I have found that it pays to carry a super sensitive NCV Detector “for general area detection” and one that is not super sensitive for detail work such as trouble shooting in a panel or cabinet that you know is energized but you need to know if a specific wire/terminal or device has power on it. I have also found that when working in extreme cold condition it is best to put the detector in a shirt pocket under a coat for better test results.
The only thing I would ever use them for is shoving them in receptacles then going over to the panel and flipping breakers until I heard the beeping stop
I use my in more ways than that what you just described, but that’s one of the ways I use I also use it to help me locate broken wires. Sometimes it’s accurate and other times it’s not. 60/40 %
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel different times where I would first check with my meter then go into the back of the box with that just to make sure that they are no surprises because I've been got by a shared neutral before and ... Not fun
I use Fluke because it has low sensitivity, in places where a lot of splices, it is useful. Also is a brand Amprobe which has lower sensitivity than Fluke! Klein has high sensitivity it doesn't for my work(
I have the older model Ideal, the 61-637. It is a little bulky, but doesn't look to be as bulky as the new model. I agree, can't completely trust them, but I find it very handy, and use the flashlight pretty often. I enjoyed your review, sir. I keep mine in my tool belt, but now going to look for a belt holster like you had for the thinner ones. That looks very handy.
I agree , you can't trust them. Why haven't they developed more sophisticated hand-held diagnostic tools for technicians is the question. We're in the.21st century after all.
I am from the UK, and I am very cautious. The guys that rewired one of my property last month, touched a live wire and just said ouch. Apparently, he said he has been stung(that what he calls it) many time your arm feels tingly or numb. We only have 230V.
No I haven’t, but I have used electrical testers with the NCV built in . I agree it’s a handy feature, but even though I don’t solely trust NCV testers I like the convenience of the size of them. I can tuck it away in my pants or shirt pocket.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Agreed , the size is nice . The Klein / with LDM is nice , as you can measure up to 65’ (accuracy compares to my Bosch ).It goes down to 12 VAC , which is handy for checking doorbells , etc .
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Always remember , Voltage detectors are like medical students , they can declare live , but not dead ( they can only declare death after graduation ) .
No , I’ve never tried that function on my 117 . To be truthful , I tend to forget the function is there ! To be fair , I also use my T6 1000 , or my Fluke camp meters . The 117 tends to be a backup , or when multiple parameters being investigated .
Hey, i got one of these and its way more sensitive it beepes 6 inches away, so i would like recommendations for somthing i can work with around multiple cables, and read hot on the wire im checking without being triggerd by others.
My biggest complaint , and this is double for klein. The button on the top of these testers stick either off, or it turns on and then turns right back off very unreliable. Never had this problem with fluke.
You may have purchased one that’s defective, have you heard anyone else complain about that same issue ? I would have contact Klein customer service and reported that issue and they would’ve replaced your device.
Nice video TETC. I am pretty much the same as yo and carry one of these around with my two-pole tester. I work the opposite way round though and test for dead first with my two-pole and then sweep around with the non-contact tester. That is due to specific issues that can arise with the PME earthing arrangements in the UK. I carry a Fluke PRV240FS that can test both two-pole and non-contact testers, although there are a couple of others on the market now. At the moment I use the Multicomp MP780053 non-contact tester as it is ATEX approved and has a slight ruggedised build to it and is drop tested to two metres. It is actually a rebranded CEM unit though.
Looks like my my Megger VF6 came out of the same mold as your Multicomp. Was also chosen for it's eX rating as well as it's dual (or wide) voltage range. I use them like you, after, proving dead with a 2 pole indicator first. Have found a few "borrowed" neutrals that became "problematic" once disconnected with it. Handy bit of kit I wouldn't be without but definitely not suitable for safe isolation on their own.
@@SandyTaboureauBigbananafeet I have not looked at the VF6. Did you manage t get the ATEX certificate for it, cannot get one from Farnell for the Multicomp?
@@three-phase562 No actual copy of an ATEX cert, though I haven't asked for one. The quick start guide that came with it (also available to download from megger website) lists it's Ex specifications and lists a certificate number. I got mine from tester.co.uk
Thank you for the video, I’m beginning my electrical career tomorrow and appreciate the tips, like doing a test run on a live outlet. I bought a Klein recently, and I think it’s a good product, 50-1000V AC, I did take note that I should get a fluke for the “lower” voltage (1-50V) Any other suggestions for understanding my tester and it’s uses would be helpful! Thanks again! Great video!
Klein, Fluke, and the newest IDEAL volt tester I recommend. They all can be used for finding breaks in wiring all you have to do if something isn’t turning on and you know for sure there’s power at the outlet. Just slowly place the volt tester on the wire starting from the plug then slowly work your way down the wire holding the wire straight until the beeping stops. Nine times out of ten you’ve found your break in the wire. That’s one of the ways to use the your volt tester besides testing receptacles. I hope 🤞 that helps 👍🏽
There’s a lot of truth to that, because even though I love FLUKE products the KLEIN volt alert that I own out lasted two Fluke volt alerts that are broken at the moment.
