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I tried the search function, but nothing turned up - maybe it's because I don't know the english term for this device: A two pole voltage detector for mains testing.
Yesterday while changing a power socket I realized that my old one (a Voltcraft VC-58 LCD) does not function properly anymore: It does still beep when detecting mains voltage, but neither Voltage is displayed nor continuity testing works, so I don't trust this thing anymore. After all my life is on stake. And just to remoind me of that the RCD tripped the same moment I fumbled with the wires (but must have been somewhere else in the house the power was really off in this circuit).
I basically need this only to detect if the the circuit is still live / the correct breaker is off. I also used this to check the rotation direction of three phase current, so I would like this feature if I buy a seperate device. Only household use and only in CATIII 400V. My last one was rated CAT IV 1000V, but I don't need that. I would prefer an honest rating, though. It should of course beep continuously when high voltage is detected since that makes checking the correct circuit breaker easier and also as an additional warning. That part should also work if the battery is empty.
I can read the spec sheets, but don't know how trustworthy the cheaper ones are. I don't aim for 10€ China junk, but don't want to spend the time for a Benning or Fluke for using it a handful of times a year. But I also don't want to use a multimeter, since I don't trust them for this kind of work, they don't work for power sockets with child protection (two probes must be inserted at once with quite some force to reveal the contacts), they are missing the beep function and they are tricky to use in some locations. Also, a screw driver with an led inside has too many failure modes for my taste.
What can you recommend? Is a Uni-T UT18D trustworthy? -
Have you searched on 3-phase circuit tester?
Unfortunately searching for "circuit tester" from a US site will not return much that is relevant to Europe. I searched for 3-phase circuit tester on Amazon and got lots of hits over a large range in price. For non-contact live circuits, my pencil-like tester from GC (about $12) is still my go to. In early Spring, I got a Klein for testing and tracing non-energized circuits. It was about $250, but unless you need to trace for non-energized circuits, I would not waste money on it.
Here are two appealing, medium priced, 3-phase testers from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/UNI-T-UT261A-Sequence-Rotation-Indicator/dp/B0BWTP4S3W/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=3QEQLNNI6G65R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fPvrHE6mEnB2WQNbh05IMnJnvnwQ83eLlvT7ltWY3O21Zi7Ai5rLusXJ0ZhwRRxbiDWsEiyTdN9FSsR-x-PQR9naeC9KwNha0SJ9VcSkMxdBzUqimM7bVMztYBTWDntebHoJDmL-cPUCCf_vlBw_LBXL-bpdsFPFVDIwBCcRrvXwKay58_KeXrcZscFa0JxtfDPcLrF0mKMrOTxPoAnMH_AhawsRUAOwP_kTC_qzFbw7uyN6Z9DDgwR3tAuqPtAHUEV9Trx312kIkdBaXe-wNYbkwNQTEBYVkOZTDltXQNg.XHfu30_1-pM55K3SsEE0rd1cG5VkwJgx9PATQnYA_qo&dib_tag=se&keywords=3-phase+tester&qid=1731753415&s=hi&sprefix=3-phase+tester%2Ctools%2C119&sr=1-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Extech-480400-Phase-Sequence-Tester/dp/B001AGTXY2/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3TXQYN8GR252U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CJoGRI_WB43G-yTUYCPAGXsv9Ib2LyArM_UFhmHdk2--UqzepoJYBYHD33SATSxMZ8YyaIS2Y9jH2q2AWDfl86oh0se4mGVBHaXHDR1OKWsxHjCtojdLCVSzmR4aVHdS4YlbBlzXYaxWLWs8KyKDjlvKxLrrjqfO-Cdk_Dir4toQr3hagQwnD-U6DmeXtsFyK3XurwhSnEuEgL7_6KCD5nQW2OUpkAPFLcIKVb-Wp4XAFEBD2EvFXi1u1ht7W9B8jHG9aNDTa3cW458O8GHWdn8iCP-2cQ0QMGtbO9WUZKc.vVmgg1fSawjpiRaC6XofASEuZD8lvZ1HfCE-414Se2I&dib_tag=se&keywords=Klein%2B3-phase%2Btester&qid=1731753595&s=hi&sprefix=klein%2B3-phase%2Btester%2Ctools%2C102&sr=1-4&th=1
Maybe those links will give you some ideas to broaden your search.
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Try "two pole voltage tester" as search term.
