Voltage detectors again (non contact)

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

brother

Senior Member
Location
"I have learned, in whatsoever STATE I am, therewi
I know this been discussed before, and I do like fluke products (I have fluke meters etc..), but I have to say I prefer 'gb' BRAND non contact voltage detector. Mainly because they are within the range of 50 volt to 600 volt. which is what the average electrician would be concerned about.

The popular fluke model ( http://www.professionalequipment.co...er-fluke-1ac-a1-ii/fluke-multimeters-testers/ ) that ive seen is the 90v to 1000 volt range. The 90 volt is too high in my opinion for safe voltage detection. I know someone will say they (fluke) sell the low volt detection models for the up to the 90volt range, but that modle is too low for the average practicle reason.
Theres a reason that why osha chose the 50 volt range for being ok to work energized if there is not a flash hazard.
;)

I wanted to add that can anyone give a reason why 'fluke' would make a non contact tester that was this 90 to 1000 volt range like this.
 
Last edited:
In the US, where are you going to normally find an 80V source. FOr most instances it will be up to 24V then jump to 120V Maybe some 50V stuff but it will probably be DC when working with UPS's.

Im not really understanding the concern. If you work with a huge array of voltages - use a real meter.

~Matt
 
TOOL_5150 said:
In the US, where are you going to normally find an 80V source. FOr most instances it will be up to 24V then jump to 120V Maybe some 50V stuff but it will probably be DC when working with UPS's.

Im not really understanding the concern. If you work with a huge array of voltages - use a real meter.

~Matt
Click to expand...

Its not really a concern, just a point Im making. I have multiple meters, so thats not a real issue. The real point I was making was that the threshold is 50 volts and above for working on live circuits with the ppe. If its below 50 then your good. Not to mention most voltage/amp you will not even notice below 50.

One example is that there was a some 'stray' voltage' on a residential house that had the main power lines cut off/disconnected. At first they (lineman) could not tell where the voltage was comming from. They believed it was comming from the phone/lines . It was 80 volts, and it did shock the lineman. He was ok, but the point is that the 50v volt tic wouldve worked here and prevented a shock.
 
I would bet the voltage was coming from the cable lines, I have seen about 85-90V on a cable shield before. It was deffinately enough to give a shock. In this case, I still would MUCH rather use a real meter like a T+ Pro to see if the voltage is real or induced. I understand your point, But I believe noone should ever rely on a non-contact tester. If I know I am working on a 120/240V panel, I may use a non-contact tester just to see if theres voltage or not, but in reality, I normally use a real meter.

~Matt
 
Personally I dislike the Fluke since it produces no audible tone when voltage is detected. I've been using the green ones (might be Greenlee) they sell at HD or Lowes for years. The ones that only light up aren't that great in some situations like bright sunlight.
 
My fluke does beep.. I don't like those! For good reason! Mine was flashing, indicating it's on and working... I was checking an outdoor free standing duplex.. carefully.. I indicated it was dead so I grabbed the duplex.. it was NOT DEAD! I've instructed my guys, use them to prove you have voltage NEVER USE THEM TO PROVE YOU DO NOT!
 
bobsherwood said:
My fluke does beep.. I don't like those! For good reason! Mine was flashing, indicating it's on and working... I was checking an outdoor free standing duplex.. carefully.. I indicated it was dead so I grabbed the duplex.. it was NOT DEAD! I've instructed my guys, use them to prove you have voltage NEVER USE THEM TO PROVE YOU DO NOT!
Click to expand...

The Fluke that I had didn't beep but that was years ago.
 
TOOL_5150 said:
I would bet the voltage was coming from the cable lines, I have seen about 85-90V on a cable shield before. It was deffinately enough to give a shock. In this case, I still would MUCH rather use a real meter like a T+ Pro to see if the voltage is real or induced. I understand your point, But I believe noone should ever rely on a non-contact tester. If I know I am working on a 120/240V panel, I may use a non-contact tester just to see if theres voltage or not, but in reality, I normally use a real meter.

~Matt
Click to expand...

I always have my other meters in the truck with me, (fluke t pro , wiggy ) when I have a voltage detector. The point I was making, at least the one I use, before touching these cut wires, the wand wouldve pick up the voltage. Which wouldve been confirmed with the fluke meter. The volt tic is just a go or no go, and I have not had one (gb brand) that did not work well.

I think you were right about the cable. Come to think of it, someone claim to have read the cover where the cable terminated and it says ' caution potential shock 40 to 90 volts.
 
infinity said:
The Fluke that I had didn't beep but that was years ago.
Click to expand...

I've got a Fluke VoltAlert that is brand new. It flashes red and beeps when it detects voltage, but the beep is optional. It can be turned off by holding the power button.

I'm in a power plant, and the AC voltages I work with are 120, 480, and 600. The VoltAlert works fine for those. Anything less than 120 is DC anyway (for me).
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top