Possible Hazard

I have just completed my EBIAB control panel. Its a single PID, single element panel. 30A 240V. After the first time turning it on I was poking around with a voltage detector. My SPST toggle switch which is rated for 30A and only flip a 120v coil for my contactor cause my detector to light up. Does this mean there is current running through the actual metal toggle, or is it just registering the current that the switch is allowing through it.

Thanks

you answered your own question, voltage detectors detect voltage not current.

The current is only flowing through the switch where the contacts are on the back. It is not going through the metal front part of the toggle switch.

OK thanks. I think I knew that, but a flashing red light can give you The Fear.

I'm assuming you mean an inductive voltage detector. The kind you put near an outlet to see if it's energized? Yes they will detect voltage potential at the switches terminals. The best way to test for voltage is with a voltmeter though. The inductive testers only work for AC voltage because DC only fluxes when turned on and when turned off.

Right it's a tester with a single probe, looks like a futuristic pencil, and when I put it near the actual metal switch, not just the terminals it lights up.

Check with a voltmeter. One test probe on the switch, the other to neutral or ground. If you see a voltage, then the switch is energized. This is highly unlikely though if you were careful with your connections...

Also, most good switches will either have a seperate ground connection or will be grounded to the panel that it is installed in. So if the panel is properly grounded, and the switch was accidently energized, it should cause a short and your GFCI (you do have GFCI protection right?) will trip.

I went back and check with my multimeter, no voltage on the switches. Thanks everyone.