As you are located in DE, Reichelt has a lot in their catalogue: https://www.reichelt.de/spannungspr-fer-c5875.html?ACTION=2&GROUPID=5875&START=0&OFFSET=50&nbc=1&SID=95ad2c7d8d86a1c84b6c85000dc5bc920c9f5751b01b1a3577155
If you are not using those testers on a regular basis, I would recommend to look for devices which don't need batteries. I used to have an older Benning Duspol with LCD and continuity test and all the bells and whistles, but the batteries leaked and were stuck in the casing. No way to remove the leaked batteries without destroying the case.
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Brymen makes some:
https://brymen.eu/product-category/voltage-testers/
I'd trust one of those far more than I'd trust a Uni-T.
The middle one looks like it does what you need.
Info: https://brymen.eu/wp-content/uploads/biall/102170/102170.KARTA_EN..2017-03-27.2.pdf
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Does it really need to beep or is an LED indicator enough?
I would recommend buying a Benning Duspol, but if you do not want to spend that amount of money, I think the PANCONTROL PAN Volttester 400FI is trustworthy. I have one (in addition to my Duspol), it does what it is supposed to do. I have seen the same model under different brand names, but with PANCONTROL, you have an Austrian company where I guess they know what they offer and have tested what they import:
https://www.pancontrol.at/produkt/pan-volttester-400fi/
Several sellers offer those, on Amazon you can get one for less than 20 EUR. -
Brymen makes some:
https://brymen.eu/product-category/voltage-testers/
I'd trust one of those far more than I'd trust a Uni-T.
The middle one looks like it does what you need.
Info: https://brymen.eu/wp-content/uploads/biall/102170/102170.KARTA_EN..2017-03-27.2.pdf
I second this.
I have this one for several years and is working great:
https://www.welectron.com/Brymen-BT-75EU-Voltage-Tester -
I second this.
I have this one for several years and is working great:
https://www.welectron.com/Brymen-BT-75EU-Voltage-Tester
No doubt, this would be a good choice, but in Germany, they are more expensive than a Benning DUSPOL expert (which I would suggest if they want to spend around 55 EUR). And almost the same price as a DUSPOL digital. -
I second this.
I have this one for several years and is working great:
https://www.welectron.com/Brymen-BT-75EU-Voltage-Tester
No doubt, this would be a good choice, but in Germany, they are more expensive than a Benning DUSPOL expert (which I would suggest if they want to spend around 55 EUR). And almost the same price as a DUSPOL digital.
I cannot find Duspol Expert anywhere online for 55 €
On Reichelt Duspol Expert is same price as BT-75EU , while in functionality, BT-75EU is similar (few more functions actually) to Duspol digital that is 92€
Link I show is from German company Welectron.
But I do agree that OP cannot go wrong with Duspol if it can be had for good price.
But I like BT-75EU better, because it is fully functional LED tester and LCD tester at the same time.
If you run out of batteries LED tester part still works normally.
Also you can change ground (black) test lead and read probe if they get damaged. -
I cannot find Duspol Expert anywhere online for 55 €
Voelkner: https://www.voelkner.de/products/422663/Benning-DUSPOL-expert-Zweipoliger-Spannungspruefer-CAT-III-1000-V-CAT-IV-600-V-LED-Vibration-Akustik.html
There is even currently a coupon available for free shipping inside Germany.
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On Reichelt Duspol Expert is same price as BT-75EU , while in functionality, BT-75EU is similar (few more functions actually) to Duspol digital that is 92€
Link I show is from German company Welectron.
BTW: The DUSPOL digital is only 79.98 EUR on Amazon.de with free shipping. For the BT-75EU you would have to pay 74.94 EUR including shipping in Germany. So, really not a large price difference. -
Thanks to all of you for your input and suggestions. I consider the "beep on high voltage" essential, because when I switch off the circuit breaker I let the tester in the power socket, go to the distribution panel several rooms away and switch off circuit breakers until it stops beeping (the labeling is never correct and usually spans several rooms where Lights and sockets are seperate). With an LED I would need to jump back and forth, stairs up and down until I found the correct circuit breaker.
I also consider measuring tips that are the same diameter and length as power plugs essential, not only because I can leave the tester in the socket, but also because otherwise I cannot measure in any socket with child protection (and I have that in all of my sockets as do most other households these days, same goes for multi socket boxes).
It seems this rules out the mentioned benning as well as the Brymen device. One review of the Benning at voelkner also suggests that the rotation direction of 3phase current cannot be measured properly. This, however is not essential for me. I bought my last tester for this very reason, but would only need that for connecting an electric stove and there it usually does not matter much (and I would probably let this do an electrician anyway if I can get one to arrive for only that reason.
