a fuse. Trying to fix a power point that's hanging off the wall (my next job) - it is my 240Volt AC supply that I have to deal with.
A defective desk lamp - it's all very trivial looking, cheap to buy, all plastic, super lightweight, thin cord - but it is powered by 240V AC!
'Switch off at the mains' is good advice, yes, but not always possible for one reason or another. And in any case more information, more options, is good.
Carry two meters? Always check with each?
I remember seeing sparkies in the Army always rubbing two wires together to see if they got a spark. Sounds a bit savage..
regards,
ab