The Best Voltage Testers
Working with electricity can be scary, but if you have the right equipment, it can save you a ton of money. And while major jobs or troubleshooting should always be left to a professional, a voltage tester can help you diagnose what the primary issue might be. Voltage testers tell you whether current is properly flowing through your outlet or circuit board, and a multimeter can tell you exactly how much is running through. Check out our list of the best voltage testers below and find one that is right for you.
What to Look For
When choosing our favorite voltage testers, we looked for options that are easy to use, have adequate safety features to prevent accidents, offer reliable hardware, and are a great value for their price. AstroAI’s voltage tester takes our top spot, with its backlit LCD screen that tells you exactly how much current is running through the line. If you need a full starter package, check out Klein Tool’s kit. It has all the basics to get you started on safely testing your outlets. Keep on reading to learn more.
AstroAI 2000 Counts Digital Multimeter
Top of its class
When it comes to troubleshooting, accuracy is key. AstroAI’s voltage tester gives you precision at its finest, with a fast sampling speed and a 3.5-digit display (showing up to 1999). Better yet, it doesn’t just test voltage. It can measure voltage, DC current, resistance, and more, running off just a 9V battery. And if you need to keep the last measurement on screen so you have time to record it, you can simply press the “Hold” button so you don’t lose it.
Pros:
- Can do positive and negative readings
- The double-ceramic fuse helps prevent overloading
- Includes a continuity buzzer for a quick, audible alert
Cons:
- The included instructions can be a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with these devices
Etekcity Digital Voltmeter, MSR-R500
Reliable and renowned
Safety should always be a top concern, especially when you’re working with electricity. To help you feel more confident, Etekcity’s digital multimeter has several features that help protect you from any harm. Its two prongs meet the CAT I and II safety standards, handling up to 600V. It has two ceramic fuses that help protect against overloading as you measure. And to prevent any other shocks, it also has a rubber sleeve that completely surrounds its sides.
Pros:
- Includes a support stand that props it up
- The rubber sleeve also protects it from falls
- Uses ceramic fuses to provide an extra layer of safety
Cons:
- The current meter can only test DC currents
Kaiweets Voltage Tester
Pocket-sized probing
When you’re doing any electrical work, one of the first things you’ll need to know is if there’s a current running through a wire. Kaiweet’s voltage tester can safely and quickly tell you just that. When placed in an outlet or near a wire, this tester will beep and flash either a red or green light, depending on how high the voltage is. The faster the beeping, the closer you are to the source of the electricity. It’s extremely easy to use and has double insulation to keep you safe.
Pros:
- Produces accurate voltage readings extremely quickly
- Can be used to test where a wire may have broken
- Has a built-in flashlight
Cons:
- It’s very easy to use, but it doesn’t provide the same level of detail as a multimeter
Klein Tools 80077 Voltage Tester Kit
If you’re new to electrical work, Klein Tools has you covered. With their voltage tester kit, you’ll have exactly what you need to figure out if your outlet is working or where a break in a wire is. Its voltage tester allows you to test voltages at four levels and is rated CAT IV 600V. The outlet tester can help you figure out why your outlet may not be working properly. And the non-contact voltage tester can help you detect whether electricity is flowing to your outlet or wire.
Pros:
- Meters accurately detect voltage
- Non-contact tester is easy to use and very responsive
- Can be used to test the voltage of both AC and DC currents
- GFCI tester works well testing if your circuits are protected
Cons:
- Some of the buttons stand out, making it easy to accidentally press them, especially through a pocket
Klein Tools Electrical Test Kit with Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Keep your distance
Klein Tools digital multimeter test kit is the perfect one-stop shop for the more advanced tools you need to test your electricity. With a multimeter, voltage tester, GFCI outlet tester, and non-contact voltage tester, you can accurately fix any electrical problem with just a little know-how. The multimeter can measure up to 600V of AC/DC voltage and has an LCD display that gives you precise readings. And for higher voltages, the non-contact tester can go all the way up to 1000V AC.
Pros:
- The perfect package for home use
- Kit contains testers for a variety of different situations
- The multimeter comes in a nice case for protection and carrying
Cons:
- While this is great for home use, it’s not appropriate for heavy machinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CAT rating?
CAT ratings are assigned to electrical testing devices to indicate with what types of equipment they can be safely used. CAT IV is the highest rating and can be used for outdoor work. CAT I is the lowest rating and is designed for being used to test circuit boards and other low-energy equipment. Make sure to check your multimeter’s specs to see what kind of projects it is most suitable for.
Why do some multimeters have ceramic fuses?
Ceramic fuses help protect multimeters from extremely high currents as they test your electrical devices. The benefit of them is that they can withstand higher temperatures and stress than glass fuses, which can blow at much lower levels. This makes ceramic fuses significantly safer, protecting you from dangerous levels of current as you test.
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