I think I'll go with the UNI-T then.
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Thanks to all of you for your input and suggestions. I consider the "beep on high voltage" essential, because when I switch off the circuit breaker I let the tester in the power socket, go to the distribution panel several rooms away and switch off circuit breakers until it stops beeping (the labeling is never correct and usually spans several rooms where Lights and sockets are seperate). With an LED I would need to jump back and forth, stairs up and down until I found the correct circuit breaker.
I also consider measuring tips that are the same diameter and length as power plugs essential, not only because I can leave the tester in the socket, but also because otherwise I cannot measure in any socket with child protection (and I have that in all of my sockets as do most other households these days, same goes for multi socket boxes).
It seems this rules out the mentioned benning as well as the Brymen device. One review of the Benning at voelkner also suggests that the rotation direction of 3phase current cannot be measured properly. This, however is not essential for me. I bought my last tester for this very reason, but would only need that for connecting an electric stove and there it usually does not matter much (and I would probably let this do an electrician anyway if I can get one to arrive for only that reason.
I think I'll go with the UNI-T then.
Brymen has distance same as socket and comes with banana screw ons that allow you to keep it in the socket.
It also does not make a beep on detection but vibrates, which is industry standard because you can feel it even when in loud environment.
I personally would not to go with Uni-T for serious use because their quality is hit and miss. It might be quite OK, but not guaranteed.
For occasional poke in a socket around the house it might be OK.
My philosophy here is that it is only 20 or so € of difference between questionable tool and good for life pro tool.
In which case I go for better tool, always. That is 4-5 coffies of difference.
If difference was 3000€ and 5000€ then we have to respect budgetary constraints.
For 20€ there is no excuse not to chose clearly better tool that will last you 10-15 years..
That is my opinion.
Of course that is just my opinion and how I make decision. To each it's own. You do you.
Best, -
I feel the same way. I have concerns about Uni-T when it comes to electrical safety.
230/400V is no longer a low voltage.QuoteI consider the "beep on high voltage" essential
We have some that vibrate and hum if it's too loud and you're wearing gloves. They also light up like Christmas trees and, finally, they have some kind of “mechanical” indicator for the voltage.
That's as good as it gets...
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Brymen has distance same as socket and comes with banana screw ons that allow you to keep it in the socket.
That doesn't work for my usecase unfortunately. I am not an electrician and don't work on construction sites. I don't need vibration because I can always hear it beep. VIbration and LEDs are not noticeable from several rooms away, while an aural indication is - I would not want to miss that feature.
It also does not make a beep on detection but vibrates, which is industry standard because you can feel it even when in loud environment.QuoteI personally would not to go with Uni-T for serious use because their quality is hit and miss. It might be quite OK, but not guaranteed.
Actually, safety was my concern as well, since some Uni-T meters have been deemed unsafe in Daves Videos. But I would assume that a device that is specifically built for mains work would be constructed safe enough.
For occasional poke in a socket around the house it might be OK.
I don't care too much for durability and ruggedness, however, since I do not use it often. It might sit unused for a year and be used maybe 10 or 20 times another.QuoteMy philosophy here is that it is only 20 or so € of difference between questionable tool and good for life pro tool.
That is my philosphy as well usually. Rather pay something more for a good tool then save a few bucks and get a shady one. 60€ would be o.k. for me, but the two meters seem to not do it for me (no aural feedback on either one, no thick probes on the Benning), so I would need to look somewhere else and pay even more. The Uni-T costs a little over 30€ incl. shipping.
In which case I go for better tool, always. That is 4-5 coffies of difference.
Any other ideas?
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if safety is a concern, i'd be reluctant to walk away to a remote switchboard leaving a pair of probes plugged into a live mains outlet! what happens if the probe connected to the neutral falls out? it is now an exposed live wire in an area you are not directly supervising. or if you are called away suddenly, you end up leaving live test equipment unattended.
for those times when you need audible indication from the next room, far better to use a dedicated device: a plugpack or similar with a buzzer attached. or for making sound from a light fitting use an LED light bulb modified to remove the LEDs and replace them with a buzzer.
cheers,
rob :-) -
Are there any cheap socket testers with buzzer available?
