As an electrician, you are in constant exposure to live wire that you need to be alert to and aware of at all times. There are many ways to test for a wire with current flowing through it. However, the different methods involve processes that are not fully efficient and are time-consuming, and a non-contact voltage tester is the answer. The best non-contact voltage tester keeps you safe while efficiently testing for currents in a circuit.
A non-contact voltage tester is a detector used to confirm the presence or absence of voltage in a circuit. The tester works by producing a light or a beeping sound when a current is capacitively coupled from the circuit through the tester to the ground. Thus, no contact is needed between the tester and the wire in the circuit.
A non-contact voltage tester goes by many names, including;
- Voltage tester pen
- Electricity tester pen
- Ac voltage detector
- Volt alert tester
- Proximity voltage tester
- Electrical sniffer, etc.
Best Non-Contact Voltage Tester
1) Fluke 1ac AI-II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Detector
- Voltbeat technology and continuous self-test - so you always know...
- Upon detection, tip glows and beeper sounds
- CAT IV 1000 V for added protection
- Range 90-volt to 1000-volt
- 20-volt to 90-volt AC control circuit model also available
Fluke is your worthy companion if you will be in contact with electricity a lot. Fluke non-contact voltage electric tester has features that make it easy and efficient to carry around when at work. The tester is pen-size, so you can always have it on your shirt. The tester is easy to use, and all you need to do is touch the pen to an outlet, a supply cord, or a terminal strip.
Once in contact with a considerable amount of voltage, the tip glows and beeper sounds to signal an electric current in the circuit. The electrical tester pen features Voltbeat technology that runs a continuous self-test to ensure accuracy and efficiency. The voltage sensor works in your best interest and ensures you are safe at all times. If you wish to, you can turn off the beeper sound and turn it back on by switching the tester on and off.
The primary function of the non-contact voltage tester is to check whether voltage is present in a circuit. However, most times, the voltage being tested for is not consistent through different circuits. Fluke, however, has a wide voltage range that allows for a lot of different applications. The tester can work with voltage between 90V to 1000V.
The pen is rated to CAT IV 1000 V for protection at all times. In addition, the tester is further CE and CSA approved to ensure further that all safety standards are met.
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2) Klein Tools NCVT 2 Voltage Tester
- Voltage Tester automatically detects and indicates low voltage...
- Non-contact detection of standard voltage in cables, cords,...
- Non-contact detection of low voltage in security, entertainment,...
- High intensity, bright green LED indicates the tester is...
- Dual Range testing, select 12-1000V AC or 48-1000V AC
The one challenge that voltage testers have is efficiently testing low voltages below 40V. Klein is the best voltage tester to get this problem out of the way. The tester is made to automatically detect and indicate any low voltage between 12V and 48V. Klein is still the best voltage detector for higher voltages of up to 1000V AC, allowing for a broad AC.
Klein Tools ncvt has a sensitive probe tip that makes testing easy in tight spaces. In addition, the tester has an intense bright green tester LED light that shows once voltage is detected, and at the same time, illuminates the localized circuit area you are working on.
Klein is a revolutionary non-contact tester that has dual-range testing capabilities. For example, you can switch between 12-1000 V AC and 40-1000 V AC. With these modes, you can test for standard voltage in things like cables, lighting fixtures, cords, switches, and more. Simultaneously, you can check for low voltage present in security and communication systems and other appliances that generally use low voltage.
Klein Tool is a safe tester to use for a variety of appliances and circuits. The tester has a CAT iv 1000 V rating that provides protection and expanded operation. The tester's body is made of durable polycarbonate plastic resin that will last you years.
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3) Neoteck Non-Contact AC Voltage Tester Pen
- 【Non-contact Voltage Tester】 Ranging 12-1000V AC, You can...
- 【Safe and Convenient】 The Voltage Pen Tester Detectes Voltage...
- 【High Efficiency】 As Long As Voltage is Detected, the Led in...
- 【Multifunction, Easy to Use】 It Also Acts as an Emergency...
- 【CE CAT III600V RoHS Certificate】 A Professional Tester, It...
When testing for voltage, you need to tell the intensity of the current, if at all there is any. Most testers only show the lack of or availability of a current. Neoteck, on the other hand, gives you accurate real-time feedback on the amount of current that is running through the circuit at that given time. The tester has different beeping sounds for different voltage levels. In addition to that, an LED graph shows you the strength of the voltage available in the circuit at that moment.
Neoteck has an unmatched safety level. You have the assurance of not getting electrocuted as you do not have to touch any appliances. The tester has a wide range that you can work with, testing for voltage between 12 and 1000v alternating current. The professional tester is suitable for homeowners, DIYers, professionals, and electricians.
Neoteck is CAT iii RoHS certified, making them one of the best voltage testers in the market currently. The electrical tester has a lightweight and pen-like design that is easier to handle and carry around. The tester is powered by 2, 1.5v AAA batteries which will last long because the tester consumes little energy.
