How do you check to see if a wire is energized or otherwise connected to a live AC power source? The quick and proper way is to use a non-contact voltage detector.
Voltage detectors, also commonly called voltage testers, are inexpensive and easy to find. I have a Milwaukee tester ($20 via Home Depot) that I definitely recommend, but Fluke, Extech, Klein, and Greenlee are other trusted brands.
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In order to use a voltage tester, you must first find it. It’s no good to you if it’s buried at the bottom of your tool bag. This is why I find it kind of neat that Gardner Bender added voltage detector functionality to a number of their hand tools.
Gardner Bender’s Circuit Alert tools feature a removable voltage sensing module that can be used to quickly determine whether a wire is energized or not. GB’s Circuit Alert line includes a 10-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver, wire strippers, wire cutters, pliers, and a utility knife.
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Personally I’d rather have a spare voltage detector or two and my choice of hand tools, but I can definitely see the convenience in this design. The prices aren’t bad either, with many of the tools costing less than a couple of popular testers by themselves.
Jerry
I could see some usefulness in these. For example, grab a screwdriver to change a receptacle or switch, and you have a tester right with you, to verify you cut power to the right wire, without having to hunt for a tester.
Robert
I’m not an electrician, but this seems a little extravagent for only detecting live circuits. Any serious user would generally have a voltage detector at all times as standard equipment. This isn’t about specific line testing, just the presence or absence of voltage. It therefore seems like a lot of fluff for professionals. On the other hand, it seems like overkill for someone doing minor tasks on a more casual basis.
It makes me wonder how these tools would hold up and perform on their own merit, minus the voltage detection function.
Robert