What is a Non-Contact Voltage Tester and Do You Need One?

Do you know what a non-contact voltage tester is? Practice it yourself (DIY) projects can be a lot of fun, but they can also be scary and downright dangerous if y'all don't take the correct tools or knowledge before you start.

Accept projects involving electric work, for example, you don't want to simply starting time taking sockets and low-cal switches apart without knowing which wires you're prophylactic to bear on and which will give you lot a wild hairdo at the very least.

Today nosotros'll be looking at some of the options available for non-contact voltage testers and diving into what they are, if they're safe, and what yous should await for when purchasing i. We'll even share our summit three choices. So, continue on reading to learn how a voltage tester can help you with your next electric project.

Superlative iii Picks

Best Value – Sperry Instruments STK001 Non-Contact Voltage Tester/Outlet Tester Kit

With two tools giving a range of voltage detection applications and numerous features this durable, easy-to-employ kit offers the best value for its toll range.

All-time Budget – Auroland Hanmatek Not-Contact Voltage Tester

This dual-range electric tester pen detects standard and depression voltages and is suitable for an array of applications. With multiple functions and a durable design that won't break the bank, it is the all-time budget option on our list.

Client Choice – Fluke VoltAlert 1AC-II Volt Non-Contact Voltage Tester

The Fluke VoltAlert has the highest client satisfaction of any tester on our list. Boasting a wide voltage detection range, superior ratings, and VoltBeat technology, it'south like shooting fish in a barrel to see why this electric tester pen makes Customer's Choice.

What is a Non-contact Voltage Tester?

Information technology's a tool that everyone should have in their electrical tool kit. A non-contact voltage tester (too known equally an electric tester pen, or voltage tester) is a tool designed to safely detect voltage in an electrical connection without the need to come into direct contact with the source. With a carmine or light-green glowing tip and a beeping sound, a non-contact voltage tester provides a quick and reliable visual and audible alarm if a voltage is present.

Non-contact voltage testers are useful for moving or reconfiguring low-cal switches, electric sockets, and other powered connections as well as troubleshooting problems in those aforementioned areas.

How Do Non-contact Voltage Testers Work?

Not-contact voltage testers accept a sensor built into the tip of the tool that detects voltage when touching something like an outlet or power cord. The voltage that is detected is capacitively coupled from a alive excursion to the voltage tester and back to the grounded reference, which is the person property the tester. Once the voltage is detected, the tip of the tester volition glow, and the tool volition beep. Tools with dual-range functions typically have color-coded and sound-coded features that distinguish each range.

Types of Non-contact Voltage Testers

There are two types of non-contact voltage testers – inductively coupled voltage sensors and capacitive coupled sensors. Each works in vastly different means and is suitable for different applications.

Inductively Coupled Voltage Sensor

These voltage testers use a magnetic field to find if a wire or object has a current flowing through information technology. They will only work on objects that are conductive such equally metal.

Capacitive Coupled Sensor

Capacitively coupled voltage testers measure out electrical field and can detect anything that acts equally a dielectric material or conductive object.  These voltage testers are suitable for metal or non-metal objects.

What to Expect For in a Not-contact Voltage Tester

There are several primal features to consider when choosing a non-contact voltage tester. These features include:

Voltage Range Detection

If you lot intend to use your voltage tester for a range of applications, it is important to find one that measures high voltage alternate current (Ac) every bit well equally depression voltage AC.

The high voltage range should be 48 V to 1000 V, while the depression voltage range should be 12 V to 48 5.

Safety

Always ensure that the voltage tester you use is rated with an official organisation's measurement category from CAT I to Cat 4.

CAT Four is considered the highest safe classification.

The Air-conditioning voltage listed directly after the tools CAT classification volition indicate the maximum voltage rating that the tester tin safely bank check. Never effort to exceed these ratings.

Sensitivity

Choose a voltage tester with the power to conform its sensitivity to suit the application y'all are working on and the surroundings that you are in.

If the tester is in a sensitive setting, y'all may inadvertently choice up electrical currents from locations other than the source y'all are working with. These could atomic number 82 to false positives and potential rubber risks. Being able to suit the tool'due south sensitivity will prevent this.

