Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
(OP)
We have been using Non Contact Voltage Detector
I like it because one hand operation and dont have to take eyes off what I am holding it to and see the red light, if it lights. Also I like it because dont have to worry if the ground is good for it to function. Also, I can give a quick check of the bulb by touching my shirt to see if it turns red.
Everything seems so perfect. IS it?
All I want to know is are these Non Contact Voltage Detectors reliable?
Some times I wonder
Been using a voltmeter long enough that I trust it
I think the Non Contact Probe works by capacitance.
Thank you for anybodys input.
I like it because one hand operation and dont have to take eyes off what I am holding it to and see the red light, if it lights. Also I like it because dont have to worry if the ground is good for it to function. Also, I can give a quick check of the bulb by touching my shirt to see if it turns red.
Everything seems so perfect. IS it?
All I want to know is are these Non Contact Voltage Detectors reliable?
Some times I wonder
Been using a voltmeter long enough that I trust it
I think the Non Contact Probe works by capacitance.
Thank you for anybodys input.





RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
--------------------------------------
100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
Standard procedure should be to test first with non-contact probe - if it lights up, you know it's hot. If it doesn't, it MIGHT be dead. At that point, you can test with contact voltage probe specifically designed for voltage testing. DMMs are not recommended for voltage testing. A dedicated voltage tester is less likely to fail, or to be used on the wrong setting, or with leads in the wrong holes.
(I know - do as I say, not as I do....)
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
----------------------------------
Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
Don
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
----------------------------------
Sometimes I only open my mouth to swap feet...
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
I hight restrict not to use such device when the system is live. We have cases of flash over, and mishandle.
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
HV is specialised and only the right gear should be used on this sort of system - Home Depot 9.99 non contact testers are not the type of testers you want to be using on 13.8. Believe me ! Next you will be looking for a 13.8kV lamp to make up a set of test lamps.
Rugged
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
I most definately do not rely on this if I need to "handle" the wiring, or work on high energy circuits.
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?
"when using this type of tester to test for power on cables or cords with paper fillers, where if the paper is wet, the tester will no power when in fact the power is on."
That's worth hearing Don, that explains, or confirms some of my own experiences!
I use one made by Fluke all the time. I've used others, and some have some other/nicer features than the Fluke,,, BUT as mentioned above and in every electrical safety class and text, as well as service, troubleshooting, instrumentation, etc.: ONLY use a tester you trust because it has been tested and proven. They are only intended for a cursory check, and are simply a fairly good indicator.
RE: Can Non Contact Voltage Detectors be trusted?