Best Overall
Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Runner-Up
Klein Tools NCVT-1 Non-Contact Voltage Tester Pen
Best Bang for the Buck
Sperry Instruments Non-Contact Voltage Tester
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When working on electric projects at home , it ’s important to havetool box essentialson hand , including a voltage tester . We recently tested several voltage testers to key eight models that can improve efficiency and help prevent electric shocks .
Voltage testers admit user to quickly , easily , and safely check for tycoon . With legion types of voltage testers uncommitted , it ’s important for consumer to know what to take care for in a potential difference tester and how to determine which one salutary suit their indigence . Our darling is theFluke 1AC II VoltAlert Non - Contact Voltage Tester . It has a user - favorable pattern feature a ego - testing indicator , straightaway power alert , secure magazine , and adjustable beep configurations .
We convey hand - on testing in situations DIYers are likely to encounter and refer manufacture professional person and expert fromFrontdoor.comto compile this list of the top voltage testers by category .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
Below , DIYers will find details about some of the good electric potential testers on the market — all from trusted brands that produce lineament electrical tools , all of which have been put through their paces with our bridge player - on testing .
Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Our rating : Portability5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Usability5/5 ; Value5/5
The Fluke 1AC II noncontact voltage quizzer is a character penitentiary tester from a drawing card in the electrical testing industry . This tester can find emf between 90V and 1,000V while fitting well in a tool pouch or a sack . When it detects electromotive force , the bakshis glows bright red as an alert .
The Fluke 1AC II voltage examiner features a continuous self - trial indicator that flashes red to alert that it ’s work . It also has a loud , audible beep to show it detects power , but there is a disable function for tranquil surroundings . This Fluke voltage quizzer run on two include AAA batteries and feature an reflexive shutoff to save battery life .
We establish that this potential drop examiner was passing easy to use . The self - test indicator is a handy feature , as it forever alerts users that the tool is , in fact , working . We noted that it also alarm to tycoon apace when turn on ( some models take a few second gear ) . It fits well in the tool bag , and the sturdy clip whorl on easily . Turning it on with or without the beep ( it depends on how long the button is held down ) took some getting used to , but it did n’t affect the tester ’s functionality .
Get the Fluke VoltAlert voltage tester atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Runner-up
Our rating : Portability5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Usability5/5 ; Value5/5
Klein Tools produces top - mountain pass shaft for electrical professionals , and the Klein Tools NCVT-1 noncontact voltage tester lives up to the company ’s bequest . It can test for voltage between 50 and 1,000V of alternating current and fits nicely in a pocket or pouch .
The NCVT-1 emf examiner employ an easy - to - understand red - and - gullible indicator to alert the user to ability : green for no magnate and redness for potential drop . It also toot steadily when it detects voltage . It features an automatonlike shutoff to extend shelling life and a downhearted - battery indicator that alert when the included AAA batteries are about to run out .
While it might enfeeble batteries faster than some other voltage tester , the constant viridity this quizzer emits when it ’s on prove to be a nice pinch during examination . It indicated that the framework was work and slightly lighted dark spaces , too . We also like that this tester is compact , measuring just 5.5 inch long , pull in it more than suitable for a tool chest or bag .
Also , the reflexive shutoff turn off without a tatty beep , write zip and avoiding galvanise the user when work with an electric equipment . Our only ill is that while the hindquarters crownwork that retain the batteries is secure , gap around the ceiling keep it from sealing whole .
Get the Klein Tools NCVT-1 voltage examiner atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Best Bang For The Buck
Our Ratings : Portability5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Usability4/5 ; Value5/5
For a dependable , value - minded voltage tester , the STK001 noncontact potential tester from Sperry Instruments is deserving a expression . This pen tester comes with a plug - in vent tester , let user to quiz wires and outlets with one outfit .
The penitentiary examiner detect potential between 50 and 1,000V. When it detects potential drop , it will claxon forte , and the exculpated plastic housing of the lightbulb will flash red . It runs on one AAA battery ( included ) and has a scurvy - battery index to assure it ’s working . The way out quizzer will alarm the drug user to emf , open priming coat , neutrals , hots , and reversed sign . It can also test background - geological fault circuit interrupter ( GFCI ) outlets to ensure they shape by rights .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Our judgement of the Sperry outfit is that it offer much value for its toll stage . For a relatively low cost , consumer get two puppet to detect potential difference . The plug - in tester proved easy to use , and our examination of wall socket wiring configurations was a pushover . Also , tripping GFCI outlets was bare , requiring just the press of a clitoris . We found that the pen examiner is extremely sensitive and occasionally alerts to a voltage that is n’t present , but at least it stray on the side of caveat .
Get the Sperry Instruments voltage tester atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Multimeter
Fluke T6-1000 Pro Electrical Tester
Electrical professionals often call for a fast way to try a wire and take measure without encounter a juncture or wall plug . The Fluke T6 - 1000 Pro electrical tester multimeter ’s Field Sense go down detects and measures the voltage without disconnecting association . Simply slide the testing fork over the conducting wire , and the T6 - 1000 will account on its condition .
