As an electrician, most of the time you are in direct contact with live wire throughout your work and need to be so cautious of it at all times. There are very many possibilities when it comes to feeling a wire that has current passing through it. However, the different methods involve processes that are not fully efficient and are time-consuming, hence calling for a non-contact voltage tester. The best non-contact voltage tester will help the user maintain safety while at the same time helping the individual to test for currents in a circuit.
A non-contact voltage tester is a tool that is employed to check the live state of a circuit. The concept of the tester is based on the generation of a light flash or a sound beep when a current is transferred from the circuit through the tester to the ground capacitively. Thus, there can be no physical contact of the tester against the wire in the circuit.
A non-contact voltage tester is commonly known by the following names;
- Voltage tester pen
- Electrical sniffer, etc.
- Volt alert tester
- Proximity voltage tester
- Electricity tester pen
- Ac voltage detector
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
If you will be constantly exposed to electrical current, Fluke 1ac AI-II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Detector is for you. This tester has some characteristics that are unique in a way that it can easily be carried along when in use. It is test pen size and can therefore be placed in the shirt pocket at all times. The tester is also fairly simple to operate; one simply needs to touch the pen to an outlet, a supply cord, or a terminal strip.
When the tip is brought close enough to a voltage greater than around 30 Volts, the tip will light up and the beeper will sound indicating that there is a current in the circuit. The electrical tester pen has a Voltbeat technology that checks the device’s accuracy and efficiency when performing a test. The voltage sensor is an intelligent tool that will always do things in such a manner that will ensure your safety. If you want, you can also switch off the given beeper sound and on it again only if you switch the tester on and off.
The specific use of the non-contact voltage tester is to ensure voltage is present in a circuit being tested. However, it is to be noted that in most cases, the voltage being tested for may not be uniform in the various circuits. The Fluke, on the other hand, has the broad voltage range that opens up the plethora of uses. The tester is capable of trying voltage that ranges from 90 volts to 1000 volts.
The pen is guarded at all times to CAT IV 1000 V for protection. Moreover, the tester is also CE and CSA approved even more to make sure of our compliance with safety standards.
Pros:
Cons:
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
For low voltage testing below 40 volts, use Klein Tools NCVT 2 Voltage Tester. The tester is designed to automatically operate and give an alert when a low voltage of 12V to 48V is present. Klein is still the best voltage detector for higher voltages of up to 1000V AC, but it can detect a broad AC.
Klein Tools ncvt also has a sensitive probe tip that ensures testing can be done easily in cramped areas. However, the tester has a bright green tester LED light that blinks when it senses voltage and at the same time it lights up the specific area of the circuit in which the tester is used.
Klein is a unique non-contact tester that has bi-directional testing range. For instance, you can choose: from 12v AC to 1000v AC or from 40v AC to 1000v AC. In these modes, standard voltage can be checked in cables, lighting fixtures, cords, switch, among others. At the same time, one should also look for low voltage in the security and communication systems as well as other devices that employ low voltage.
Klein Tool is ideal to use for several appliances as well as circuits without posing a threat to the individuals using the testers. The tester has a CAT IV 1000 V rating that offers protection and further versatility of usage. The tester body is in polycarbonate plastic resin material that will likely to serve you for years.
Pros:
Cons:
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...
Neoteck provides you with the precise live feedback of the amount of current that is flowing through the circuit at that particular time. The tester has different beeping sounds for different voltage levels, which are as follows: Besides that, there is another graph which is an LED graph; this graph displays the strength of the voltage that exists in the circuit at any given time.
The safety standards practiced at Neoteck are quite high and unique. It offers the assurance of not being electrocuted since you do not come into contact with any appliance. The tester has a broad range that you can work with, with a tested voltage range between 12v and 1000v AC. The professional tester is recommended for homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, professionals, and technicians.
As for safety, Neoteck is CAT iii RoHS certified, and is one of the best voltage testers available in the market as of this writing. The electrical tester has a pen shaped body and lightweight, which makes it easier to handle and transport around. The tester is powered by 2, 1. 5v AAA batteries which should last long because the tester will consume a small power.
