Voltage detectors are generally used for detecting live voltages in an outlet, switch or on AC circuits. These tools are incredibly useful in domestic and industrial settings. Whether you have to judge if it is safe to stop the operations or to confirm if the unit is safely shut; these voltage detectors will help you like no other.
The voltage detector unit is also known as a wand or power sniffer as it provides you with the information about the power of a circuit before you begin working on it.
You can find the finest voltage detectors in this article below.
10. Peakmeter Voltage Tester ($14.99)
This non-contact voltage tester features an auto power off, sound and LED alarm and has an integrated flashlight. This unit accurately detects AC voltage ranging from 12 V to 1000 V and distinguishes them in 3 voltage levels. Utilizing the ABS and PVC material, this non-contact voltage tester can stand wear and tear. It can also distinguish live wire at a close range. Basically, it ensures your safety.
“The unit itself works fine. Super simple instructions on one small sheet of paper, but you should know how these work if you’re ordering one. Has a built-in LED light which works independently of the detector unit being on or not. (That’s nice.)
Has a “signal strength” meter which tells you how close you are to the hot circuit. I was able to trace a cable through my plaster wall, which was a nice touch. The power button is illuminated, which is handy for telling you left the unit on. The entirety doesn’t seem super heavy duty, but I think it’ll survive regular use, and live in my tool box OK. Comfortable in hand, and the pocket clip, while plastic, seems OK. I was able to clip it on my pants pocket easily.
All in all, the unit gets a good review.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
9. Thsinde Voltage Tester ($11.90)
This voltage tester pen robustly identifies live wire before you touch it. This mini, wireless, non-contact tester has a low profile sensor probe tip with enhanced sensitivity and detects voltage in the safety outlets. It can accurately detect voltage ranging from 12-1000 V and distinguishes them in three levels. It has a durable polycarbonate plastic covering which ensures a mini compact build and the pocket clip allows easy handling. Its auto power-off feature conserves battery while the LED torch aids operation in darkness.
“My husband works on signs for a living. He needs to check the wires at all times to make sure which ones have power going to them and which don’t. Needless to say, a voltage tester is a must for him, so I decided to pick this up.
This is a great tester. The first thing my husband said when he opened it was that it has to be a $50 or $60 tester. The quality and the bells and whistles that are on this tester make it worth far more than the selling price. I am glad that I was able to pick up something useful for him and very pleased with the product overall.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
8. Aidbucks Voltage Tester ($13.99)
This unit is a non-contact voltage detector. It accurately detects voltage from 12 to 1000 V and distinguishes them in three voltage levels. Using the ABS and PVC material, this voltage tester can stand wear and tear, and its pocket clip allows easy handling. Auto power-off feature conserves energy while the LED torch aids operation even on dark corners.
“This is a product that is critical and can save your life if you don’t know a lot about electricity. This is something I also like about this voltage tester that there is no on/off switch which is critical for the reason that you don’t accidently test something and forget to turn on the switch. I love the blinking red light feature telling me there is electricity when testing. I like the continuous beep function, knowing that if I still hear the beeping, then I wasn’t successful in shutting down the power. This is a must have for any home or business. I love it, and I felt so much safer having this excellent product.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
7. Extech Voltage Tester ($5.47)
This unit is a neon voltage tester which checks voltage from 90 – 300 Volts AC/DC. The neon indicator glows when the circuit is live. The unit comes with an integrated pocket clip and insulated housing. It is quite simple to use and compact so it doesn’t get in the way. This device can handle 220 V. It is quite cheap and handy.
“I am still alive, so five stars. If I had died, I would have only given it 1 star.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
6. Garry Tools Voltage Tester ($23.97)
This electrical voltage detector pen set has a sensitivity range of 90-1000 Volts AC. You can easily troubleshoot as to why sockets might not be working. The built-in flashlight illuminates dark areas. It is ideal for professionals and homeowners alike.
“Excellent product. Used it several times over the last few days. I needed it to find the hot wire when rewiring some new light switches., it worked great & takes the guess work out of a job. The additional outlet tester is nice to confirm that your outlets have been wired correctly. Very easy to use.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
5. Amprobe Voltage Tester ($7.16)
This unit is an automatic AC/DC voltage tester for residential and commercial use. It can test lights, appliances and is compact, pocket-sized and easy to use. It has bright neon lights which indicate AC and DC voltages even in well-lit rooms and has a built-in test-leads holder.