The T6 - 1000 sport all the other common options await from a multimeter , including DC and AC , amperage , and resistance measurements . This durable electric potential tester comes with gator clips , swappable test leads , and a holster to keep it close at hand .
As a multimeter , the T6 - 1000 function just as we expected , provide readings on voltage , resistance , amperage , and hertz ( helpful for electrical motor service and other equipment ) . The fact that it can indicate the bearing of voltage between the forks is a nice welfare , allowing it to serve as a noncontact tester and a received multimeter . However , in our experience , the existent electromotive force readings were n’t most as exact as those of the regular lead . For drug user convenience , it come with a holster , swappable leads , and alligator clips for light transport .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Fluke T6 - 1000 potential difference tester atAmazon .
Best Multifunction
Klein Tools NCVT-4IR Non-Contact Voltage Tester Pen
Our evaluation : Portability4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Usability4/5 ; Value5/5
For electrical work around equipment that melt a piece hot , such as kettle , furnaces , and industrial equipment , the NCVT-4IR voltage tester from Klein Tools is a smart choice . In addition to detecting electric potential within a range of 12 to 1,000V , this poser features a built - in infrared thermometer . The thermometer can detect temperatures between -22 and 482 degrees Fahrenheit , providing secure , deal - innocent temperature checks .
The pen tester features a two - people of colour LED system : blue to indicate that it ’s working and red when it detects voltage . The infrared thermometer has a built - in optical maser cursor that hit accurate measure easier . Both affair go on two AAA assault and battery , which have a built - in shutoff to keep their living .
Photo: Amazon
While the NCVT-4IR pen quizzer — an infrared thermometer and noncontact examiner in one tool — is design forHVAC mechanics and technician , DIYers should also appreciate it . The optical maser was easy to use in testing , though slightly weaker than we would ’ve wish . However , this manikin had the good range , detecting low voltages than the others try out . It is clean bulky compare to other penitentiary - size models , but that bulk might be debate a benefit since this model is resistant to dust and water penetration and proved unaffected by either during our test .
Get the Klein Tools NCVT-4IR voltage quizzer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best With Light
Greenlee Non-Contact Self-Test Voltage Detector
Folks who want to guarantee they can see precisely where and what they are test will want to consider Greenlee ’s noncontact voltage demodulator . This modelling has a built - in flashlight that the user can turn on when needed to see into coloured corner or spaces .
This manikin can discover electric potential between 50 and 1,000V AC . In normal power - on mode , it flashes cherry to indicate it ’s working . Upon detecting potential , the red light-emitting diode flashes speedily and the fashion model beeps , indicating power is present . The automatonlike shutoff turns the pen tester off after 5 minutes of inactiveness , and with its rubber handgrip , holding onto it is a morsel easier to manage .
During testing , we found quite a bit to care about the Greenlee . First , the rubber texture create contain this model prosperous and less probable to luxate . Also , the torch enlighten sullen spaces enough to bump the wire , outlet , or equipment that needs testing . We particularly liked the size since it ’s one of the most slender models going and fits well in a shirt pocket or tool bag . We would choose that the LED light change colouring material upon observe potential difference , but the rapid news bulletin and beep body of work well .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Greenlee voltage tester atGrainger .
Best Pocket-size
Ideal Industries 40-1000V AC Volt Aware NCVT
Our evaluation : Portability4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Usability4/5 ; Value5/5
Whether it ’s a fifth wheel to toss in a tool dish or the main voltage quizzer a technician go along in a shirt pocket , the Ideal Industries 40 - 1000V AV Volt Aware NCVT is a suitable option . This mannequin is n’t much gravid than a typical magic marker , so it fits well within most clothing pocket and can even err into a pencil air pocket in a tool bag or belt .
This quizzer can discover voltage between 40 and 1,000V AC . It has a gullible steady light that indicates when it ’s on and a red flashing light and beep that indicates when it detects electricity . The rubberized consistency prevent slipping out of the hand , and the quiet / beep on/off switch clitoris near the tip is easy to get at and use .
Photo: Amazon
We found it extremely handy to tote this tester in either a shirt pocket or the one on our tool belt because it ’s compact and rounded , taking up less space than a square - trapped manikin . We also liked the twist - on and whirl - off function for a more tactile response than pressing a standard on / off switch , and the golosh grip do grab it out of a pocket a breeze . However , the sac clip is slight , so should it break off , the cylindric examiner might easily roll off a table or shelf .
Get the Ideal Industries voltage tester atAmazon .
Also Consider
Fluke 2AC Non-Contact Pocket-Sized Voltage Tester
While most playpen testers will cut back to a pant sac or fit inside a shirt pocket , bulky models wo n’t finger prosperous to hold that way . Enter the 2AC noncontact voltage tester from Fluke . This penitentiary quizzer measure just 5.75 inches longsighted and 0.75 column inch in diameter , so it can slide into a pocket with simpleness . It also weighs just 10.6 apothecaries' ounce , so it wo n’t feel heavy when clipped to a shirt .