Functionality

Not-contact voltage testers tin can come up with a range of features that affect their part and usefulness in different applications. Some of these features include battery-cheque function, LED flashlights, laser pointers, and shirt clips. The more than features your chosen voltage tester has, the more functional it volition be.

Blueprint

You want to cull a voltage tester that is comfortable to hold and will non cause hand fatigue. This is particularly important if you lot will be using the tester extensively.

An ergonomic and meaty design volition give you the nearly comfort and exist the easiest on your wrist and hands.

The All-time Non-Contact Voltage Testers

Klein Tools NCVT-2 Voltage Tester

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The Klein Tools NCVT-two Dual-Range Not-Contact Voltage Tester detects a standard voltage (48-1000V Air-conditioning) in things similar electrical outlets, lighting fixtures and switches, cables, and circuit breakers, as well as depression voltage (12-1000V AC) in things similar entertainment, advice, and security systems. It has a CAT IV 1000 V rating giving information technology increased office and safe.

This lightweight tester is equipped with a powerful green LED indicator light that lets you lot know the tester is functioning properly and adds illumination to dimmer work areas. A flashing ruby light and one of ii different warning sounds alarm y'all to the detection of either standard or low voltage.

The NCVT-2 is fabricated of durable polycarbonate plastic resin and runs on two AAA batteries. An auto-off feature extends the life of the batteries past shutting the unit off while not in use. This tester comes with a convenient pocket prune and a 2-yr manufacturer's warranty.

Pros

• Detects standard and low voltage,
• Excellent CAT rating,
• LED indicator calorie-free,
• Auto-off feature.

Cons

• Does not detect current.

Fluke 1AC-A1-2 VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Tester

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The Fluke VoltAlert 1AC-Ii Volt Not-Contact Voltage Tester has a detection range from 90 to one thousand 5 Ac and a True cat IV 1000 5 rating for extra role and safety.

This piece of cake-to-use, minor tester lets you know when voltage is detected with a distinct beeping audio and glowing tip. And with Voltbeat applied science and a continuous self-test feature, you e'er know when the tester is working or when the batteries need to be changed.

The VoltAlert 1AC-2 runs on two AAA batteries which are included.

Pros

• Excellent True cat rating
• Self-test feature indicates tool is working.

Sperry Instruments STK001 Non-Contact Voltage Tester

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Sperry Instruments STK001 Non-Contact Voltage Tester / Outlet Tester Kit comes with the Sperry VD6504 Voltage Tester and the Sperry GFI6302 Outlet/Receptacle Tester.

The VD6504 Voltage Tester has a range of detection from 50 – yard V AC and is rated Cat Three 1000V and Iv 600V. The VD6504 is powered past one AAA battery and has an insulated probe tip which ensures y'all never contact live electrical wires. It is equipped with a self-test battery bank check characteristic that lets you know when the unit of measurement is working and when the batteries need to be inverse. The detection of voltage is indicated with an audible beep and 360° visual glow.

The GFI6302 Outlet/Receptacle Tester indicates seven different wiring conditions and is rated CAT III 300V and C-UL US. At that place is an onboard wiring legend, and each status is indicated past a colour-coded neon lite. It can test both standard 3-wire 120V and GFCI outlets and runs on i AAA bombardment.

Both testers have a high-touch on resistant ABS body with rubber grips and are rated for ten-foot drops and 250-pound burdensome weight.

Pros

• Two tools provide more versatility,
• Self-test battery check characteristic,
• Extremely durable.

Cons

• Not dual range,
• Slightly lower Cat ratings than others on our list.

Southwire 40150N Advanced Air conditioning Not Contact Voltage Tester Pen

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The Southwire 40150N Advanced Dual-Range Non-Contact Voltage Tester has two detection ranges – 12 to g 5 and 100 to 1000 V and an IP67 rating making it dustproof and water-resistant.

This lightweight, electric tester pen indicates when voltage is detected with a beeping sound and red LED calorie-free. An integrated bi-color LED confirms the tester is operational and indicates with range is selected. The rugged blueprint stands up to a 6-pes driblet examination rating and has thin probe tips specifically for wall outlets. It is powered past one AAA battery and has a built-in depression battery cocky-test feature, and then y'all ever know if it is working.

