Regardless of what an MFT can do, both it (or separates) and a 2 pole tester are essential kit.
<= This!
It is not just the issue of size and weight for testing, it is the safety aspect. A voltage tester does one* thing, and does it well, it lacks knobs and dials that can lead to mistakes in setting it and the risk of not detecting a dangerous voltage.
The most basic ones are only voltage, they have a handful of LEDs and don't need a battery. The only precaution in use, which applies to all test equipment, is you need to know it is working in the first place. For that you get a "proving unit" which is basically a battery powered device that generates 115-400V at safe current limits to allow you to test your tester. At a push you test a known live circuit first, and then you have reasonable confidence the tester is working to test an unknown circuit you intend working on.
[*] Some of the 2-pole voltage testers also check continuity, so they need batteries, and some claim to be "self proving" where the continuity aspect (or similar) is used to verify the tester is working OK.
There are
many to chose from, but generally I would go with a cheap-ish but recognised tester. My own one is this:
Excellent value LED voltage and continuity tester
www.cef.co.uk
The proving unit i have is this:
Intelligent voltage ramp testing for voltage indicators and multimeters
www.cef.co.uk
I also have a simpler tester that lives in the boot of my car just in case I need it:
• Voltage range 12V to 690V • Automatic polarity indication • One hand operation for testing sockets• Compact pocket size design• Probe tip protection• No batteries required• Extra bright LEDs• Does not trip RCDsThis is the perfect fully compliant Voltage Tester to be used within electrical safe...
www.toolstation.com
While the bleep of the continuity can be annoying (e.g. when checking N-E it makes a noise as they are linked so have continuity, but on live it makes a different noise and shows which voltage) I found it odd not having it, as in the absence of the proving unit I took to touching the probes together to see the continuity sound/LED as basic evidence it was working.
EDIT: Here is an example of a "self proving" tester:
With LCD and LED display this is an exclusive voltage and continuity tester, with built in proving test that conforms fully to BSEN 61243-3:2010 and HSE GS38 12B. Features additional built in two pole phase rotation test.Will not trip any RCD when testing between live and earth. Digital LCD and...
www.toolstation.com