A voltage tester is designed to test for the presence of an electrical current. It is different from a multimeter, which can perform the same basic test, but also measures the voltage, current, resistance, and more. Both devices are useful for home electrical system repairs, and they function essentially the same. However, a multimeter requires more preparation to connect the multimeter leads to the correct jacks, select between testing AC or DC current, and to move the rotary dial to the appropriate setting for the desired test.

This added complexity is more than you need if you are just testing an outlet, light switch, wires, or even a battery for an electric current. A simple voltage tester is more affordable and easier to use. Use this guide to learn how to use a voltage tester to check if power is off before starting an electrical project.

Safety Considerations

Whenever you are dealing with the home electrical system it's important to proceed with caution to help avoid accidental electrocution. A voltage tester is one tool that can help keep you safe while you work on the electrical system, but it's necessary to note that a voltage tester can give a false reading. If the batteries are dying or the voltage tester is faulty, it may beep or vibrate while testing a dead circuit.

However, the real risk is if the voltage tester doesn't beep or vibrate while testing a live circuit. For this reason, it's recommended to test the voltage tester before every use. Additionally, it's a good idea to wear insulated gloves that can help protect you from electric shock.

Before You Begin

Receiving a false positive on a dead circuit can be annoying, but isn't as dangerous as receiving a false negative when the circuit is still live. Before using the voltage tester on a circuit, outlet, or light switch that appears dead, test the voltage tester on an outlet that you know is live to ensure that the voltage tester is functioning properly. Typically, this is a receptacle that is already verifiably powering a lamp, microwave, radio, TV, or computer.

Turn the connected device on to ensure that the outlet is live and powering the device. After this quick check, turn the device off and use the voltage tester to check the outlet for an electrical current. The tester should flash, beep, or both flash and beep to indicate that the outlet is live. If the tester does not respond, then the batteries may need to be changed or the voltage tester may be faulty.

There are three main types of voltage testers. The most common option is a contact voltage tester, which uses two metal probes to test the flow of electricity. There are also non-contact voltage testers which can detect an electrical current from about an inch away, instead of coming into direct contact with the outlet or exposed wiring. A third type of voltage tester, called a receptacle tester, is made for testing outlets. This device plugs directly into a three prong outlet to provide information about the electrical current.

Top 10 Tools to Use for Electrical Safety Testing

Electrical testers are the devices used by electricians to check various electrical parameters such as amperage, voltage as well as flaws such as short or open circuits, continuity, and inconsistent wiring. These tools can be designed as a single function or multifunction devices and are generally used to test circuit breakers, live wires, power transformers, electrical panels, and so on. This post introduces you to some of the popular electrical testers used by professional and DIY electricians working at home, commercial, or industrial premises.

10 Important Types of Electrical Testers You Must Know About

There are various electrical testers available for your consideration today. However, the following are the most common ones likely to be found in an electrician’s toolbox.

1. Amperage and Wattage Load Testers: As the name suggests, these are electrical testers used for measuring the amperage and wattage of the cord connected light fixtures and household appliances. You can use these testers to measure the watts of energy or amps (current) used by each appliance and match the load to the output source.
2. Battery Testers: These are devices designed to test the overall charge of a wired or wireless battery. Battery testers apply load to the battery and monitor its corresponding voltage response.
3. Continuity Testers: These are battery-powered devices, which feature a probe at one end and a cord with an alligator clip at another end. Continuity testers are always used when the devices or wiring are disconnected from the circuit. Using a continuity tester on a wire-carrying current is not recommended.
4. Non-contact Current Detector: These electrical testers help detect voltage in devices or wires from a certain distance, without actually touching them. The device features a mini tip at the end, which can be used to sense voltage in various electrical devices such as switches, lamp cords, circuit breakers, and so on. Non-contact current detectors are safe and easy to use in any commercial or industrial setting.
5. GFCI Receptacle Outlet Testers:
6. Multimeters: These are must-have electrical safety testing tools used by electricians. As the name suggests, the multimeters are capable of testing different current functions. They can be used to read DC and AC voltages, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance.
7. Digital Clamp Meters: These devices combine a multimeter and a sensor in a single unit. The clamp meters feature jaws that can hold wire conductors. This feature makes these devices safer for applications like testing multiple circuits in the open circuit breaker panel.
8. Insulation Testers: Insulated electrical devices are used in various industrial and commercial settings to protect from electrical shocks and other hazards. However, the insulation of these systems may weaken over time, reducing the risk of accidents. Electricians use insulation testers to check the insulation resistance, alternating current, and continuous current in electrical circuits.
9. Plug-in-Circuit Analyzers: These devices are designed to analyze the functions of the circuit by plugging them into an electrical outlet. Generally, plug-in-circuit analyzers are used to test the grounded outlets that possess three slots. You can make out the specific test results by looking at the three neon lights on the electrical tester.
10. Ground Resistance Testers: These devices feature much more enhanced designs than many devices on this list. They inject current between the remote probe and the test electrode to measure the voltage drop. The resistance is then calculated using Ohm’s Law.  

