7 Types of Electrical Testers For A Home’s Electrical Inspection

Are you looking for an electrical tester but are clueless about which is the right one to purchase? Worry less. In this article, we shall review the most common types of electrical testers used in day-to-day life.

Nowadays, electrical devices have become indispensable equipment, allowing us to perform routine tasks more efficiently and making our lives easier. However, because these appliances are still susceptible to failures and mishaps, they carry many risks. And here is where an electrical tester tool comes in handy. But before that, check out the link below for insights into the basics of home electrical systems.

Understand Home Electrical System Basics and How it Works

What is an Electrical Tester Tool?

An electrical tester is a device that detects the presence of electrical conditions rather than measuring them. Professional electricians and DIY enthusiasts use them to check for voltage, amperage, continuity, shorted or open circuits, and proper wiring.

What Are the Different Types of Electric Testers?

There are arrays of electrical testers on the market. Some testers are multifunctional; they can handle almost all the common electrical testing tasks. Others are single-purpose devices that only test for a single parameter, such as live voltage.

Here are the most common electric testers on the market

01. Multimeters

A multimeter, as the name implies, is a versatile electrical tester. It measures AC (alternative current) and DC (direct current) voltage, capacitance, continuity, frequency, and resistance. A multimeter consists a box-like body, an analog or digital display, a dial for setting the test function, and two metal probes.

02. Neon Voltage Tester

A neon voltage tester, also known as a neon circuit tester, is a simple and easy-to-use tool. It consists of a small body with a neon light and two insulated leads with a metal probe on both ends that indicate whether voltage is present in a circuit.

03. Electrical Continuity Tester

Electrical continuity testers have a probe at one end and another probe or a cord with an alligator chip at the other. They are battery-powered digital electrical testers and are ideal for determining whether an electrical path between two points is functioning correctly or not. They are also known as electrical circuit testers.

You can use continuity testers only when the power to the circuit is off. To use it, you unplug the device and disassemble it to access the component you want to test. Then you attach the tester’s clip to one of the device’s wires or connections and touch the probe to the other wire or connection.

If the device is receiving and transmitting electricity, the tester should either light up or buzz, indicating that the circuit is active. Otherwise, the device is defective.

04. Non-contact Voltage Tester

A contactless voltage tester is a digital voltage tester, also known as an inductance tester. It is the most user-friendly and likely the safest electrical tester tool. This device allows you to test for voltage without touching any components or wires. Insert the tester’s tip into an outlet, and if voltage is present, the tester will typically light up or buzz.

05. Wand Voltage Meter

This is another relatively expensive speciality tester, typically owned by professional electricians. A wand voltage meter is a numerical voltage tester with electrostatic wands that detect and measure voltage when held close to wires or metal contacts. For instance, placing the wand ears near an NM (non-metallic) cable would indicate the voltage carried.

06. Solenoid Voltage Testers

Solenoid voltage tester

A multifunction AC-DC voltage tester can measure voltage between 100 and 600 volts. They are easier to use than multimeters, and they do not require batteries. However, they could be more accurate when providing numerical measurements of the voltage present.

07. Plug-In Circuit Analyzers

Plug-in circuit analysers are simple to use and low-cost digital electrical testers. They verify grounded outlet operation and proper wiring. The tool displays many light patterns to show whether a receptacle is wired correctly, a reverse-wired receptacle, the presence or absence of a ground connection, and an open circuit.

How to Select an Electrical Tester

When deciding which type of electrical tester is best for you, consider the projects you want to work on first. If you only need to know whether the voltage is present to do some DIY work, then a basic non-contact voltage tester or neon voltage tester would go a long way.

However, you’d need a multimeter if you intend to do more advanced work or have several projects.

And please be honest with yourself about your electrical work skills and confidence. If you only have basic knowledge, it may be safer and more cost-effective to avoid purchasing a tester with all the bells and whistles and instead hire a professional electrician.

When is an Electrical Inspection Done?

An inspection thoroughly examines your home’s electrical components, from the ground wire to the outlets and the wiring and fuse box. You need an electrical inspection:

Before Purchasing a Home

Would you buy a house with faulty or dangerous electrical wiring? The best way to ensure that a home you want to buy is free of potentially dangerous electrical systems is to have an inspection before buying it.

If You Reside in an Older Home

Routine electrical inspections of older homes can assist you in ensuring that your home’s electrical system is still in good working order. Like in older homes, lighting technology, including knob-and-tube lighting, may be outdated.

So, after having an electrical inspection, you can tell if that is the case and everything is working correctly.

After Major Renovations

Home renovations have the potential to alter the configuration of your home’s electrical components. As a result, it is a good idea to have an electrical inspection performed after such renovations.

It’s also a good idea if you’re adding a new home appliance or replacing an old one. Also, an electrical home inspection would come in handy if you want to sell a newly renovated home after renovation.

Why Do You Need an Electrical Inspection of Your Home?

There are numerous advantages to having an electrical inspection performed on your home, including the following;

Saving Money

An electrical inspection can result in a lower monthly electric bill, especially in older homes with knob-and-tube wiring.

Not only will upgrading your electrical wiring reduce your monthly electricity costs, but it will also help you reduce your carbon footprint.

Avoiding Potential Dangers

A professional inspection of your home’s electrical system is the best way to ensure it is in good working condition. It also helps you prevent future mishaps caused by electrical system issues, such as malfunctions and fires. In fact, fire is the primary danger posed by faulty electrical components.

Safety

Above all, home electrical inspections aim to keep you safe. Having an electrician inspect your electrical wiring reduces the risk of electrical fires. So, if it has been a while since you last had one, do have it now.

The good thing about electrical inspection is that you can do it yourself. However, you must first master the electrical trade.

Adhering to the Local Electrical Codes

Another reason electrical inspection is necessary is to ensure your home is not violating any local or federal electrical codes. Most local codes are based on the National Fire Prevention Association’s National Electrical Code (NEC) (NFPA).

When local and national codes conflict, the local code takes precedence over the national code as a general rule. Electricians in your area should be well-versed in the subject and know whether your home’s current configuration violates local or national codes.

Also read: Electrical Safety Rules to Avoid Electrical Hazards

Note:

Working with electrical components without proper precautions can result in severe injury or death. So, wear appropriate safety equipment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all tools. Also, follow all building and electrical codes.

And if you have any doubts or questions about the connections, or if your home’s wiring does not appear to be compatible with the changes you’re making, consult a licenced electrician.

Did you find this article helpful? If yes, kindly leave a comment in the comment box below.

Going soon on a holiday? Then safeguard your home with these tips given in the below article.

31 Tips to Prevent Electrical Hazards During Holidays

Image Courtesy : Image 3, Image 6, Image 7, Image 8

Author Bio

Jennifer Kiminza – Jennifer Kiminza is a content writer and content marketing professional at Hub Spot, an inbound marketing and sales platform that helps companies attract visitors, convert leads, and close customers. Previously, Jennifer worked as a marketing manager for a tech software startup. She graduated with honors from Nairobi University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing.

Do you have query?

Let our experts solve it for you while you rest