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Yes, they all do.
Don't think my Wylex fuse wire board does...
(yes, it needs replacing but that requires sorting out the maybe asbestos panels in the garage ceiling first or any decent electrician is going to run a mile I'd hope - I assume there will be at least one circuit that needs work which means fiddling with ceilings/floors. Sorting out the ceiling panels means emptying the garage so hopefully this summer when I can dump bikes etc in the garden for a day or so but then I need to find someone else to re-board the ceiling and before long it turns into a big job and doesn't happen :( )
Specifically you should use a voltage tester which is a single job tool. You should test and confirm operation before you use it to test a circuit.
I don't think many DIYers will have a tester like that. Aren't you supposed to prove it before and after each use too which adds to the cost of something that isn't going to get a lot of use? I turn everything off rather than rely on my Maplin (RIP) special multimeter. If I was going to spend on test gear I'd rather be able to test earth continuity.
keep reinforcing the point
Yeah, I get that. I like to think I'm over the first peak of the Dunning-Kruger curve but I might be deluding myself.
There is a problem with getting an electrician in for small tasks, or more or less any trade for almost anything at the moment it seems. Everyone seems to have more work than they can handle and getting quotes etc just doesn't happen. I've got a flickering downstairs toilet light which isn't the LED bulb (swapped that) so might be either the pull cord switch contacts or a loose connection somewhere. The time and energy of getting an electrician in compared to swapping the switch means I'm likely to do that first.
On a different job we finally found someone to build a garden wall for us but he has now hurt his back and we are probably back to square one.
jellybaby-
It's difficult at the moment. I'm looking after a lot of local small works, like walking distance for customers I have a relationship with. I went to wire a blind the other day and out of 5 people on site no one had a mask and I was probably the only one who had not been vaccinated. Other clients are calling to say they had to have a test before they can go back to work but you've already been on site with them so now you have to cancel your appointments until they get an all clear.
There are plenty of trades ignoring a lot of possible problems but no surprise there!
With your Wylex you keep the fuse in your pocket, sure someone could move a fuse and it probably will happen in a million monkeys sense.
Single function voltage testers should have a voltage tester tester that proves it and yes you should keep checking that all the time if you have them. If you are going to do your own electrics buy one when you are young and pray you live long enough to make it worth the money. :)
I agree that switching the main switch off is good practice for beginners and the untrained.
Airhead
Yes, they all do. They have a couple of holes on the breaker switch itself that you fit a lockable mech to. There are a few different designs of lock. They really are a deterrant against stupidity though not malice.
Why wouldn't you trust the wife at home but I've been in situations where people do switch them back on for all kinds of weird reasons. In my experience you could tell someone, 'make sure no one switches it back on' and they will hear 'switch that back on when I leave the room'.
When we're all encouraging people to have a go at electrics it seems like a good idea to arm them with some basic safety skills. If you say something like, I think we all know how to test if a circuit is dead then lots of people are thinking, yeah, magic wand, neon screwdriver, multifunction multimeter and they are all options we can agree can work but they all have significant safety issues that can result in death.
Specifically you should use a voltage tester which is a single job tool. You should test and confirm operation before you use it to test a circuit.
I see voltage testers failing or becoming unreliable over time or when you go from cold damp environments indoors or they are subject to vibration in transport. These are quality brands but these tools are fallible.
Especially if people don't recognise a 3 plate or understand the importance of earthing a metal fitting.
I should have modified my tone a bit there, it just helps to keep reinforcing the point. There are young electricians who've lost their lives because of failing to grasp this and they have family mounting campaigns to get people to take it more seriously.