CAT ratings for non-cantact testers

[chris kennedy]

Why do non-contact testers such as voltage and rotation need/have CAT ratings? No current flows through them.

Thanks

 

[mgookin]

http://kb.bkprecision.com/questions.php?questionid=23

 

[texie]

Why do non-contact testers such as voltage and rotation need/have CAT ratings? No current flows through them.

Thanks

Don't you sometimes touch a live terminal with one? I know I do.

 

[chris kennedy]

http://kb.bkprecision.com/questions.php?questionid=23

Thanks for the link but doesn't address my question.

What I learned from the link, I olny need a CAT IV tester outdoors.

 

[chris kennedy]

Don't you sometimes touch a live terminal with one? I know I do.

If I did contact live parts with one, there would be no current from the premise wiring system flowing through it.

 

[GoldDigger]

If I did contact live parts with one, there would be no current from the premise wiring system flowing through it.

But it would need to protect you from accidental shocks when holding the tester, caused by inadequate insulation. The Category system addresses protective insulation as well as applied current and voltage limits. For a non-contact tester some of the tests may not be applicable at all, but the operator safety test part of the requirements will be the same.
It isn't actually done AFAIK, but you could apply the CAT (X) protection levels to testing an insulated screwdriver.