Perhaps it would be an idea to get one of those in addition to a proper two-pole voltage tester, if they are available. Just for finding the right circuit breaker and then test for voltage afterwards with a "real" tester? -
if safety is a concern, i'd be reluctant to walk away to a remote switchboard leaving a pair of probes plugged into a live mains outlet! what happens if the probe connected to the neutral falls out?
Then the other end of the probe also falls out because both parts of the device are connected together through the case somehow. In my old tester it was through a "nut and bolt" connection that held the two parts together while in the correct distance; in other tools it seems to be possible to click them together. Of course, something like that would also be mandatory for a tester, but I think all of them have this feature. It is also highly unlikely, since the springs in the sockets hold the probes pretty tightly and gravity pulls in an (almost) 90° angle so not much force in the resulting vector.
In the last 15 years nothing like that ever happened so I might feel overconfident.Quoteit is now an exposed live wire
Even if that happens - would that be a problem? Serious question, I thought the shunts for voltage measurement are in MOhm range, so that should be safe? If I use a "liar stick" (not sure how you call those screwdrivers with lamp for one pole measurement in english) I am also connected directly to the phase, right?Quotein an area you are not directly supervising. or if you are called away suddenly, you end up leaving live test equipment unattended.
If I do any work on mains circuits I usually tell everyone I am busy until I restored a safe environment. Whoever calls me away needs to wait (unless something more serious happens, like wife or kid falls from the ladder but then, see above).Quotefor those times when you need audible indication from the next room, far better to use a dedicated device: a plugpack or similar with a buzzer attached. or for making sound from a light fitting use an LED light bulb modified to remove the LEDs and replace them with a buzzer.
Well, for me even the two pole tester is kind of hard to justify when everyone else is just using a liar stick for that purpose. Yet another device is going too far even for me.
I just found out that the Uni-T apparently also has not thick probes so I will need to check voelkner again it seems. Any other suggestions?
Hmm Voelkner has the successor of my old one (a VC-55) on sale for 30€ right now. Maybe I will try that one. -
Hmm Voelkner has the successor of my old one (a VC-55) on sale for 30€ right now. Maybe I will try that one.
I think you found one that does what you want it to do. And the price is excellent. I have not been able to find out who the original manufacturer of this device is. But it is essentially offered by the German company Conrad Electronic and I would expect that they do proper testing for specs and safety before selling meters under their own brand. -
Are there any cheap socket testers with buzzer available?
Yes, they're called radios.
There's other ones called light bulbs which give excellent visual indication. -
Are there any cheap socket testers with buzzer available?
Yes, they're called radios.
There's other ones called light bulbs which give excellent visual indication.
I was more thinking about a mains-powered, small and portable device, but you are completely right, for use at home, you could use almost anything, even a vacuum cleaner.
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Hmm Voelkner has the successor of my old one (a VC-55) on sale for 30€ right now. Maybe I will try that one.
Yep, seems like a bargain at sub 30 euro
https://www.voelkner.de/products/1039549/VOLTCRAFT-VC55-LCD-SE-Zweipoliger-Spannungspruefer-CAT-III-1000-V-CAT-IV-600V-LCD-LED-Akustik.html?
Conrad dk that also handles Voltcraft.. its 75 euro (550DKK) + delivery.
https://www.conradelektronik.dk/da/p/voltcraft-vc-55-lcd-to-polet-spaendingstester-cat-iii-1000-v-cat-iv-600-v-akustik-lcd-led-1188073.html -
Quote
Are there any cheap socket testers with buzzer available?
Define cheap ? theirs plenty to choose from here in the uk from decent brands like martindale,fluke kewcheck etc for less than £30 . One thing to watch is that a correctly wired live socket shows 3 lights,some older/cheaper models only light 2,is the wiring correct or is the third light blown? -
Are there any cheap socket testers with buzzer available?
Yes, they're called radios.
There's other ones called light bulbs which give excellent visual indication.
I was more thinking about a mains-powered, small and portable device, but you are completely right, for use at home, you could use almost anything, even a vacuum cleaner.
You mean like an ordinary socket tester? https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0769TMD5B -
You mean like an ordinary socket tester? https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0769TMD5B
Thanks, yes, I thought that there might be some of those with sound, for the OP to help them finding the corresponding cicruit breaker. But as @Fungus wrote, at home, you could use anything that is mains-powered and makes some noise. And the OP already found the VOLTCRAFT VC55 that seems to do what they need and even has a buzzer. -
for use at home, you could use almost anything, even a vacuum cleaner.
Hadn't thought of that one, it's a great idea!