Voltage Stick Advice

[Knight499]

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Hi Guys Im looking to purchase a new voltage stick…would appreciate any input/recommendations on the best one to buy? What do you guys use?

Thanks

 

[Vortigern]

Nobody can recommend a volt stick in the proper sense, rather we would recommend no volt stick. But anyway that aside Kewtech Kewstickduo. It has an attenuation button on it which helps at a switch say to identify a single wire as being live.

DISCLAIMER: Volt sticks are not an approved method of testing for live or dead. Use of such apparatus is taken entirely at the risk of the operator we do not accept any liability. AND don't do this at home.

 

[LukeD]

As above ..I only use them for basic test and tracing along a cable

 

[Knight499]

Nobody can recommend a volt stick in the proper sense, rather we would recommend no volt stick. But anyway that aside Kewtech Kewstickduo. It has an attenuation button on it which helps at a switch say to identify a single wire as being live.

DISCLAIMER: Volt sticks are not an approved method of testing for live or dead. Use of such apparatus is taken entirely at the risk of the operator we do not accept any liability. AND don't do this at home.

Of course, thanks for the reply. Only require for basic tracing of cables etc

 

[Knight499]

As above ..I only use them for basic test and tracing along a cable

Me too - thanks Luke

 

[Vortigern]

It's just that I don't want to be seen endorsing volt sticks for DIY etc. Although the Kewtechduo is good! (Not!)

 

[Pretty Mouth]

I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

 

[Knight499]

I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

Thanks mate

 

[Eddy Currents]

I have always used the Fluke 1AC II. I've had a few and the only problem I found with them is they stop working when dropped from heights
The Fluke picks up 90v-1000v. Some other makes start at 200v so wouldn't pick up a live 110v flex so you might want to check the specs for whatever one you decide on

As others have said, they are not to be relied on to test for live or dead but handy for a quick check for live on a flex on a faulty light for example or for tracing cables. Mine is always in my pocket

 

[7029 dave]

They have a place in my tool kit , mind you my martindale ET4 is great on the non contact mode.

 

[timhoward]

The best I ever had was from B&Q about 20 years ago and it had a sliding sensitivity control. I miss that one!

 

[Teddy Lop]

I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

Could you try when you get a chance? I'd be intrigued, given they're some what dependent on current too and can be flakey at 230v! BT wiring?

Useful for diagnostic work but there's good reason they're looked down on, doesn't stop you seeing Bob the builder diligently checking all his wires after you've told him it's all dead and the tails are hanging loose

 

[mainline]

Hi Guys Im looking to purchase a new voltage stick…would appreciate any input/recommendations on the best one to buy? What do you guys use?

Thanks

Voltage Tester Pen Non-Contact Electric AC Power Detector 12-1000V Dual Mode UK | eBay

<li> Our Shipping conditions: Attention: The goods will be shipped from UK Delivery time: 2 to 4 working days - Support 60 days return policy - Reply within 24 hours</li> <li> </li> <li>Description:</li>.

www.ebay.co.uk

I’ve used one of these and found it to be very good.

 

[DPG]

Voltage Tester Pen Non-Contact Electric AC Power Detector 12-1000V Dual Mode UK | eBay

<li> Our Shipping conditions: Attention: The goods will be shipped from UK Delivery time: 2 to 4 working days - Support 60 days return policy - Reply within 24 hours</li> <li> </li> <li>Description:</li>.

www.ebay.co.uk

I’ve used one of these and found it to be very good.

Looking at the address and the feedback of that seller, I would definitely not be buying from them!

 

[Sapper]

A non contact voltage detector can only ever be as good as your experience. You can't just put a new one in your pocket and expect it to work the way you want it to. As with any gadget you really need to play with it a while, like a new toy, and learn how it can work for you.
Certainly not a replacement for a 2 pole tester but can be quite handy once you have the experience and know what to expect.
I use the Martindale NC2. It's not as sensitive as others so it won't react to adjacent phases when doing a quick trace on mcbs or contactors. That's important to me, and that's what I'm used to.

