Non-contact voltage detectors are a highly reliable and safe way to detect live wires and conductors without coming into contact with them.
Crucial for enhancing safety and ensuring reliability and accuracy in electrical work, non-contact voltage testers & magnetic field indicators feature a wide range of features to make it easier to identify live currents and magnetic fields.
These electrical pen testers can be used in a wide range of environments due to their compact and portable design.
LED lights are often included to indicate when the device is in contact with a live voltage, in some cases this is also accompanied with a beeping noise. As user-friendly devices, they allow for quick and efficient testing of voltage and magnetic fields and can be used by anyone from a homeowner carrying out renovations to an electrical engineer.
Also known as a voltage detector, voltage tester pens, sensors or test pens, non-contact testers are the safest and easiest way to detect electric fields or voltage.
The technology behind non-contact voltage testers is called capacitive coupling. When the user holds the instrument, their body provides a ground reference for the detection circuit. This creates a small capacitance between the live conductor, the tester, and the user's body.
The tester then detects changes in this electric field around objects carrying an AC (Alternating Current). Simply put, when the tester and your body are near an electrical conductor, a small, safe current flows through the tester from the source, indicating AC voltage.
Non-contact testers are considered the safest and easiest way to detect electric fields or voltage because they eliminate the need for direct contact with live circuits, reducing the risk of electric shock. This makes them a preferred choice for initial safety checks and preliminary diagnostics in various electrical testing scenarios.
Non-contact voltage indicators are indispensable tools across various settings for quick and safe electrical checks:
Magnetic field indicators provide critical insights into the presence and strength of magnetic fields. They are used for:
Most non-contact voltage detectors are designed solely to detect the presence of an alternating current (AC) voltage. In contrast, magnetic field indicators, or magnetic field tester pens, are distinct tools that measure the magnetic fields generated by electrical currents or permanent magnets.
While indirectly related to current flow, their primary function is to identify and assess the strength of these magnetic fields.
This differentiation is crucial: a non-contact voltage sensor confirms if something is "live," while a magnetic field indicator helps diagnose components like relays, solenoids, and motors by checking if their magnetic circuits are active or faulty.
Non-contact voltage indicators offer highly accurate voltage detection, crucial for preventing electrical hazards and ensuring user safety during electrical work. Features like adjustable sensitivity, fast response times, and reliable readings minimise risk.
Both non-contact voltage and magnetic field indicators are built with robust and durable designs, making them highly suitable for reliable performance in both challenging outdoor construction sites and controlled indoor facilities.
Designed with ergonomic features and intuitive operation, such as convenient pen-style testers, both non-contact voltage indicators and magnetic field detectors enable quick and efficient diagnostics.
Some specialised non-contact voltage detectors are designed to detect both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) voltages without physical contact. These advanced models offer broader detection capabilities, making them suitable for complex systems where both AC and DC sources may be present.
Tools in this category are specifically designed to measure magnetic fields with precision. This includes compact, pen-style detectors for pinpoint testing.
These are compact, user-friendly indicators primarily used for quick voltage presence checks without physical contact. Their main function is to provide a rapid "go/no-go" indication of live AC voltage.
To ensure your chosen tester aligns perfectly with your requirements, consider these factors.
Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure you select the most effective and safest non-contact voltage detector for your needs:
Non-contact voltage detectors are invaluable tools across a wide array of industries, providing essential safety and diagnostic capabilities.
RS Australia is your trusted supplier and distributor of a comprehensive range of high-quality non-contact voltage detectors and magnetic field indicators from leading brands such as RS PRO, Martindale, and CK.
Explore our extensive online catalog to find the perfect voltage tester pens, magnetic field indicators, proximitysensors and photosensors for your needs.
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