Fluke , and the Klein LDM / non contact voltage detector . Contrary to Klein’s rating of 12-1000 VAC is very optimistic . Voltages detectors only indicate live , they cannot prove dead !
Think of it like a Gun , not only do you have to open the action , you also need to be able to verify the feed path , ( Mag , tube feed , etc ) . Open action might or might not mean something ( many submachine guns fire from an open bolt .
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel I'm checking if a live wire is touching the frame (ground) when I'm touching anything I know as power in it, example putting the pen on industrial exterior lights when going to to take measurements about the size and all for it's replacement. I do that because I've been shocked in that situation, a bad ground is a widow maker. Do you get what I mean?
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel @13:34 When you're talking about the Fluke 2AC, you had the range correct when you said "90 to 1000" but then you thought the 2 was the beginning of the range.
I recommend FLUKE and the other big names. Aside from the quality and safety of the instrument. If something we're to happen that may cause you injury those big name companies are easy to locate. Not so with the foreign tool makers that are headquartered in some third world 🌏 country.
I have found that it pays to carry a super sensitive NCV Detector “for general area detection” and one that is not super sensitive for detail work such as trouble shooting in a panel or cabinet that you know is energized but you need to know if a specific wire/terminal or device has power on it. I have also found that when working in extreme cold condition it is best to put the detector in a shirt pocket under a coat for better test results.
The only thing I would ever use them for is shoving them in receptacles then going over to the panel and flipping breakers until I heard the beeping stop
I use my in more ways than that what you just described, but that’s one of the ways I use I also use it to help me locate broken wires. Sometimes it’s accurate and other times it’s not. 60/40 %
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel different times where I would first check with my meter then go into the back of the box with that just to make sure that they are no surprises because I've been got by a shared neutral before and ... Not fun
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel i never ever had any issues with fluke version but it is very sensitive, very , but that's not always a bad thing.
I agree ☝️, it’s not .
@@FCES_Electrical_Sol you've never had a false negative with those?
I agree with youre tool useage ..."never a borrower or a lender be" !...
I take good care & value my things!!
You’re an experienced tradesman 👍🏽
I use Fluke because it has low sensitivity, in places where a lot of splices, it is useful. Also is a brand Amprobe which has lower sensitivity than Fluke! Klein has high sensitivity it doesn't for my work(
I to prefer low sensitivity, high sensitivity sometimes gives a lot of false readings.
I have the older model Ideal, the 61-637. It is a little bulky, but doesn't look to be as bulky as the new model. I agree, can't completely trust them, but I find it very handy, and use the flashlight pretty often. I enjoyed your review, sir. I keep mine in my tool belt, but now going to look for a belt holster like you had for the thinner ones. That looks very handy.
It’s a very handy tool Jay, this is the first Ideal volt alert I’ve ever owned and so far I have no regrets.👍🏿
I agree , you can't trust them. Why haven't they developed more sophisticated hand-held diagnostic tools for technicians is the question.
We're in the.21st century after all.
I am from the UK, and I am very cautious. The guys that rewired one of my property last month, touched a live wire and just said ouch. Apparently, he said he has been stung(that what he calls it) many time your arm feels tingly or numb. We only have 230V.
Wow 🤩 that’s a lot of volts. All I can say is that we react to pain differently 🤔. I would’ve said more than that 😂. Lol…
Have you ever used the NCV function built into the head of the Fluke 117 ? I use a 117 as a backup , but never tried that function yet .
No I haven’t, but I have used electrical testers with the NCV built in . I agree it’s a handy feature, but even though I don’t solely trust NCV testers I like the convenience of the size of them. I can tuck it away in my pants or shirt pocket.
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Agreed , the size is nice . The Klein / with LDM is nice , as you can measure up to 65’ (accuracy compares to my Bosch ).It goes down to 12 VAC , which is handy for checking doorbells , etc .
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel Always remember , Voltage detectors are like medical students , they can declare live , but not dead ( they can only declare death after graduation ) .
No , I’ve never tried that function on my 117 . To be truthful , I tend to forget the function is there ! To be fair , I also use my T6 1000 , or my Fluke camp meters . The 117 tends to be a backup , or when multiple parameters being investigated .
Hey, i got one of these and its way more sensitive it beepes 6 inches away, so i would like recommendations for somthing i can work with around multiple cables, and read hot on the wire im checking without being triggerd by others.
It’s gonna be hard to find one like your speaking of, good luck 🍀
Just got a Klein NCVT3 and it’s super sensitive. I want one that has less sensitivity.
High sensitivity maybe a good ay least it warns you that electricity is near, and it makes you proceed with caution.
My biggest complaint , and this is double for klein. The button on the top of these testers stick either off, or it turns on and then turns right back off very unreliable. Never had this problem with fluke.
You may have purchased one that’s defective, have you heard anyone else complain about that same issue ? I would have contact Klein customer service and reported that issue and they would’ve replaced your device.
