What Do You Think Of A Voltage Detector Pens? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Boris_yo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 06:12:52 am
content: Here I have 3 examples:http://dx.com/p/23031http://dx.com/p/23437http://dx.com/p/audio-visual-electroprobe-voltage-detector-pen-8467What do you think? I read some say that these are same as Fluke's but cheaper.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 07:05:15 am
content: i have uni-t UT12B. i used to weld with underrated wires, kept blowing from inside if i weld too long. so to quickly find the break before repairing it, this device is golden. also usefull to find out whether your socket point is alive or not.

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 07:31:37 am
content: Not even Flukes pens are safe.. so i personally don't trust them.. so why trust a small and cheap supplier of them if even a Fluke can be dangerous?My opinion is don't sell Your safety cheap..http://www.fluke.com/Fluke/usen/support/safety/1ACRecall.htm

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 07:51:17 am
content: If you use them for help in finding breaks in cables and flex they are a useful indicator but that is all they are an indicator. If you use them as a safety check for high volts you need your head read, they are about as useful in this context as safety line made from toilet tissue.

author: ErikTheNorwegian
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 08:14:29 am
content: Quote from: G7PSK on May 30, 2012, 07:51:17 amThats right !But sadly, they are not markeded as such device.. and not used as such.

author: Lawsen
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 08:57:47 am
content: I have one by Klein Tools. It works, but not 100% of the time. If the detection pen's tip is not close enough to the conductor or the insulation on the wire is too thick, then the detection pen will not beep or flashing LED. I would not based the safety or presence of AC current 100% on an AC current detecting pen.

author: Dawn
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 09:35:16 am
content: I have a Klein NCVT-1 as well. As the above post mentions, it is particularly fallible with thick insulation. I have had situations where it doesn't detect the presence of live voltage on heavy Romex or in wiremold. It's useful to a point where you suddenly get no indication after tracing a live line that gives a response, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. I have a 30+ year old device that my dad gave me called a Tic Tracer that's far more sensitive under the same conditions, but not as convenient to carry around.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2012, 10:13:14 am
content: Quote from: Lawsen on May 30, 2012, 08:57:47 ammy uni-t beeps madly even in not so close proximity to mains. the problem when there's live wire (current goes out) and neutral wire (current goes in) in the same pair (or with earth line), i need to keep twisting the wire to get the beep. yes i agree, using this to assurance before direct contact to mains is a bad idea, use DMM or light bulb or something "direct" to make proper indication. this device only for preliminary non-intrusive indicator, if its beeps you sure need to back away, if not, use more proper device to assure.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2012, 04:57:24 am
content: Quote from: iamwhoiam on May 30, 2012, 11:19:24 pmyou "think"? (look at the title!) i think they detect electromagnetics

author: Boris_yo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2012, 09:12:37 pm
content: Understood people. But among all 3, which you liked most?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2012, 09:29:44 pm
content: http://dx.com/p/pen-style-non-contact-alarm-ac-voltage-detector-with-led-illumination-90v-1000v-2-aaa-23437the 2nd link. not too cheap not too expensive. fluke like appearance, got torchlight. you should get a clue by reading the review below the item.

author: Boris_yo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2012, 03:53:54 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on June 02, 2012, 09:29:44 pmAre you referring to the 1st review from a person who is from Argentina?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2012, 04:22:17 am
content: 1st from argentina. and then there are 3 people below him. the same with the 1st and 3rd item you linked above. i gave you a suggestion. other people as well. and the reviews. now you have to make up your mind. you know it best because you know what condition is best for you. those 3 things are all cheapo, generally i cant see much difference to really justify which one to get. but as easy rule, dont buy too cheap, you'll regret later.

author: Boris_yo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2012, 04:28:24 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on June 03, 2012, 04:22:17 amHmmm what if I also get one from 1st link and another from 2nd link? Just as a backup tester and test with both pens, so if 2nd pen has lower sensitivity I will test again with 1st pen that may be more sensitive? Just to be on a safe side. Will this make sense?

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2012, 05:20:11 am
content: getting extra as backup is make sense. expecting one is performing better than the other is doesnt make sense to me since they are pretty much at the same price point... (cheap)but as said you know whats best for you. getting 2 same thing, or getting 2 different thing. i own canon camera and whole lot of accessories. if i want to get backup and get nikon, that will not make sense, since its not compatible with the canon accessories. but for other thing, maybe like a DMM, or printer etc (standalone) getting different brand might be a good idea.

author: Boris_yo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 03, 2012, 05:51:27 am
content: Quote from: Mechatrommer on June 03, 2012, 05:20:11 amThanks. May the force be with you!