Up, down. Yes, no. Left, right.
Sometimes choices are pretty simple. It's either one thing, or it's not.
When working with electricity, very often the first measurement needs to answer, "Is voltage present or not?"
This question is a critical part of electrical testing. OSHA and the NFPA 70E®: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® both direct workers to de-energize all live parts to which an employee may be exposed, unless live conditions are required for troubleshooting.
Pocket-sized, non-contact voltage testers
To help you answer this question, Fluke now offers a family of non-contact voltage testers, the VoltAlert™ ac series non-contact voltage detectors. This little tool is perfect for keeping in a top pocket where it can be easily seen and pulled out for immediate use. If it lights up when placed near a conductor, there is voltage present. Electricians; maintenance, service, and safety personnel; and homeowners can quickly test for energized circuits in the workplace or at home.
Each of the three VoltAlert testers has a slightly different purpose. Here are two of them:
The 1AC-II VoltAlert voltage detector includes VoltBeat™ technology. When voltage is detected, the tip glows red and the beeper sounds. The 1AC-II also includes an on-off switch for maximum battery life.
The LVD2 Volt Light voltage detector is includes a built-in flashlight, ideal for working in cramped, dimly lit areas. The LVD2 also offers dual sensitivity, turning on a blue light when the probe is 1 inch to 5 inches (2.54 centimeters to 12.7 centimeters) from the source, changing to red when the LVD2 has located the voltage source.
The new 2AC VoltAlert™ Voltage Tester
Fluke's newest electrical test tool is the 2AC VoltAlert voltage detector. The 2AC is "always-on." This feature lets the user perform immediate voltage checks without having to turn the unit on, allowing faster, safer voltage testing. Always-on is made possible by the innovative Battery Check button; even though the unit is always-on, a quick touch of the battery check* button will confirm that the unit is powered up and ready to test.
The Fluke 2AC tester detects energized circuits and defective grounds, making it an ideal first-line go/no-go tester for an electrician on the factory floor as well as do-it-yourselfers around the house. The tip of the pocket-sized tester will glow red when within close proximity of an outlet, terminal strip, or power cord where voltage is present.
Additional benefits of the Fluke 2AC VoltAlert™ Tester include:
- Voltage detection from 90 to 1000 V ac, suitable for a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial needs.
- Category IV 1000 V overvoltage rated product for best-in-class user protection.
- Integrated clip design, optimized for pocket storage.
- Fluke reliability and ruggedness with a two year warranty.
Voltage detection as part of your electrical test
Testing for the presence, or absence, of voltage is only one step toward fully, and safely, taking your measurements. But the proper user of a non-contact voltage detector can help answer this very basic first electrical test question.
*Use of the Battery Check function is optional and for convenience only; it is not intended as a substitute for checking the unit on a known live source before and after use.