The Fluke 2AC voltage tester detects voltage between 90 and 1,000V and glows scarlet to indicate that it detects potential . However , while the product verbal description claim that the tester also blare upon voltage spotting , the modeling we used did not ( some online consumers had the same complaint ) . The lack of an audible beep was somewhat of a letdown , as all the other example tested have that capableness . But this model does n’t have an on / off switch , so it ’s always in “ on ” mode for easygoing employment . And since there ’s a ramp up - in battery indicant and machinelike shutoff , it should not run out its two AAA stamp battery .
Get the Fluke 2AC voltage tester atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Voltage Testers
We wanted to ensure we suggested only the good emf examiner , so we did our homework . We performed extensive product research and confab expert like Chris Lozano , a master electrician with over 10 year of experience atRev Electricin Sharon , Pennsylvania . He says that a voltage quizzer want to be rated for the voltage you will be test . “ A residential household use a 120/240 - volt AC system , so a tester needs to be rated up to 250 volts AC . ”
We ab initio tested each model on various household outlets and gadget wires , both stop up and unplugged . Each was also test on a 240 - V ( V ) dryer outlet , except for the plug - in model , to verify their reliability and strength . We appraise the models for compactness , ensuring they fit in both a tool bag and a shirt pocket , and quantify their literal size for accurate specifications . role model have extra tools like thermometer and flashlights were also canvass to confirm their functionality .
To ensure our top selection were the safe and best , we consulted Terry Dussault , CEO ofYellowknife Consulting Servicesin Huntington Beach , California , and a prophylactic expert with over 25 twelvemonth of experience . Dussault recommends tester that feature noncontact potential signal detection , hearable alerts , and a broad potential difference reach to improve efficiency . He also emphasizes the grandness of authentication by recognized condom organizations like Underwriters Laboratories or Conformité Européenne .
Photo: Amazon
Models that blow over our tests were recognized for their strengths , while those that conk out were removed , creating our inclination of top potential difference testers .
What to Consider When Choosing a Voltage Tester
Here are the most crucial factors to consider when choosing a potential tester , include excogitation and functions .
Design
There are three basic voltage quizzer design :
Functionality
Generally , emf quizzer are only utilitarian for checking alternating current , such as the electrical energy in a dwelling or commercial-grade building . They do n’t help detect the verbatim current in a vehicle .
But that does n’t signify that all emf testers are one - trick pony . Some pen testers have build up - in feature of speech like flashlights , measuring laser , and infrared thermometer . Many wall plug testers can alarm the user if the wiring is slow-witted . Multimeterscan test for AC and DC electric potential , immunity , amperage , and more .
Each substance abuser ’s need will limit the necessary occasion for a electric potential sensor . To test a conducting wire for power , a playpen quizzer can do the trick without confusing button or switches . If tackling various electric task , a multimeter might be a real plus .
Photo: Amazon
Lozano says that one of the best way of life to get the knack of using a voltage tester is the “ live - dead - live ” mental testing , which can control the testing equipment is working . “ Take the meter to something you know is working to test if it is live , then turn it off to test if it find it is dead , ” he says . in the end , test it again on the live part . “ That will recite you if the examiner are work and if the meter is in the right setting . ”
Compatibility
electromotive force examiner are n’t compatible with every electric twist a DIYer might meet . Certain types of electric potential , or voltages outside the range the tester can detect , wo n’t get the tester to alert .
Pen and electric outlet testers are fantabulous for test electrical energy within the family , let in switches , outlet , and fixtures , but they ’re typically useless for checking for upshot with a vehicle ’s electric organization . Many pen testers also have potential difference workings chain of mountains — such as 90 to 1,000V — so some may not be able to detect low voltages .
If taking onelectronic gadget repairs(computers , drones , or televisions , for example ) or lick on a vehicle , wait for a multimeter with a built - in potential difference quizzer . A multimeter can switch between alternating and lineal flow and test for resistance and amperage . AnHVAC multimetercan check an HVAC arrangement ’s priming , switches , and other portion .
Photo: Amazon
Longevity
For long - terminal figure use and enduringness , pick out a electromotive force quizzer from one of the confide manufacturers in the electric tools industry . These companies specialize in make electrical tools for pros , and their products are top - notch — many professional still use meters and testers they purchase decades ago .
Battery life is also a thoughtfulness . Many of the safe electromotive force testers have automatic shut - off functions . If they do n’t detect potential within a sure amount of time ( usually around 15 instant ) , the tester will mechanically shut off to prolong electric battery life .
FAQs
No , potential difference testers and multimeters are not the same , though some multimeters feature voltage testers . Voltage quizzer designate only the presence of voltage . Multimeters can test the amount of voltage , amperage , or resistance in a secureness or electric circuit .
Yes , voltage testers are safety prick , and they ’re dependable to utilize . They have insulation to protect against current transfer of training , so the quizzer ca n’t transfer electricity to the user ’s torso .
Most voltage tester feature battery indicator that automatically alarm you to advise that the examiner is working . Others might require you to activate the battery test . If unsure , moderate an electrical outlet you know is put to work to insure the tester is functioning .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry , include BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He also owns and operates a pest control web log , RiddaBugs.com .
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