Pros:
Cons:
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 has revolutionized the tester kits with one that has not been seen before in the market. The tester also has a battery self-test that allows the tester to check if the detected voltage is correct or if the tester readings may have gone down due to lower sensitivity. Using the tip positioned toward the source, the non-contact voltage tester is capable of measuring currents ranging from 50v up to 1000v. The range is diverse enough to allow it to operate in various types of projects as well as types of appliances.
Sperry is easy to use, the voltage detector is pointed at the tie and the bright neon lights to show each tie the detector comes across some currents. The visuals are spherical, where one looks them from whichever angle to see clearly the strength the current holds. In differentiating it from other models of non-contact voltage testers, Sperry comes with an impact resistant body and a strong build which makes it very good for professional use especially when handling appliances most of which are raised from the ground.
Sperry puts safety first. The gadget used has insulated probe tip to avoid any contact with any live currents. In addition, the non-contact voltage tester has its battery self-test that helps in preventing the occurrence of no negative readings that might mislead you into thinking that there is power on a particular circuit. Last but not least, we have the tester which we can use and is referred to as GFCI outlet tester and this expands your range of testing from just the existence of currents.
Pros:
Cons:
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;...
KAIWEETS is among the pro-level testers with features that help advance work and make it faster, easier, and secure. For instance, the tester comes with double insulation to make sure that you do not get affected by electric current at all times. The tester also has additional safety measure and any voltage above 90V will alert you of high voltage.
The non-contact voltage testers have been designed based on efficiency and right decision making. Unlike other voltage testers, where a light only comes on when there is current, and even this is accompanied by a beep sound which is the only feedback you will receive. Accordingly, at KAIWEETS the beeping sound usually increases its frequency in relation to a higher voltage or decreases its frequency in relation to a lower voltage. A more interesting feature is a screen that blinks red every time the voltage detector indicates high voltage and a green color for low current.
The voltage tester has a very light illumination that makes it easy and safer to use especially if the workplace is in a dark place. When the AAA battery is used, it shows a low power to help you refill the voltage. The tester is the IEC-rated CAT III 1000V and CATIV 600V. The pocket-size pen tester comes with 36-month after-sale service to guarantee all consumers have a faultless product at their disposal at all times.
Pros:
Cons:
How to Use Non-Contact Voltage Testers
A voltage tester is very useful anytime you are questioning the state of a connection or a wire that you may suspect holds a live current. But it might be comforting to note that you do not come into contact with, or interface with, a live wire when using, the non-contact voltage testers. With these gadgets, you are going to be safe most of the times. There are the following steps to follow when you buy a voltage tester;
- Know your tester. In the case you just purchased the tester you must read the instructions in the user manual and learn how to use the tester. Some main features can be listed: Some testers come with functions such as the laser pointer, infra-red thermometer, battery alerts and others that will assist you greatly if you are aware of them. The tester will be much easier to use if you already have some concept of the work which has to be done.
- Turn on the tester. Observe the level of battery charge of your device. In case the tester has a low battery as depicted from the graph above check for it. A low battery will produce a slightly negative value that can be misleading, and will, therefore, result in poor decisions. Another method of ascertaining whether the tester operates without risking it to the wire is by taping the tester on your hand and then touching your hair with it. The static electricity ought to cause the tester to make a sound like a beep.
- Know what you are testing for. Of course, what you are seeking is a current in the wire. At the same time not all wires have current running through them. A Live & neutral wire would most likely have current through it. In some cases – for instance an extension cord – one could measure the hot wires sometimes and not at other times. This variation is due to the fact that the wires are twisted and lay over one another. In such a case, slide the voltage tester up and down over the cord to appreciate being close to the live wire.
- Test for current. All you need to do is just to locate the nearness of the tester towards the wire you want to test on. Basically, if you believe that the current is high, you will not touch the wire with the tip of the tester. For lower voltages, now touch the ends of the tester on the wire. It need not be naked at all because the tester should be able to give you the readings that you want. You have to grasp the tester because it charges you as a reference point where the current goes. It is usually this way that if you put the tester and walk away it will remain like that.
- Check for intensity. When you have determined the current or lack of it, the next thing is to consider the intensity. Purchase a tester that in some way will assist you in identifying that the current is high and the voltage low.
- Safety. It is recommended to confirm the appropriate safety certifications of the working tester. One way has to provide a known power source for testing the detector. Never pick things with your bare hands when you know that they are connected to sources of electricity..
