Voltage Stick Advice

[Knight499]

Hi Guys Im looking to purchase a new voltage stick…would appreciate any input/recommendations on the best one to buy? What do you guys use?

Thanks

 

[Vortigern]

Nobody can recommend a volt stick in the proper sense, rather we would recommend no volt stick. But anyway that aside Kewtech Kewstickduo. It has an attenuation button on it which helps at a switch say to identify a single wire as being live.

DISCLAIMER: Volt sticks are not an approved method of testing for live or dead. Use of such apparatus is taken entirely at the risk of the operator we do not accept any liability. AND don't do this at home.

 

[LukeD]

As above ..I only use them for basic test and tracing along a cable

 

[Knight499]

Nobody can recommend a volt stick in the proper sense, rather we would recommend no volt stick. But anyway that aside Kewtech Kewstickduo. It has an attenuation button on it which helps at a switch say to identify a single wire as being live.

DISCLAIMER: Volt sticks are not an approved method of testing for live or dead. Use of such apparatus is taken entirely at the risk of the operator we do not accept any liability. AND don't do this at home.

Of course, thanks for the reply. Only require for basic tracing of cables etc

 

[Knight499]

As above ..I only use them for basic test and tracing along a cable

Me too - thanks Luke

 

[Vortigern]

It's just that I don't want to be seen endorsing volt sticks for DIY etc. Although the Kewtechduo is good! (Not!)

 

[Pretty Mouth]

I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

 

[Knight499]

I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

Thanks mate

 

[Eddy Currents]

I have always used the Fluke 1AC II. I've had a few and the only problem I found with them is they stop working when dropped from heights
The Fluke picks up 90v-1000v. Some other makes start at 200v so wouldn't pick up a live 110v flex so you might want to check the specs for whatever one you decide on

As others have said, they are not to be relied on to test for live or dead but handy for a quick check for live on a flex on a faulty light for example or for tracing cables. Mine is always in my pocket

 

[7029 dave]

They have a place in my tool kit , mind you my martindale ET4 is great on the non contact mode.

 

[timhoward]

The best I ever had was from B&Q about 20 years ago and it had a sliding sensitivity control. I miss that one!

 

[Teddy Lop]

I have a UNI-T UT13A, which has a wheel to adjust the sensitivity, and will detect down to 24v supposedly. I can't say if it's any better or worse than others on the market, as it's the only one I have ever owned (5 years).

I wouldn't be without it though, one of the most useful tools I own. Great for identifying cables.

Could you try when you get a chance? I'd be intrigued, given they're some what dependent on current too and can be flakey at 230v! BT wiring?

Useful for diagnostic work but there's good reason they're looked down on, doesn't stop you seeing Bob the builder diligently checking all his wires after you've told him it's all dead and the tails are hanging loose

 

[mainline]

Hi Guys Im looking to purchase a new voltage stick…would appreciate any input/recommendations on the best one to buy? What do you guys use?

Thanks

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I’ve used one of these and found it to be very good.

 

[DPG]

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I’ve used one of these and found it to be very good.

Looking at the address and the feedback of that seller, I would definitely not be buying from them!

 

[Sapper]

A non contact voltage detector can only ever be as good as your experience. You can't just put a new one in your pocket and expect it to work the way you want it to. As with any gadget you really need to play with it a while, like a new toy, and learn how it can work for you.
Certainly not a replacement for a 2 pole tester but can be quite handy once you have the experience and know what to expect.
I use the Martindale NC2. It's not as sensitive as others so it won't react to adjacent phases when doing a quick trace on mcbs or contactors. That's important to me, and that's what I'm used to.