Wire hot When not Connected to Anything Howcome? Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[skillset]

I have put in a radial to a bedroom only to find all the wires, earth neutral and live, are lighting the light on my screwdriver. The neutral and earth were not even connected to anything at either end. Yet were both registering a little light on my screwdriver. What gives?

Disconnecting said live made the problem disappear.

I changed the cables but the problem persisted. All the cables (1.5mm) in that conduit were activating the light on my screwdriver (80 to 400V).

I can't understand how this can be the case when the cable ends are not even connected.

[Mr White]

It is lighting up because of induction, "tester" screwdrivers are known to be unreliable and give false readings. Put it where it belongs, in the bin, and buy a multi meter and learn how to use it.

[skillset]

I will follow your advice, thank you for taking the time to respond. Now, to look up "induction".