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4) Sperry Instruments Non-Contact Voltage Tester
- VERIFIES VOLTAGE PRESENSE: Verifies the presence of AC Voltage...
- DURABLE: Hi-Impact Resistant ABS housing with soft over-molded...
- QUICKLY READ: Bright color-coded neon lights for easy visual...
- CIRCUIT SENSING: Non-Contact sensitivity detects 50-1000V AC and...
- AUDIBLE AND VISIBLE INDICATOR: 360° visual and beeping audio...
Sperry offers a tester kit that is like no other in the market. The tester has a battery self-test feature that ensures the detected voltage is true and not faulty because of reduced sensitivity. The non-contact voltage tester detects currents from 50 volts up to 1000 volts. The range is wide enough to work on different types of projects and appliances.
Sperry is easy to use, with bright neon lights to show each tie the voltage detector comes across some currents. The visuals are 360 degrees, visible from any angle to show clearly what strength the current has. Unlike other non-contact voltage testers, Sperry has an impact-resistant body and strong build quality that is great for professionals who work with appliances that are high from the ground most of the time.
Sperry puts safety first. The device has a fully insulated probe tip keeping you safe from any live currents. Furthermore, the non-contact voltage tester features a battery self-test that ensures no negative readings that might give you a false impression takes place. Finally, the tester comes along with a GFCI outlet tester that widens your scope of testing to more than just the availability of currents.
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5) KAIWEETS Voltage Tester
- SAFETY FIRST: It will send out multiple alarms through sound and...
- NON-CONTACT: With NCV inductive probe for AC voltage; Just place...
- DUAL RANGE: Detects standard and low voltage (12-1000V AC /...
- SECURITY LEVEL: IEC rated CAT III 1000V CAT IV 600V, Meets CE...
- COMPACT DESIGN: Bright LED flashlight for work in dim ares;...
Any dual-range non-contact voltage tester is a tester that every professional needs to have. Fortunately, KAIWEETS is one of the pro-level testers with features that make work efficient, fast, and safe. For example, the tester has double insulation to ensure no electric current reaches you at any cost. The tester further keeps you safe with its high voltage alert anytime the voltage is above 90V.
The non-contact voltage tester has been made for efficiency and correct judgment. With other voltage testers, the light shows when there is current, and a beeping sound is produced, which is all the signal you will get. With KAIWEETS, the beeping sound has a higher frequency when the voltage is higher and vice versa. A more interesting feature is a screen that will turn red when the voltage detector senses a high voltage and green when the current is low.
The voltage tester has a bright flashlight that makes working in dark places easier and safer. When an AAA battery is running out, the tester has a low power to remind you to replace the voltage. The tester is IEC-rated CAT III 1000V and CAT IV 600V. The pocket-size pen tester has a 36-month after-sale service to ensure your product works perfectly at all times.
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How to Use Non-Contact Voltage Testers
Voltage testers come in handy when you are unsure about a connection or a wire that might carry live current. However, it might be satisfying to know that with non-contact voltage testers, you do not have to interact with or touch a live wire and risk electrocution. You will be safe at all times with these devices. When you acquire a voltage tester, follow the following steps;
- Know your tester. If you just bought the tester, read the manual and learn how to use the tester first. Different testers have different features. Some testers have a laser pointer, an infrared thermometer, battery alert, and other features that will make your work easier if you know about them. The tester will be way easier to use if you have an idea of what you are doing.
- Turn on the tester. Check for the battery strength. If the tester has a low battery graph, check for it. A low battery will give a slightly negative reading, which is inaccurate and might lead to poor judgment. One simple way of knowing if the tester works without risking it on a wire is by tapping the tester on your hand and then rubbing it on your hair. The static electricity should make the tester beep.
- Know what you are testing for. Of course, you are testing for a current in a wire. However, not all wires carry current in them. A Live and neutral wire will probably have current in it. In some cases, like an extension cord, the hot wire might be detected in some points and not others. The variation is because the wires are twisted and go over each other. In such a case, move the voltage tester up and down the cord to ensure you are near the live wire.
- Test for current. All you need to do is place the tester near the wire you are testing for. If you suspect the current to be high, you do not have to touch the wire with the tip of the tester. For lower voltages, place the tester on the wire. The wire does not have to be naked at all because the tester is sensitive and will be able to get you the readings. You need to hold the tester because it uses you as the grounding, allowing the current to flow. In most cases, if you place the tester and leave it, nothing will happen.
- Check for intensity. Once you have established the availability or lack of current, check for the intensity. Buy a tester that will tell you when the current is high and when the voltage is low.
- Safety. Ensure the tester has safety certifications. Use a known power source to test the detector. Do not touch any live wires with your bare hands.
