
To have a clear idea of the surface that you are testing, the device has a laser pointer that helps you target the measurement area. The device can measure from -22 to 482 ☏ (-30 to 250 ☌), which covers almost anything around your home, office or workshop. You can use it to measure the temperature of anything you point it at (as long as it is not highly reflective) with a 0.1 degree resolution. The standout feature of this model is its infrared thermometer. DIY homeowners can find great benefit in this model as well. Despite this professional-sounding label, it is not just for professionals. The Klein Tools NCVT-4IR is a non-contact voltage tester with infrared thermometer designed for HVAC ( heating, ventilation and air conditioning) applications. Don’t forget, these can be dangerous as well! The 1LAC-A-II comes with a 20-90V range and helps you reliably detect lower voltages. If you need to test lower voltages, then you might want to look at the Fluke 1LAC-A-II. One of the only downsides of the Fluke 1AC II is that it does not detect lower AC voltages, because it only has a 90V to 1000V detection range. This model is designed with durability in mind, but even if it breaks in its first 2 years of use, you always have Fluke’s excellent warranty to fall back on. This dual notification system eliminates any doubt that you miss the detection of a live wire or outlet. To warn you that a voltage is present, the 1AC II has both a brightly illuminating tip, and a clear beeping sound (that you can disable for use in quiet environments). This gives you the peace of mind that when the tester is malfunctioning, you will be notified before you do any testing. This feature continuously checks whether the circuitry and battery are working correctly. The Fluke 1AC II VoltAlert comes with Voltbeat technology that is exclusive to Fluke testers. When it comes to NCVTs, this is no exception. Fluke products are known for their quality, reliability and accurate testing. If you are familiar with electric testing tools, then it should not surprise you that a Fluke product is listed as the best high-end non-contact voltage tester. So even if you intend to use your non-contact voltage tester in a wet or dirty environment, the NCVT-3 will handle it just fine.

This means that the device is fully dust-sealed and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water. Klein claims that the NCVT-3 can withstand falls from up to 6.5 feet, and it also comes with an IP67 rating. Unlike with other testers, the flashlight on the Klein NCVT-3 works independently of the testing function, so you can even use it as a standalone tool.Īs for durability, the tool has been designed to last. Having extra light available in these situations is a large benefit. When working with wiring, you can often find yourself in areas that are poorly lit, like crawl spaces, attics and areas above ceiling-mounted lights. Both of these features take away the need for buying separate high- and low-voltage testers.Īnother great feature is the built-in flashlight. To make things even better, the NCVT-3 has a LED bar graph on its side that lets you know exactly what voltage you are dealing with. What this means is that it can accurately detect both high and low voltages. It has several excellent features that set it aside from the competition, but despite that it does not cost a fortune.įor starters, it is a dual-range model. The Klein NCVT-3 is the non-contact voltage tester that made it as the all-round best pick. In short, any time you do any DIY homeowner tasks that involve AC electricity, a NCVT is useful. Troubleshooting intercoms, doorbells or security equipment.Non-contact voltage testers are used in any situation where you need to make sure there is no voltage present, for example when: This magnetic field travels through insulation and plastic, so even at a distance the NCVT can tell whether electricity is present.īecause there is no need for you to directly touch wires, outlets or other electrical equipment, non-contact voltage sensors are one of the safest ways to check for voltage. Non-contact voltage testers work by detecting the magnetic field that is generated by alternating current passing through a conductor. If there is a voltage present, then the NCVT lets you know through a visual indicator (usually an LED light) and, in some models, an audible sound from a buzzer. NCVTs contain a sensor in their tip that checks for electricity in a conductor, like a wire or a power outlet. How does a non-contact voltage tester work? It is an essential tool to make sure that the environment you are planning to work in is electrically safe.

Conclusion What is a non-contact voltage tester?Ī non-contact voltage tester (NCVT) is a tool that lets you check for alternating current (AC) voltage without having to touch any wires or components.