 

[mainline]

Looking at the address and the feedback of that seller, I would definitely not be buying from them!

Me either, but i was just pointing out the tool.

 

[Knight499]

Thanks all for your replies

 

[nicebutdim]

Me either, but i was just pointing out the tool.

Unbranded product.
"Safety level: CE CAT.II 1000V"
"Security level: CE CAT.II 1000V"
"Height <2000m"



Not sure I'd even point it out to anyone on a public forum. Who knows what standard it is manufactured to as there's no indication from the description or images. Perhaps they're great or perhaps quality varies wildly from one to the next.

 

[mainline]

Unbranded product.
"Safety level: CE CAT.II 1000V"
"Security level: CE CAT.II 1000V"
"Height <2000m"



Not sure I'd even point it out to anyone on a public forum. Who knows what standard it is manufactured to as there's no indication from the description or images. Perhaps they're great or perhaps quality varies wildly from one to the next

Pretty Mouth said:


I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

UNI-T UT13A Adjustable Sensitivity Voltage Detector Pen AC 24-600V Non-Contact | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for UNI-T UT13A Adjustable Sensitivity Voltage Detector Pen AC 24-600V Non-Contact at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Obviously, you ensured the one you have promoted complies.

 

[nicebutdim]

UNI-T UT13A Adjustable Sensitivity Voltage Detector Pen AC 24-600V Non-Contact | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for UNI-T UT13A Adjustable Sensitivity Voltage Detector Pen AC 24-600V Non-Contact at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Obviously, you ensured the one you have promoted complies.

Is there a reason why you've edited another member's post to make it appear as though it was mine?

 

[mainline]

Is there a reason why you've edited another member's post to make it appear as though it was mine?

I didn't edit the post as such, but you debunk one but not another

 

[nicebutdim]

I didn't edit the post as such, but you debunk one but not another

I haven't 'debunked' any product, but simply highlighted issues that may arise when personally importing goods of unknown quality, which are poorly advertised.

The other indicator is from UNI-T and, while I can't comment on it's reliability, I see no reason to question a product which is manufactured to known standards, by an established company and sold through a distribution network that bears a measure of responsibility to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Is there anything else I can help to clarify?

 

[mainline]

I haven't 'debunked' any product, but simply highlighted issues that may arise when personally importing goods of unknown quality, which are poorly advertised.

The other indicator is from UNI-T and, while I can't comment on it's reliability, I see no reason to question a product which is manufactured to known standards, by an established company and sold through a distribution network that bears a measure of responsibility to ensure it is fit for purpose.

Is there anything else I can help to clarify?

After you looked them up, you mean

 

[Pretty Mouth]

UNI-T UT13A Adjustable Sensitivity Voltage Detector Pen AC 24-600V Non-Contact | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for UNI-T UT13A Adjustable Sensitivity Voltage Detector Pen AC 24-600V Non-Contact at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Obviously, you ensured the one you have promoted complies.

Interesting. According to UNI-T, the product is discontinued, but as you have discovered, is available on ebay from chinese vendors. Looks identical to the one I have.

UT13A/UT13B AC Voltage Detectors-Adjustable Sensitivity (220V/110V) (Discontinued) - UNI-T Meters | Test & Measurement Tools and Solutions

UT13A/B are non-contact AC voltage detector. They are lightweight and convenient to carry due to its pocket size. The voltage detectors can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The devices can detect electricity when they are close in range of live adapters, connection...

meters.uni-trend.com

Perhaps you can tell us all about what standards non contact voltage indicators should comply with, how to ensure that a product does comply with said standards, and what dangers physical or legal could result from using a non compliant product.. Because I haven't a clue, and I couldn't give a monkey's.

 

[mainline]

Interesting. According to UNI-T, the product is discontinued, but as you have discovered, is available on ebay from chinese vendors. Looks identical to the one I have.

