How do induction timing lights and non contact voltage detectors work?

Question

Do they both work the same way? Is there something like a hall effect sensor that detects the magnetic field in the wire when voltage is traveling through it? Thanks

Answer 1

When a current is passed through a wire there is a certain amount of electrical radiation passed threw the insulation. This radiation is directly proportional to the flow of current through the wire. I guess it can also be classified as an electromagnetic field.

Answer 2

Hi. The bracket that clips onto an ignition wire is really a coil. When a voltage travels through the wire it 'induces' a current to flow in the coil. Connect this to an amplifier and it can be used to trigger the strobe.