Professional electricians use a number of testers to check a wide range of electrical functions in residential and commercial electrical wiring. Identifying these testers, understanding their functions, and learning how to use them will significantly expand your expertise. Some of these testers are multi-functional and can perform most of the typical electrical testing work, while some others are single-function tools. The tools described below fulfil that function.

Non-Contact Voltage Testers

Non-contact voltage testers are also known as inductance testers and are the safest testers around. Moreover, they are, without a doubt, the easiest to use. A non-contact tester lets you check for voltage in devices and wires without having to touch any parts or wires. This device comes with a small tip at the end that senses voltage such things such as electrical wiring, circuit breakers, outlets, lamp cords, light sockets, and switches. You can read the voltage by merely sticking the tip to an outlet or even touching the outside of electrical and wire cables. This device is powered by a battery and informs you of the voltage with a red light at the tip as well as a buzzing sound.

Neon Voltage Testers

Neon voltage testers, also called neon circuit testers, are extremely simple to use. They come with a small body with a neon light inside, and two-wire leads with metal probes on each of the ends. It tells you only whether a voltage is present or not. Unlike the non-contact voltage tester, this requires you to touch the circuit wires, screw terminals, or outlet slots with the wire probes. This is an easy tool to use, but it should be handled with caution.

Plug-In Circuit Analyzers

Plug-in circuit analyzers are cheap and easy to use testers that tell you about the functions of an electrical circuit when you plug it into an outlet. The testers are intended to test ordinary electrical outlets, but only grounded outlets that have three slots. Older two-slot outlets cannot be verified with the testers because no ground wire is connected to these outlets.

Continuity Testers

A continuity tester is a tool that is powered by batteries. It has a probe at one end and a cord with either another probe at the other end or an alligator clip. Continuity testers are great for checking to see if something like a single-pole switch is working correctly.

Multimeters

Multimeters are one of the most versatile of all the electrical testers. They are capable of many different functions. Most multimeters provide precise readings of AC and DC voltage, resistance, continuity, frequency and capacitance. If you learn how to use it well, it can provide all the information offered by all other testers.

Solenoid Voltage Tester

Solenoid voltage testers, also known in the trade by the nickname “wiggies,” are also multi-function testers. Still, they are somewhat simpler and easier to use than the battery-operated multimeters. Both analog and digital models are available. Solenoid voltmeters are capable of testing for both voltage and polarity.

Digital Clamp Meter

A digital clamp meter is a tool typically used only by professionals. It combines the functions of a multimeter with a current sensor. However, it is a little more expensive than a multimeter. The most apparent difference between a multimeter and a digital clamp meter is that this tool features clamping jaws that can comfortably grip wire conductors. This makes the device somewhat safer and easier to use.

Wand Voltage Meter

A wand voltage meter is another speciality tester usually owned only by professional electricians. This is a digital voltage tester that works in two ways. The tool includes wire leads which can be used to measure voltage or continuity by touching the edges to metal contacts or bare wires. Moreover, the tool also has electrostatic wands that can detect and measure voltage by merely holding them in proximity to wires or metal contacts.