The 40150N will not notice voltage if:

• information technology is DC,
• the user is not grounded,
• the wire is shielded in a metal box or conduit,
• the tip cannot exist fully inserted into the outlet,
• the outlet has a tamper-proof design,
• the user's paw is insulated from the tester,
• the wire source is partially buried.

This multi-function tester comes with a high-powered, built-in forrard/rear facing flashlight and pocket prune for ease of transport.

Pros

• Dual range,
• Dustproof and h2o-resistant,
• Self-exam characteristic,
• Boosted safety features,
• More features than others on our list.

Cons

• Non suitable for vehicle voltage testing
• Cannot detect current.

Klein Tools NCVT-4IR Voltage Tester

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The Klein Tools NCVT-4IR Non-Contact Voltage Tester is designed for HVAC applications and has a detection range from 12 to chiliad V. It boasts an Infra-red Thermometer that tin can be fix to Degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit and tin measure from -30 to 250 degrees Celsius (-22 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit).

This lightweight electric tester pen indicates voltage with visual and audible prompts and has a backlit LCD. The onboard laser arrow measures temperature of a specific surface. The unit of measurement is powered by ii AAA batteries and has a convenient ability-off part that extends the battery life. The NCVT-4IR is water and grit-resistant and easy to shop.

Pros

• Slap-up for HVAC applications
• Infra-Red Thermometer
• Power-off part
• Water resistant

Cons

• Does not have a flashlight.

Auroland Non-Contact Voltage Tester

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The Auroland Hanmatek Non-Contact Voltage Tester is equipped with two detection ranges – 12 – k V and 90 – 1000 V.

This electric tester pen is lightweight and like shooting fish in a barrel to store. It indicates the presence of voltage with audible and visual signals that are color and sound coded to distinguish different signal strengths.

The Auroland tester boasts durable structure and is powered past two AAA batteries. An integrated power-off function senses when the tester is not in employ and shuts information technology off to conserve battery life. And a battery condition indicator lets y'all know when the batteries need to be replaced.

The integrated nine-gear organization lets yous adjust the signal forcefulness and LED digital display, and a built-in LED flashlight adds illumination to darker workspaces. This unit comes with a contactless stylus, user transmission, and a 1.v V AAA Battery.

Pros

• Dual detection range,
• Color and sound coded,
• Power off office
• Battery status indicator
• Adjustable signal strength

FAQ

Are Non-contact Voltage Testers Safe to Utilize?

Non-contact voltage testers are designed with safe in mind. They are insulated from electricity and are made to permit you examination for electrical current without having to splice wires open or come into directly contact with potential currents.

How Practise I Know If the Tester is Functioning?

If the voltage tester detects voltage, the tip volition light up and a beep will typically be heard. Merely if this does not happen, it doesn't mean there is no current. It may mean your tester is not functioning correctly.

Virtually non-contact voltage testers are equipped with self-testing functions that give yous a constant display of how much battery life is left. This function allows you to know if the tester is working prior to performing a test.

Is a Voltage Tester the Same as a Multimeter?

Voltage testers and Multimeters are not the same tools. Non-contact voltage testers tin just detect if a voltage is present or not. They do not give whatsoever other readings. They are typically shaped like a pen and have no additional parts.

Multimeters, on the other paw, give readings for Advert and DC voltage, frequency, continuity, resistance, and electrical capacitance. These devices typically consist of an LED reader and two probes.

Conclusion

The overall function and blueprint of not-contact voltage testers are similar but with different features and functions, nosotros see they are not all created equally. Some can find multiple ranges from high to depression voltage, while others can but discover one range.

Some are better for HVAC applications than others and some tin can measure the temperature of a surface. We hope that this article has provided helpful information that yous can use to decide what non-contact voltage tester will be correct for your adjacent projection. Nosotros'd love your feedback. Let us know if this article was helpful and if you have any questions!

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Source: https://www.homedit.com/non-contact-voltage-tester/

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