What’s in Your Tool Bag?

SAFETY ESSENTIAL

Electrical testers are considered safety essentials for electricians because they are designed to detect and analyze an object's electrical current/voltage. Testers can verify that an object has been properly de-energized, reducing potential exposure to electrical hazards before beginning to work in an area. Testers come in many forms, but the three most common testers used by electricians are the Non-Contact Voltage Testers, Multifunction Clamp Meters and Circuit Tracers.

Non-Contact Voltage Tester (NCVT) - These testers are used to detect the presence of voltage without needing to make physical contact with an object's conductors. NCVTs are typically used for testing lower voltage items such as doorbells, thermostats, cables, switches, etc. When the tip of the tester is placed near an item, the NCVT will indicate if voltage is present by changing color and emitting sound. This tester can be used as the first tool to identify voltage but should NOT be the only testing method used before working in an area.

Clamp Meter - As one of the most common testers among electrical professionals, the Clamp Meter has several functionalities. It tests and trouble shoots faults, overloads, short circuits and continuity of voltage. Clamp meters have a damage free, retractable clamp that fits around a conductor and they can be used without shutting off the circuit while measuring. This type of tester also allows for a single conductor to be isolated when working on a bundle of conductors.

Circuit Tracer - This device is used to follow paths of a circuit without needing to physically locate and follow a cable through walls, ceilings, underground, etc. Circuit Tracers consist of two devices — the transmitter and receiver. A transmitter connects to the circuit that is having an issue, such as a faulty outlet. Receivers are placed on the circuit breaker to detect the problem cable. When the receiver is placed near the faulty cable, the signal coming from the transmitter will trigger the receiver alert by emitting a light and/or sound.

Using electrical testers is not only the smart thing to do — it is necessary to work safely and reduce hazards. In the electrical code book NFPA 70E, or Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, the use of the proper electrical instrument is required for testing for the absence of voltage. NFPA 70E, Section 120.5(7) states, “Use an adequately rated portable test instrument to test each phase conductor or circuit part to verify it is deenergized. Test each phase conductor or circuit part both phase-to-phase and phase to-ground. Before and after each test, determine that the test instrument is operating satisfactorily through verification on any known voltage source.”

Electric tool company, IDEAL® Electrical, focuses on electrician safety by promoting their innovative line of Test and Measure products. The product line is designed to reduce hazards to the user, such as implementing bottom meter displays that prevent the need to twist/bend conductors or the need to get too close to the panel while testing. “Having testers on the jobsite can provide a safer, more productive work environment for the electrician,” IDEAL Product Manager, Chris Forthaus comments. “They can be used to alert the electrician of hazardous conditions, help determine electrical component rating/sizes, and verify performance and trouble shoot electrical systems. Having the correct testers on the jobsite makes an electrician more efficient, more proficient and better at their profession!”