Customer Reviews

Greenlee Non-Contact Voltage Detector, 50 To 1000VAC, 500Hz

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a remodeler and former electrician. I keep a Non-Contact detector with me at all times. I also provide one for my helper.

The detector works well at sensing and indicating line voltage, but the switch is terrible.

The switch quickly loosens and is easily turned off by an inadvertent bump or contact when used in cramped locations.

The rotary design of the switch does not provide a positive engagement like the products from other manufacturers. I have used other NC detectors with a sliding switch that positively engages and resists unintended actuation. You can easily, unknowingly turn the switch off with your hand or by sliding it alongside a piece of wood, cable, or a junction box.

I am disappointed that Greenlee-a premiere manufacturer of professional electrical tools-would create such a flawed product. This appears to be an example of product that seemed to be a good design on paper or in the unrestricted space of a design center, but was not submitted for long-term field testing in real-world conditions.

I've had one of these for several years and after losing it in an attic full of blown-in insulation this week, I'm here to buy another. I've tried several brands of voltage detectors, but was always left frustrated by the relentless false-positive readings. The Greenlee product, however, has always been a reliable tool through years of remodeling projects at home and on the job site.

As another reviewer noted, the top switch can get a little loose, but I just adapted to holding it in such a way as to instantly tell whether it was on or off just by touch.

Lastly, in the rare event that the batteries need replacing, you don't need to go looking for a particular type of button battery. This tool uses easy-to-find AAA's.

Everyone that dose any kind of electrical work on other than low voltage should have one. It's better than being skittish and overly cautious when there's no need to be. It's also vary helpful for things the last reviewer said (tracking down a bad bulb in Christmas lights). All you got to do it touch it to the wire or cable and move it up, down and all around to be positive there's no power and your good to go. As stated in most instructions, you should test on a known live circuit (lamps or corded power tools work great) before relying on it.

I personally own their CAT No. 1110 but know plenty that own and use this one. They both work great and can often detect power before you even touch the insulation, I just liked the yellow and red one :)

My dad bought this for me after my electrical kit was stolen from my trailer. I have now purchased one for my father-in-law and two for my brothers-in-law. Everyone needs to own one of these.

Not only will it detect voltage in outlets but it can detect voltage through Christmas lights without direct contact assisting you in identifying the light that is bad and causing the whole strand to be dark. That ability alone has saved me two light strands already.

You will not be disappointed in this purchase.

I used this style voltage detector for over 2 years as a professional electrician, and it has never let me down. The clip doesn't last long and the switch takes some getting used to but quickly becomes second nature. If i hadn't broken the tip off (used it to try to pry something) I would still be using it. The replacement I purchased was another Greenlee except the new model and it is pure garbage, I will be going back the this style.

Incredibly fragile, the rotary switch broke quickly, as did the plastic clip, rendering this thing worthless. Have had many people tell me the same. Will not buy, will not recommmend. Worst design for one these that I have ever had the displeasure of using. What happened their original design? Fluke used to make a nice one, too, but they also changed their design. Sad.

This high-quality non-contact voltage detector is the most important tool in my electrical tool box. It's well made, does what it says it will, and is truly essential to any DIY home electrical work.

I'm a single mom who can't always afford to call an electrician for a small project, and am always concerned that I'm going to use the typical el-cheapo voltage detector the wrong way (e.g., put the prongs in the wrong holes, blow myself up, etc.). So to be on the safe side, I usually throw the main switch and black-out the whole house just to replace a simple outlet.

I'm finally getting my kitchen remodeled this week, and last night I saw this little gadget sitting on my table. I thought it was a large pen, but then I read what it was and started to play with it on my outlets and switches. It immediately detected current thru the switch plates, which had me saying "woah..." I instantly chucked one into my Wish List here at Amazon!

The tool works as advertised and has enabled me to work around voltage with confidence.