Comments on: Fluke LVD1 Non-Contact Voltage Detector

By: Nate Bezanson

Nate Bezanson — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:05:46 +0000

Good points, Bill and Jaiprakash. Because this unit has variable glow intensity and color, it can be sensitive to faint signals (a flickery blue light) while not producing false alarms in an environment with stronger signals (just look for the solid red instead). I find that this makes it more versatile than a tester that has only a binary audible indication. Even shielded power cables show up, though I have to be within an inch or two, as opposed to unshielded which start to indicate from a foot or more away.

All that being said, of course you should never rely on any of these things for safety. They are incredibly handy as a pre-check, though, and for simple questions like “Is this extension cord live?”. Since it’s such a handy flashlight, I always have it with me, which can’t be said for a real outlet tester or multimeter.

By: Jaiprakash More

Jaiprakash More — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:06:35 +0000

I have used several products Core Balance CT, High sensitive Clamp meters. All these voltage detectors/ sensors may not detect live wires shielded in metal conduit or armored cable. So you had better know what you are doing. You may not get a second chance..be safe & always consider all ckt are live (there may the best equipment gone faulty at the time u use it.) And even if you ensure the power OFF there are always chace of return path through netral & earthing from power stealers/other ckts. Only way to ensure conductor LIVE is….touch it to ground.

By: Rajesh Parmar

Rajesh Parmar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 04:23:21 +0000

Sparkydave ;

Hi, it is very important information from you, i will be thankful if you can provide website or contact details for manufacturers of ‘Solenoid Type Tester’ referred in your response above. As we want to know more about it see catlogues.
Thanks in anticipation.
regards;
Rajesh

By: Sparkydave

Sparkydave — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 01:39:34 +0000

Being in the electrical field for 20 years now, we have a saying for these types of testers. They are commonly referred to as the DEATH STICK!!, why?
They often give false readings, indicating live wires when they are not and vice versa. The ONLY way any of my people will test a circuit is with a wiggy. (solenoid type tester) If my life depends on it, there is no way an electronic device with a battery is sufficient. Don’t get me wrong here, I own one as well, but you had better know what you are doing. You may not get a second chance..be safe

By: Zathrus

Zathrus — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:36:30 +0000

A circuit tracer and a voltage detector are (usually) two different things. Tracers are great for sticking in an outlet, going to the breaker box, and finding the right breaker to turn off. Voltage detectors are more useful for ensuring that that the sheathed conduit in front of you that leads to who-knows-where is actually off. Or for checking that the power is off to a switch or light fixture prior to rewiring.

They’re both useful!

By: Julian Tracy

Julian Tracy — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:20:40 +0000

I’ll add that I now have a real circuit tracer (3M) and I no longer need to use my voltage detector for verbal confirmation, so I’ll probably pick one of these up cause it would be very handy to have a little flashlight always in the electrical kit bag.

By: Julian Tracy

Julian Tracy — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:18:32 +0000

That’s slick looking, but I’m currently using a GreenLee (I think), that has the little prong to stick in an outlet and it useful as you can stick it in the outlet and it’ll stay (most times).

You can hear the beeping tone through a good portion of the house - often good enough to go into the basement and shut off the breaker and hear the beeping stop to confirm.

By: Phil

Phil — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 06:00:10 +0000

I’ve had one of these for a few years. It’s tiny enough to keep on my keychain, so it’s always handy, and the big bonus is that it operates on a single AAA cell. No oddball combinations of coin cells that are short lived and hard to find like those used in almost all small LED lights.

The voltage detection works as expected, with the initially blue indicator turning red as the detected voltage is approached and is higher than about 70 volts. Highly recommended.

By: Bill

Bill — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:48:38 +0000

One caveat for those who don’t already know, these voltage detectors will not detect hot elec wires shielded in metal conduit or armored cable. That being said I carry one at work all the time and I’m not in the trades. But when I’m doing a fire investigation and there are any exposed wires about, I pull out my detector and check first, I don’t care who says the power has been turned off. Please remember, and I’ve seen this, even if the main has been switched off or the utility has cut the power at the pole, you never know if someone stealing electricity has tapped into someone else electricity, or is back feeding whatever wire you’re about to touch.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:34:39 +0000

I have not used this model specifically, but I ALWAYS have a voltage detector in my tool kit when I work on electrical. And when I used to manage a group of grocery-store installation mechanics, I insisted that each mechanic have (and use!) a voltage detector before working on refrigerated cases or food-prep equipment. It is absolutely the best way to insure that the juice is off before poking around a circuit. The model I use (which is also from Fluke) has an audible beep as well as a light. When I do repair work at my parent’s house, I like to have this around just to prove to my Mom (who is absolutely scared of electricity and the chance I might get shocked) that all is safe. I suggest that anyone who does electrical work, even just an occasional switch/fixture replacement around the house, has one of these.