Nice video TETC. I am pretty much the same as yo and carry one of these around with my two-pole tester. I work the opposite way round though and test for dead first with my two-pole and then sweep around with the non-contact tester. That is due to specific issues that can arise with the PME earthing arrangements in the UK.
I carry a Fluke PRV240FS that can test both two-pole and non-contact testers, although there are a couple of others on the market now. At the moment I use the Multicomp MP780053 non-contact tester as it is ATEX approved and has a slight ruggedised build to it and is drop tested to two metres. It is actually a rebranded CEM unit though.
That figures, everything nowadays is are rebrand. 👍🏿
Looks like my my Megger VF6 came out of the same mold as your Multicomp. Was also chosen for it's eX rating as well as it's dual (or wide) voltage range. I use them like you, after, proving dead with a 2 pole indicator first. Have found a few "borrowed" neutrals that became "problematic" once disconnected with it. Handy bit of kit I wouldn't be without but definitely not suitable for safe isolation on their own.
@@SandyTaboureauBigbananafeet I have not looked at the VF6. Did you manage t get the ATEX certificate for it, cannot get one from Farnell for the Multicomp?
@@three-phase562 No actual copy of an ATEX cert, though I haven't asked for one. The quick start guide that came with it (also available to download from megger website) lists it's Ex specifications and lists a certificate number. I got mine from tester.co.uk
Fluke hands down had issues with other brands. I also use common sense and follow up with a meter though.
Spoken like a true professional, I also do the same thing.
Thank you for the video, I’m beginning my electrical career tomorrow and appreciate the tips, like doing a test run on a live outlet.
I bought a Klein recently, and I think it’s a good product, 50-1000V AC,
I did take note that I should get a fluke for the “lower” voltage (1-50V)
Any other suggestions for understanding my tester and it’s uses would be helpful!
Thanks again! Great video!
Klein, Fluke, and the newest IDEAL volt tester I recommend. They all can be used for finding breaks in wiring all you have to do if something isn’t turning on and you know for sure there’s power at the outlet. Just slowly place the volt tester on the wire starting from the plug then slowly work your way down the wire holding the wire straight until the beeping stops. Nine times out of ten you’ve found your break in the wire. That’s one of the ways to use the your volt tester besides testing receptacles. I hope 🤞 that helps 👍🏽
Where do you rate the ideal after usage?
10 out of 10 Very high quality
Thanks for your,I'm reply, going to grab one along with a proskit stick
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏽
For many years I used the klein but the fluke volt alert for me is the best.
There’s a lot of truth to that, because even though I love FLUKE products the KLEIN volt alert that I own out lasted two Fluke volt alerts that are broken at the moment.
Fluke , and the Klein LDM / non contact voltage detector . Contrary to Klein’s rating of 12-1000 VAC is very optimistic . Voltages detectors only indicate live , they cannot prove dead !
True, but I don’t trust them 💯 %. You know what I mean 🤔
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel like Hookers , Clergy , and Politicians !
Ha ha ha….😃
That makes no sense. If it can indicate it’s live then it can indicate it’s dead by not sensing the electromagnetic field
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel trust me I’m very carefull , they are like the saftey catch on a gun , good to have , but not the full answer !
Voltage detector to see if it beeps. If not, the Fluke 178 to verify.
Yes and no , because whether it beeps or not I’m still gonna check for voltage with my meter.
Think of it like a Gun , not only do you have to open the action , you also need to be able to verify the feed path , ( Mag , tube feed , etc ) . Open action might or might not mean something ( many submachine guns fire from an open bolt .
Oh 😲, lol...
I use this to detect a bad ground
That’s the first time I’ve heard of it being used that way. Are you checking to see if the ground conductor has voltage?🤔
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel I'm checking if a live wire is touching the frame (ground) when I'm touching anything I know as power in it, example putting the pen on industrial exterior lights when going to to take measurements about the size and all for it's replacement. I do that because I've been shocked in that situation, a bad ground is a widow maker. Do you get what I mean?
@balinoob1837 Sorry I don’t 🤔
Nice job god bless
Thank you 👍🏽
Write your name on everything. I get a oops from other workers all the time , who almost walked off with my stuff.
Wow 😮, I do the same thing. I mark all my tools in one way or another 👍🏽
The 2AC is the model number, not the voltage range.
Which voltage detector you’re referring to that is known as model 2AC ?
@@TheElectriciansToolChannel @13:34 When you're talking about the Fluke 2AC, you had the range correct when you said "90 to 1000" but then you thought the 2 was the beginning of the range.
Wow 😯 my mistake. Thanks for letting me know 👍🏽
👍
I don't trust them at all , you drop them you might aswell trash them but what I do have is Klein non-voltage detector with the laser measure
You’re correct about two things, I don’t trust them as a stand alone tester, and if you drop them don’t trust them even more 👍🏿
do you recommend cheap chin ese copies of fluke and rest big brands ?
I recommend FLUKE and the other big names. Aside from the quality and safety of the instrument. If something we're to happen that may cause you injury those big name companies are easy to locate. Not so with the foreign tool makers that are headquartered in some third world 🌏 country.