In some instances, we get to see cases where some people go astray due to jokes made by people just for entertainment and misleading posts in social media. Below is the investigation we conducted to find the accuracy of a misleading video published on social media.
Social Media Posts
A video circulating on social media shows a foreigner switching traffic lights with a device he owns while driving his vehicle.
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Below are some other instances where the video was shared on Facebook.
Here are some comments made regarding that.
Here is how we took steps to find the accuracy here.
Fact Check
Upon further examination of the device shown in the video, it was found that this is a voltage testing device.
Below is a photo of a device similar to the one shown in the video above, available for purchase.
When watching the video carefully, you can see that it tries to make it appear that the traffic lights were switched automatically due to this device.
How do non-contact voltage testers work?
A non-contact voltage tester detects a live wire. Non-contact voltage testers check for the presence or absence of voltage. Unlike multi-meters, non-contact voltage testers do not need to make contact with metal. Non-contact voltage testers usually feature both a visual light and an audible signal. A non-continuous light, no light, or a green light without a beep means no voltage is present. A red light with a continuous tone means voltage is present. Most models of these testers have a detection range of 50-1000V.
Voltage testers work using capacitor coupling techniques.
Recalling how capacitors work, two capacitors are separated by an insulator. As the electric potential increases, a voltage is drawn from one conductor through the insulating material.
Non-contact voltage testers use two capacitors to test for the presence of voltage. One capacitor is the test object (conductor), air at the test end (insulator) and the test sensor (conductor). The second capacitor is any insulation between the tester, ground, and the tester. This simple setup draws a voltage (if any) across the capacitors and emits a red light if any voltage is present in the wires.
Why use a non-contact voltage tester?
A voltage tester pen is the easiest way to check the presence or absence of voltage. No light is shown when there isn’t a voltage or green or discontinuous light is shown when there is no voltage. Continuous red light is shown with a beep sound when there is voltage. This is the general procedure and may vary depending on the model of the voltage pan. Read more about this here.
Below is a video detailing how non-contact voltage testers work.
It is therefore clear that voltage testers cannot change the lights of road signs and the video in question is misleading.
Road Signs
Also, there are no devices in use that allow any person to change the traffic light colors at will. Traffic lights are controlled by complex systems controlled by traffic management authorities to ensure the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Tampering with these traffic lights is illegal and dangerous.
Unauthorized attempts to change traffic light colors can result in severe penalties and pose serious risks to public safety.
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Conclusion
Our investigation shows that the video showing a foreigner switching traffic lights with a device while driving is misleading and actually shows a voltage testing device.