UT13A/UT13B AC Voltage Detectors-Adjustable Sensitivity (220V/110V) (Discontinued) - UNI-T Meters | Test & Measurement Tools and Solutions

UT13A/B are non-contact AC voltage detector. They are lightweight and convenient to carry due to its pocket size. The voltage detectors can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. The devices can detect electricity when they are close in range of live adapters, connection...

meters.uni-trend.com

Perhaps you can tell us all about what standards non contact voltage indicators should comply with, how to ensure that a product does comply with said standards, and what dangers physical or legal could result from using a non compliant product.. Because I haven't a clue, and I couldn't give a monkey's.

Question passed to nicebutdim.

 

[nicebutdim]

After you looked them up, you mean

If that's what I'd meant, I'd have posted as much.

UNI-T are a fairly well known brand, albeit at the budget end of the market, with some of their products offered by a well known UK distributor of electronic products - no need to look them up. What I didn't realise, and didn't look at due to it being a known brand, was the fact that these are sold on ebay from China (as @Pretty Mouth points out). These may be old stock or they may be counterfeit, but buying directly from overseas means you bear sole responsibility for any issues which may arise from the product. As such, I wouldn't be inclined to reccomend buying any voltage detector from overseas, unless the manufacturer offers a global warranty.

 

[nicebutdim]

Perhaps you can tell us all about what standards non contact voltage indicators should comply with, how to ensure that a product does comply with said standards, and what dangers physical or legal could result from using a non compliant product.. Because I haven't a clue, and I couldn't give a monkey's.

I've no idea what standard non-contact voltage testers should meet, which is why I haven't suggested any.

What I did refer to was 'manufacturing standards', meaning quality control. I even made an effort at clarifying this with the comment "Perhaps they're great or perhaps quality varies wildly from one to the next".

 

[Dartlec]

I can definitely say stay away from the LAP ones (normally good advice these days generally).- When the batteries get low the torch works, but the voltage detection bit doesn't - or rather it does, because the power light goes off because of the drain, rather than the end glowing red as is meant to happen - so if you know how to intrepret it then maybe it just about meets its requirements.

Fluke 1AC has never let me down and haven't yet had to change the batteries in a couple of years of regular use. It also flashes while on so you can be sure it is powered. But any of the well known brands such as Martindale, Kewtech, Fluke, Megger, Di-Log, TIS, etc should be fine.

Seems they even do proving units for them now, if you really want to go belt and braces, though that seems

 

[Dartlec]

I've no idea what standard non-contact voltage testers should meet, which is why I haven't suggested any.

What I did refer to was 'manufacturing standards', meaning quality control. I even made an effort at clarifying this with the comment "Perhaps they're great or perhaps quality varies wildly from one to the next".

According to the instructions, my Fluke 1AC complies to:

Complies with EN 61010-1 2nd Edition, EN 61326 EMC to 1000 V CAT IV
Complies with UL61010, CSA C22.2 No. 1010-1

but no idea what requirements that means it meets....

The Dl-Log 107 seems a decent price, and has variable detection down to 24V - and complies with EN 61010-1 EN 61010-2-030 EN 61326-1 EN 61326-2-2 LVD & EMC (for what it's worth without having copies of all those)

 

[nicebutdim]

I have a battered Fluke 1AC. I've looked at several of the newer options from different manufacturers, and some have interesting and useful features, but that old Fluke has never let me down and I'm comfortable with how it works.

Having just looked at Fluke's data sheet for the 1AC, I note that they list several standards to which it is manufactured.


Edit: I see @Dartlec also looked at that data sheet while I was typing

 

[nicebutdim]

The Dl-Log 107 seems a decent price, and has variable detection down to 24V - and complies with EN 61010-1 EN 61010-2-030 EN 61326-1 EN 61326-2-2 LVD & EMC (for what it's worth without having copies of all those)

I'd looked at the Martindale NC4, Megger VF5 and Dilog DL107, which all work in and around the same range of voltages. Maybe some day I'll buy that well priced Dilog indicator, but today is not that day.