UNI-T UT12A Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector

Specifications:

• Non Contact Voltage Detector is a sensor used to detect the presence of electricity in a wire small step-down power transformer
• Non Contact Voltage Tester never touches the wire
• Voltage Detector Pen can be used for residential, commercial and industrial applications
• Non Contact Voltage Detector is designed to detect the presence of high voltage
• Non Contact Voltage Detector even allows small quantities of current to be detected

Details:

• Use Electrical Circuit Screwdriver Tester to detect the presence of voltage at outlets, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, wires and cables or to find a break in a wire

• Feature moderate size design, it will become handy when you check your holiday lights

How to Test for Voltage?

Before you begin any do-it-yourself job that requires you to work with or around electricity, it is best to turn the electric off. This is important for both safety and equipment issues. But in many homes the electric panels may not be properly labeled, and assuming you turned off the right breaker is a mistake waiting to happen. In order to be absolutely certain you turned off the right breaker, you have to test the circuit for voltage. Here is how to test for voltage.

• Figure out which circuit you are going to be working on. Turn off the breaker that you believe is delivering the power to it. For a wall receptacle, many people will just plug a lamp into the outlet to see if the line is still hot. This is unreliable because if the bulb is blown, you may still be dealing with a live circuit. Always use a voltage tester to check for power.
• Next, there are a number of different voltage testers available on today's market. Which one you prefer to use is up to you. If you are not well-versed in dealing with electricity, then I would recommend avoiding the multimeters that can be found in hardware supply stores. Multimeters feature multiple applications like testing for voltage, resistance and amperage. To keep matters simple, stick with a voltage-only tester.
• The image you see here is a traditional voltage tester. The two leads get inserted into the two slots on a regular outlet (one lead in each slot). If the outlet is still hot, then the voltage indicator on the unit will notify you. If you have an outlet or switch already removed from the wall, then one lead will be placed on one of the "hot" terminals and the other lead gets placed on one of the "neutral" terminals. If you test it and nothing happens, the line is dead--but always double-check the work ability of your tester by testing it in an outlet you know to be hot before assuming the circuit is off!
• This type of voltage tester is similar to the one above it, but it is a more basic version. It also features two leads, but with this tester, if voltage is present, there are lights that will illuminate to notify you.
• The voltage tester you see here is called a "no-contact" voltage tester. It features a thin tip that fits easily in the slot on the front of a receptacle. When voltage is detected, the tip will illuminate and some models will alert you by audio as well. It is called "no-contact" because it does not have to touch the actual terminals on the electric component in order to read voltage. You can simply touch the tester's tip to a wire and it will notify you of voltage. The one drawback with this tester is that it is very sensitive, so if you have more than one circuit in a box, it may pick up on the voltage running through the other wires, even though the circuit you are concerned about is off.
• Another type of voltage tester that works great for the do-it-yourselfer is the plug-type voltage tester. It resembles a regular plug and all you have to do is plug it in to a receptacle. There are a series of lights on the tester that will indicate if there is voltage detected. But these testers will also tell you much more. For instance, depending on which lights on the tester light up, you may determine that you have lost the neutral, the outlet may not be grounded properly or the wires may be reversed. The only downfall about this voltage tester is that it is only used for testing receptacles.
• This is an area that can get quite involved as far as voltages go, but for the do-it-yourselfer, checking for voltage is a fact of whether the circuit is active or not. If you use a digital voltage tester and you notice a fluctuation in voltage or you get a reading above or below your normal house voltage, you should call in an experienced electrician immediately.

How to Buy a Voltage Tester?

Buy a voltage tester to measure voltage in circuits, outlets and batteries. The basic models light up in relation to preset volts like 120 or 240 volts. The prices range from several dollars into the hundreds. The least expensive typically contains two probes, a neon light and measures up to 500 volts. Prices vary for residential, commercial and industrial environments. Purchase a voltage tester specifically for your needs.

• Consider the type of voltage tester needed. Testers commonly test specific electrical applications. For example, an electrical fence voltage tester determines the presence of electricity through a fence.
• Look for low-end voltage testers that test AC/DC, usually with neon bulbs that indicate the presence of volts. Pen type AC/DC with preset voltage amounts rank high for homeowners.
• Examine the variety of battery testers for lithium, photocells, nickel cadmium and standard batteries. These test all kinds of batteries by using positive and negative probes with readouts in either digital or analog.
• Buy a non-contact voltage detector to confirm the presence of voltage without electrical contact with the tester. Choose a model with visible and or audible indicators.
• Purchase a plug tester designed for outlet receptacles. These either light up with the presence of voltage or remain blank with any absence. They plug in like any household appliance or device.
• Determine your upper price range for a voltage tester. A digital multi meter provides more testing capabilities beyond voltage. Standard models measure voltage, current and resistance. A high-end voltage tester offers digital readouts with a large voltage range and quality construction.
• Check out local electronic stores, home improvement outlets and hardware stores for hands-on experience before you buy.

Package Included:

• 1 x UNI-T UT12A Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector