How many types of electric testers are there? Which type should I use?

The electric tester is one of the popular handheld devices in the household today. However, many people still do not know what an electric tester is, whether to buy an electric tester or a good electric tester. This article will answer for you!

How many types of electric testers are there?

Electrical tester with electrical contact

Electrical tester in contact with the power source is a type of electrical tester that works based on the parasitic capacitive effect on the human body .

When the pen tip is placed on a live object, the current will pass through the resistor, through the bulb, and through the capacitive resistance of the human body to form a closed circuit, causing the pen’s bulb to light up .

The Tolsen 38114 140 mm electric tester is a pen that comes in contact with electricity

Advantage:

• This current is so small that it is not enough to cause a fatal shock.
• There is a cheaper price (about 19,000 VND, the price updated in June 2023 and may change over time ) with the type of electric tester that comes in contact with the power source.
• Ease of use should be commonly used in many families today to test common power sources.
• This type of electric tester is also very popular and can be easily found in the market.

The current through the electric tester is very small, so it is still safe for users

Defect:

• However, due to contact with the power source, if the tester is damaged or wet, there is a risk of electric shock when used.
• If this type of pen is not used properly, it also poses significant danger as if used to test DC voltage it will cause a shock if the internal bulb or resistor is touched.

Inductive electric tester does not come into contact with the power supply

The non-contact inductive electric tester has a special structure, testing the presence of current based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction of current. This type of pen has the ability to detect magnetic field lines and notify via an indicator light at the tip of the pen.

In-wall electric tester is extremely convenient and safe

Because it works on the principle of electromagnetic induction , the non-contact electrical tester is capable of testing the current right outside the conductor, outside the case or on the wall surface, etc. You will not need it. You have to remove the device to plug the pen head directly into the power source like the old electric testers, so it is safe and convenient for you.

This type of electric tester is capable of inducing current magnetic fields from a distance of 1 – 2 cm , so you can check the wiring in the wall, in the floor, etc. with the locations where you suspect the electrical conductor is broken underground. , you can also use this power probe to check the exact location of underground wire breaks .

Advantage:

• Can use a variety of functions such as floor, wall, inductive electrical testing to accurately check the location of underground wire breaks, …

Defect:

• However, non-contact electrical testers are usually more expensive than electrical testers that are in contact with the mains.

Electrical testers that do not contact the source usually have a high cost of about 60,000 VND (price updated in June 2023, and may change from time to time).

Comparison of electrical testers with contact and without contact with the mains

Working principle	Power supply contact distance	Safety	Price range
Electrical tester with contact	When the pen tip is placed on a live object, the current will pass through the resistor, through the bulb, and through the capacitive resistance of the human body to form a closed circuit, causing the pen’s bulb to light up.	Direct contact with the power source is required.	If the test pen is damaged or wet, there may be risks of electric shock when using it, endangering the user. However, if not used correctly, it is also significantly unsafe.	The price is cheap, so it is quite popular with home users.
Non-contact electric tester	The non-contact electrical tester checks for the presence of current based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction of current. This type of pen has the ability to detect this magnetic field line and notify through the indicator light at the tip of the pen.	It is possible to check the current right on the outside of the conductor, the case or the wall surface, … easily without direct contact with the power source.	Because it is not in direct contact with the power source, the safety is higher.	There is a higher cost compared to electrical testers that come in contact with the mains.

Should you buy an electrical tester with contact or no contact with the power supply?

It is advisable to purchase a contact tester when:

• Your use needs an easy-to-use, easy-to-find electrical meter.
• You need to buy a cheap electric tester.

It is recommended to buy a non-contact electrical tester when:

• You prioritize safety when using an electric tester.
• There is a need to test electric and magnetic fields in many ways.

Above is an article explaining what an electric tester is, how many types there are, and which one to use. Hopefully with the above advice, you will choose the right electric tester for your needs.