All professional electricians need an electrical tester. It’s a tool used for checking voltage, continuity, faulty wiring, and other electrical values. This comes in handy when troubleshooting and fixing issues with fuses, sockets, and circuits. It also helps identify live wires to avoid incidents.

However, not all electrical testers are the same. You’ll need a specific tester for specific tasks, which is why most professional electricians always carry a variety of testers. Today, we’ll look at the different types of electrical testers and when to use them.

Voltage Testers

Non-contact Voltage Tester

A non-contact voltage indicator, also called a voltage stick, detects voltage without touching the wire or electrical surface. They work with both and high voltages, but they can sometimes give false positives in areas with strong nearby fields.

A high-quality Voltage Stick from a supplier like RS is the safest option for safety since it doesn’t require you to place it on a live wire.

Neon Voltage Tester

Neon voltage tester is another voltage detector, and it requires contact with a live wire, fuse panel, or circuit breaker. While this may make them less safe, it helps give more accurate readings. Neon testers are designed for voltages above 50V, making them unsuitable for low-voltage components.

Solenoid Voltage Tester

If you want to measure voltage between 100 and 600 volts, a Solenoid voltage is recommended. This AC / DC tester uses a small solenoid coil that vibrates after detecting voltage. In addition to voltage, it also measures polarity, making it versatile and ideal for troubleshooting circuits.

Outlet Testers

As the name suggests, outlet testers check for incorrectly wired wall outlets. They are also known as receptacle testers, and they help identify swapped phases, reversed polarity, and other issues. If you’re in the market for one, you’ll need to decide between an analog and a digital option.

Digital Outlet Tester

A digital outlet tester has a display that shows the current, socket voltage, and leakage voltage. Some also come with a GFCI test to check whether the trip works properly.

Analog Outlet Testers

Analog testers come with three coloured lights instead of a display. Running the results through the coded system can help determine if you have an open neutral, hot ground reverse, or incorrect wiring. Outlet testers are handy for electricians inspecting a property to prevent hazards.

Multimeters

Also known as a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM), a multimeter is one of the most versatile testers. It performs the work of a voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter. Some multimeters also measure continuity.

Like outlet testers, multimeters are available in analog and digital versions.

Digital Multimeters (DMMs)

Digital multimeters use a display to show test results. They are easier to read than VOMs, more accurate, and offer advanced test features like capacitance, frequency, and true RMS.

Some digital multimeters also support auto-ranging, which lets them automatically switch between preset voltage, resistance, and current resistance ranges.

Analog Multimeters

Analog multimeters or VOMs show readings using a needle pointer. Although less accurate than digital multimeters, they don’t require batteries, making them more reliable.

Continuity Testers

A continuity tester pinpoints issues in wires or components. It’s designed to determine if an electric circuit can be made between two points, and it’s used to check wires, switches, and fuses for breaks or faulty connections. It consists of probes on one end and a test wire with an alligator clip on the other.

Continuity testers are battery-powered and should only be used on de-energized circuits. Using one on a live wire can damage it or lead to an electric shock. Always ensure you use the right type of electric tester for every job to avoid damage and ensure electrical safety.