“This instrument works great. I was quickly able to detect 120-volt outlets and 240-volt outlets by inserting the colour coded wires (black is live and goes into the shorter hole while the red is neutral and goes into the taller hole for my three-hole outlet). The construction is high quality, and the unit fits in my palm well. I can see myself using this tool for many years ahead. I enclose a snapshot of working unit when plugged into a 120-volt outlet for your view.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
4. Milwaukee Voltage Tester ($19.00)
This unit is a voltage detector with LED light. It is quite easy to use, has good gripping surface and a long battery life.
“I am new to Electrician’s equipment, so it took me a 3rd hardware to find what works for me best… First, I grabbed a Sperry Volt Sensor Circuit Alert (VD6504) which beeps on all live wires (high & low) without distinction; then I got the Klein NCVT-2 Dual Range Non-Contact Voltage Tester which comes with low (12-48v) & great (48-1000v) beeps detections, beautiful.
Now with the Milwaukee Voltage Detector (2202-20), it not only detects voltage (50-1000v) precisely with distinct beeps but also served as a handy flashlight (built-in LED). This product is certainly a MUST HAVE to those whose looking for multi-functional tools, and Milwaukee raised the bar!” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
3. Apipema Voltage Tester ($19.97)
This unit is a non-contact voltage tester for 12-1000 Volts AC and it distinguishes them in three levels. Its durable polycarbonate plastic resin ensures a compact build and its pocket clip allows easy handling. It has an auto power-off feature which conserves energy while the LED torch allows operation even on dark corners. The unit also gives an alarm indication. It gives off an alarm if the battery level is low and if it needs replacement. It also comes with an instruction manual that is both comprehensive and easy to follow.
“I have a switch that is live (found out the hard way), but I had no idea what it was switching. This tester was bought to trace the power line and allowed me very quickly to find a ceiling box that had been covered and not used because it was a bad choice of location for a light.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
2. Klein Tools Voltage Tester ($18.34)
This unit is a dual range non-contact voltage tester i.e you can either select 12-1000 Volts AC or 48-1000 Volts AC. It also detects and indicates low voltage (12-48 V AC) and standard voltage (48-1000 V AC) allowing broad applications. It has an auto power-off feature which conserves and extends battery life. The CAT IV 1000 V rating provides expanded operation and protection. The unit has a lightweight, durable polycarbonate plastic resin construction with convenient pocket clip. Electricians, maintenance, service, safety personnel can quickly test for energized circuits with it anywhere, anytime.
“I’ve bought several tools from Klein Tools recently, and like the rest of them, this Voltage tester works exceptionally well. I wanted CAT IV protection, but I also a brilliant light and an auto shut-off feature as well. Not only does this tool have all those features, but it also comes with a pocket clip and is very easy to change the batteries as well.
Also, the instruction manual is very well written so if you’re new to the world of electricity, this handbook goes into depth about its features. Now unlike other testers this tester also loud audible beeps to show if the circuit is still hot (live) or has no power. Let me tell you that is very handy not only from a safety aspect but as a general benefit as well.
This product is also very durable as well. At first glance, it may appear to be nothing special, but taking a closer look and it’s constructed out of very high-quality materials.
For the reasonable price and all its features (especially it’s CAT IV (1000 volt protection it’s well worth the money. It’s from Klein Tools, so it’s a quality product from a great company.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
1. Fluke Voltage Tester ($26.77)
This is a non-contact voltage tester. Upon detection, the tip glows and the beeper sounds. The 20 volt to 90 volt AC control circuit model is also available along with CAT IV 1000 V for added protection. The unit comes with batteries and has an ON/OFF button along with the option to make it audible or silent. It also detects line voltage from 90 volts – 600 volts AC (1AC-AI-II).
“I work in a remodelling business, and this is an indispensable tool. I repeat, indispensable. The tip simply lights up when you touch it to the “hot” side of a Romex wire, instantly telling you if a wire is live or not. “Is this switch/receptacle that I’m about to take apart and work on/touch hot??” Well, now you know. It is important to use it for what it’s designed for. It will not tell you if there is an open neutral or anything of the sort, so it’s only good for minor troubleshooting (you’d need a Knopp or something more specialised for that). If anything, it will err on the “hot” side. I.E: It will occasionally tell me a line is hot when it isn’t (if there is allot going on in a box, or near dimmers, etc.), but I’ve never had it tell me a wire was NOT hot, and get zapped by it (unless you touch the neutral side of a romex, but that would be your fault for not checking both sides of it!: )
So, for everyday work in the remodelling world, tracing wires, eliminating, and adding switches and receptacles, it can’t be beaten. It’s sturdy, handy, quick and useful. A++” – Amazon’s Customer Review.
Available here.
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