Voltage tester

[Miter Wrench]

I've been using a non contact beeping voltage tester for years but I'm tired of it giving me false positives. Did a ceiling light install this weekend and the wires were dead (saw the light go out when I flipped the breaker). I waved the tester near both wires and it beeped once or twice then stopped. It makes me nervous enough to use something else to test wires. Any recommendations? I'm a homeowner not a pro and the more portable the better.

 

[threephase69]

I use one at work all day long. It is a Fluke brand and it doesn't have a beeper (wouldn't matter anyway, noisey where I work). It is picking up a slight amount of stray or static voltage when you first put it near the dead wire, but, as long as it doesn't continue to light and beep, go ahead and trust the tester. But first, as the manufacturer states in the safety protion of the manual, test on known live electrical sources.

 

[Mickey O]

I'd get a Wiggy (solenoid tester).

 

[MrMark]

These capacity voltage sensors are going to pick up ghost voltages based on capacitive coupling between energized and nonenergized wires in close proximity, that is their nature. The false positives, once understood, are not a bad thing.

I would get a dual impedance DVM if you are that into it. Low input impedance to eliminate the ghosting and when you are simply interested in whether if is safe to work on a circuit. THe high impedance for everything else.

 

[Teken]

I use a Fluke AC1-II, which beeps and lights. You can turn off the beep anytime, and the unit has a self test upon start up to verify normal operations. It also has a auto off to conserve battery power.

Look on E-Bay they are going for real cheap, where I bought mine. It went for $15-20.00 USD with shipping.

As the other member stated, regardless you need to test it on a working circuit to ensure its legit.

ELECTRICAL SAFETEY: If in doubt, check it out . . .

Regards

EVIL Teken . . .

 

[dugger10]

I vote and use fluke too, I like the clamp on type, alittle more expensive but really nice to clamp the meter on something and use both hands to work the leads. Also get the ability to measure current(amps). Will generally get a continuity meter which is very usefull too. Spend a bit more and get the model with DC capibilities, nice to work on car and other 12 volt equipment. We use them everyday in an electrical utility industry. One thing though, if the low battery indicator comes on change the battery, you'll get a high reading with a low battery. Also as metion earlier you will tend to get ghost voltage sometimes, its OK if you know it can happen, we sometimes see around 30 volts on know dead meterbase's. Its the impedance thing as mention, we see it mainly when customer breakers are left on and were trying to set a meter. Good luck

 

[Miter Wrench]

Mine is similar to the Fluke in the picture above but it's a Commercial Electric brand. I can't turn the beep on and off but it does light as well. The false positive really is more of a quick chirp and a live wire really sets it off in a steady stream of light/beeps. Maybe I'll give it a chance and quit worrying. I also have a small tester that lights only and one that is a plug-in tester. Hmm, I have to visit my electrical tool bag more often. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Aceman]

For everyday voltage testing, I'd recommend a Knopp K-60.

 

[MrMark]

I meant "capacitive" not "capacity"