Best Electrical Testers and Meters for Voltage Diagnosis

Voltage testers and receptacle analyzers detect the presence of electrical voltage in cable, wires, circuit breakers, light fixtures, outlets and switches. Testers and analyzers indicate if the power is off at an outlet. They also let you know whether a device is connected properly.

• A non-contact voltage tester works well for all types of electrical work. They provide a reading without the need to touch the wires. Non-contact voltage testers emit a sound or illuminate when voltage is detected. However, they do not provide a numerical reading of any current voltage.
• Electronic voltage testers measure alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) and give a numerical reading of the voltage present. Some electronic voltage testers also measure continuity.
• Receptacle analyzers plug into an outlet to determine whether that outlet is working properly. Some analyzers test both GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets and standard outlets. Different lights illuminate to signal if the outlet is accurately grounded and wired. The analyzer also identifies common wiring faults if the outlet is not wired correctly.
• Circuit breaker finders identify the circuit breaker controlling an outlet. They consist of two parts: a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter plugs into the outlet and the receiver passes over the circuit breakers in the breaker panel. When the receiver passes over the correct breaker, it emits a sound or lights up to signal which circuit breaker to turn off before working on an outlet. Some circuit breaker finders include a light socket adapter for finding the circuit breaker that controls a light fixture.
• Continuity testers determine if a light switch is malfunctioning. They measure whether an electrical circuit is open or closed. A light switch circuit is closed when the light is on. It is open when the light is off. Closed circuits have continuity and conduct electricity while open circuits do not have continuity because they cannot conduct electricity.
• Plug In Testers have LCD displays for voltage and circuit information, especially more modern ones.

It's also a good idea to check the voltage range that the device is designed to test for. The higher the voltage range, the more versatile the tool.

Safety Tip: Be sure to turn off power to a circuit before performing a continuity test.

Of the several meter types, a multimeter is the most budget-friendly. It performs several functions in one unit. Multimeters come with black and red lead probes attached to the ends of wires that can be held against battery terminals or inserted into outlets for testing.

One multimeter can do the work of three tools. It can be a voltmeter that measures voltage or an ammeter that measures current, an ohmmeter that measures resistance or an advanced multimeter model to measure continuity, temperature and more.

• Digital multimeters display measurements as a number and offer the most reliable readings.
• Analog multimeters display measurements across a bar.
• Auto-ranging meters do not require you to manually set the expected voltage range.
• Professional multimeters can have backlit displays, work lights, high safety ratings and magnetic mounts.
• Clamp meters primarily measure current. Some clamp meters measure voltage, temperature and more. Clamp meters make it easier to measure the current in an electrical conductor. A wire can be threaded through the clamp opening without having to disconnect the wire.

Safety Tip: Before use, check your voltage testers' safety compliance ratings.