Klein Tools has recalled their NCVT-1 non-contact voltage tester due to a potential shock hazard.
Specifically, the on/off button can stick and remain depressed during on-off power cycles, causing improper operation.
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If the button remains depressed during the power cycle, the tip of the tool could remain illuminated in green, indicating that the tool is “ready to detect voltage” when it is not actually ready to be used.
Should this happen, and the non-contact voltage tester is not operating properly, users testing electrical sources might not be warned of the presence of live voltage. This poses a shock hazard to users.
This recall involves about 1,690,000 units sold in the USA, and about 67,800 units sold in Canada.
Klein NCVT-1 tools affected by this recall will have the model number printed on the housing, and date codes ending in H7.
If you have a voltage tester affected by this recall, stop using it immediately and contact Klein Tools for a replacement.
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Phone: 800-527-3099 (7am thru 6pm CT Monday thru Friday
Email: [email protected] – be sure to include your contact information, address, and email address.
CPSC Recall Number: 21-150
Note: The Klein NCVT-1 was sold individually as well as in different tool kits and bundles.
Recall Details via CPSC
Recall Details via Klein Tools
Klein Tools says:
Klein has an outstanding safety record and we take this matter very seriously. No injuries have been reported from the use of these testers, but Klein Tools is recalling them out of an abundance of caution. Our number one concern is the safety of our loyal Klein Tools customers. We apologize for any inconvenience and promise to redouble our efforts to continue providing you with quality tools.
The CPSC says that there were 2 reported incidents of the voltage tester not working properly, including one shock injury.
Thank you to Matt O for the heads-up!
Fm2176
Well, I guess I need to check mine to see if they fall under the recall. I grabbed a number of various promos a while back that included the NCVT-1.
James
This is why you always test it is working by putting it near a live source and making sure it detects it before you trust it to check anything else.
Matt the Hoople
Second that. I always check a live source before and after testing the circuit I’m working on.
Jared
Hey! I’ve got one of those. I better go check my date code. Thanks for the heads up!
A W
Thanks for the heads up!
fred
Interesting.
This is an item that bears an ETL certification from Intertek – but somehow slipped through their testing regimen without showing this problem. That’s not entirely surprising since any lab test is only done on a fixed number of samples. No matter how rigorous the test protocol – it sometimes does not compare to the actual field experience (in this case by something like 1.7 million units sold)
In our fabrication shop we had some special clients that required HALT or degradation testing of key components and/or assemblies – not just a batch of pass-fail tests.
nate
I worked at a laboratory early in my career. Tests are limited to what is paid for and the procedures given with the equipment. Labs typically don’t pay enough to have any out of the box thinkers. Just lots of people that can read instructions and follow them. Unless you put it in the test procedure, it’s not checked.
MoogleMan3
I just grabbed one of these via the woot deal with the bottle opener; the date code is G6 on mine, so I’m safe.
Jim Felt
Mine too. G6. Phew.
Dale
Yup, thanks for posting. I bought one last year, and the darned thing just doesn’t work right. It jams on, and I have to whack it on a surface just to get it to turn off. Gotta say I never really trusted it, and this really isn’t the type of tool one wants to play games with.
Shane
Same here. I couldn’t ever tell what mode I was in, if it was on or off. I threw it in an old tool bag and haven’t used it since.
Michael Hester
Actually mine is NCVT-2(dual range)
Maybe i just lack the computing power to operate it correctly!
Ben
I have one of these at home and it’s displaying the exact behavior for the recall. It’ll show green, but not actually test a circuit. I thought I was using it wrong, so I just bought a different model. Just got an email from Amazon telling me about the recall with instructions. Looks like I’m affected.
Ben
So the recall page is broken – has anybody else had success starting the recall? I emailed the address provided but don’t have time to sit on hold for an hour.
Bruce
So, just like every other NCV detector on the market? I’ve never seen one trustworthy enough to use when my safety is on the line.
Davida1
I have long been frustrated with the button position of these testers, it always seems to go off in my pocket, which is annoying and drains the battery.
It isn’t a problem exclusive to Klein, the only one I’ve had that I liked was the Milwaukee, that had the button on the head, that said the button mechanism fatigued and cracked rather quickly.
Tldr. Just venting my frustrations.
Michael Hester
I do agree with most. The inherent flaws of this type of tester render it useless and conceivably dangerous to the user. Working with open electricity, you need the best equipment you can afford(diy’ers through professionals). Uncertainty in your equipment will lead to bad results. If you forget for a second to respect the danger in front of you then you will get bitten. The money for the tester will be much better invested for nonconducting boots. Years ago you could trust the old klein with a red light or no light testing whether there was the prescence of115v or not. I remember it being reliable. Either way, step 2 is ALWAYS verify with a DMM before proceeding.
nate
I don’t know anyone that uses these to determine if a circuit is safe. It’s just a tool for quick checks or troubleshooting of cables prior to opening up a panel and pulling out a meter. You need Arc Flash gear to open a high voltage panel and use a meter, but you can do preliminary checks with one of these. I would never trust one with my life.
I have a Klein NCV tester and I really only use it for the laser pointer to point at what I’m discussing in a plant.
michael taylor
I have this model,bought it last summer at HD for $16 and it has functioned erratically,at best.carpenter by trade,but have learned plumbing,electical,etc. out of sheer need,so the idea of checking this on a known live circuit did occur to me.50/50 on that test,so i threw it back in toolbox and grabbed my Klein voltmeter,just to ease my mind!i’ve been bit(no fun),so caution is #1.keep up the good work!