A voltage tester is a device that is used to measure electrical power. It is primarily used to detect the presence of AC voltage in or around an object or surface and is quite simple to use. It can detect voltage in power cables, electric cords, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, wires, power outlets, and other electrical components.
A few of them additionally employ light or numbers to show the amount of voltage existing around the object or surface. The voltage tester’s main functioning concept is to detect voltage without contacting the wire or surface being tested.
A test light is another name for a voltage tester. This tester’s main purpose is to safeguard the user from receiving an electric shock.
What is a voltage tester?
An electrical tester is placed at two places in the circuit to measure the flow of electrical current. The most basic of these gadgets is a voltage tester. It comprises a tiny neon bulb with two insulated wires connected to the bulb housing’s bottom; each wire terminates in a metal test probe. When the current is switched on, this sort of tester is used to verify whether the current is flowing through a wire and to check for appropriate grounding. It may also be used to check whether a wire has enough voltage. Choose a tester that can handle up to 500 volts.
Touch one probe to one wire or connection and the second probe to the opposite wire or connection to use a voltage tester. The light in the housing will glow if the component is getting power. The problem occurs at this stage if the light does not glow. Insert one probe of the tester into one slot in the outlet and the second probe into the other slot if you believe an electrical outlet is malfunctioning. The tester’s light should turn on. If it doesn’t, the outlet might be defective.
Working Principle of Voltage Tester
- The flux lines of the electric field created between the earth’s potential and the live component of the system are measured.
- The tip of a magnetic induction tester is wound with a sensor. The electromagnetic field is then applied to this winding. If a voltage is induced in the winding, the light will glow or the circuit will trigger an alert.
- It employs a capacitor coupling to detect both the electric field and energized conductors, whether the circuit is complete or not. To establish a ground reference, the user must contact the metal component of the tester. It permits the live conductor’s stray capacitance to flow to the ground.
Types of Voltage Tester
- Non-Contact Voltage Tester: Inductance tester is another name for it. It is one of the safest and most straightforward tests. Users may test the voltage in cables or devices without touching the surface or any part of the gadget. After bringing the tester’s tip close to the wire, the reading is simply shown on the screen. It may be used by both experts and DIY homeowners. It may be utilized near a variety of places and things, including cables, cords, outlets, switchboards, junction boxes, and circuit breakers. It may also be used in a variety of fields such as security, communication, irrigation, entertainment, and the environment.
- Neon Voltage Tester: It comes in a little package and has a neon light inside. It features two short wire leads on either end, each with a metal probe. It determines whether or not there is voltage in the circuit. However, it is unable to display the voltage range that is present. To do so, the user must utilize wire probes to contact the circuit wires.
- Solenoid Voltage Tester: A multi-function tester is another name for it. It is available in both analog and digital versions. It can test both voltage and polarity. It is mostly used by electricians. It contains two wires and a probe that extends from the tester’s bottom.
- Digital Voltage Tester: It is digital and contactless in operation. It’s a handy tool that may be used for a variety of tasks. Its major purpose is to determine whether the technical instrument is operational in the environment or whether a fault source is present. Interfered signals and overload concerns are also detected. It is generally small and light in size. It contains a phase detection and voltage measuring setting option. The signal that is conveyed might be visual or aural.
Importance of voltage tester
Understanding the principles of electrical wiring and the project at hand is the first step toward electrical safety. De-energize or switch off any circuit that might be dangerous, as well as any circuit that will be worked on.
There are several electrical testers to pick from, each with its own set of features. The following are some significant considerations to make while choosing an electrical tester.
Before you use any electrical tester, make sure you read and understand all of the directions and paperwork that comes with it.
- Voltage testers serve a variety of uses; their ability to measure voltage also implies they may detect it and perform a continuity test. Voltage testers are used to determine if electrical products are operating safely at the appropriate levels.
- Voltage testers are mostly used with AC currents, however, some may also be used with DC currents.
- Voltage testers detect live electricity and display the voltage level, but they must come into touch with the source.
- On sockets and other access points, such as fuse boxes, voltage testers can be utilized.
- Most electrical appliances require a specific voltage to operate. Knowing the voltage levels might help you determine if everything is operating properly. Batteries that are running at a lower voltage than advertised, for example, may require recharging or replacement. This is also why a voltage tester may be preferable to a voltage detector, which cannot provide a reading.
Conclusion
The importance of a voltage tester is immense in terms of the uses of electric appliances. So get a voltage tester for your own benefit.
