In message , Pete Verdon
d writes
How are they supposed to work?

I assume that, while they're not well-regarded by most here, neon
screwdrivers don't actually electrocute their owners during intended
use.

well, not if they are OK

else ...

Is it just that the current flow is very small, and almost all the
voltage is across the neon? Can anyone with a better grasp of
electrical theory explain?

Chuck it and spend a tenner on a meter


--
geoff