1.: As the name suggests, these are electrical testers used for measuring the amperage and wattage of the cord connected light fixtures and household appliances. You can use these testers to measure the watts of energy or amps (current) used by each appliance and match the load to the output source.2.: These are devices designed to test the overall charge of a wired or wireless battery. Battery testers apply load to the battery and monitor its corresponding voltage response. These devices can be used for a broad spectrum of troubleshooting and monitoring projects, including industrial and facility maintenance, automotive, test and measurement, electrical, domestic, and DIY purposes.3.: These are battery-powered devices, which feature a probe at one end and a cord with an alligator clip at another end. Continuity testers are always used when the devices or wiring are disconnected from the circuit. Using a continuity tester on a wire-carrying current is not recommended.4.: These electrical testers help detect voltage in devices or wires from a certain distance, without actually touching them. The device features a mini tip at the end, which can be used to sense voltage in various electrical devices such as switches, lamp cords, circuit breakers, and so on. Non-contact current detectors are safe and easy to use in any commercial or industrial setting.5. These outlet testers are used to determine the current status of different outlets of your commercial and industrial facility. The tester considers the current flowing between two ends of the receptacle along the conductors. GFCI receptacle outlet testers are used in commercial and industrial facilities to check if any wire replacement or repairs are required.6.: These are must-have electrical safety testing tools used by electricians. As the name suggests, the multimeters are capable of testing different current functions. They can be used to read DC and AC voltages, resistance, continuity, frequency, and capacitance.7.: These devices combine a multimeter and a sensor in a single unit. The clamp meters feature jaws that can hold wire conductors. This feature makes these devices safer for applications like testing multiple circuits in the open circuit breaker panel.8.: Insulated electrical devices are used in various industrial and commercial settings to protect from electrical shocks and other hazards. However, the insulation of these systems may weaken over time, reducing the risk of accidents. Electricians use insulation testers to check the insulation resistance, alternating current, and continuous current in electrical circuits.9.: These devices are designed to analyze the functions of the circuit by plugging them into an electrical outlet. Generally, plug-in-circuit analyzers are used to test the grounded outlets that possess three slots. You can make out the specific test results by looking at the three neon lights on the electrical tester.10.: These devices feature much more enhanced designs than many devices on this list. They inject current between the remote probe and the test electrode to measure the voltage drop. The resistance is then calculated using Ohm’s Law.

Electrical testers are designed to measure different parameters, but they work towards common goals of ensuring the safety of your electrical installations and protecting people and premises from catastrophic damages. Accuracy and quality of these devices is important for achieving desired results. This can only be ensured when you purchase them from trusted brands like Electrical Basics. The company offers one of the broadest selections of battery testers, electrical voltage testers, receptacle testers, amperage/wattage load testers, and multi-function digital multimeters. When various electrical testers are available for consideration, choosing the right tester may become challenging. The sales experts at the company will work with you to understand your requirements before suggesting the right tool.