Best Electrical Testers and Meters for Voltage Diagnosis

Choosing the Best Electrical Tester

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.

Hall-effect Clamp Meter by Fluke Electronics®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working...

Clamp Meter by Fluke Electronics®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition...

Digital Multimeter by Gardner Bender®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working...

Analog Multimeter by Gardner Bender®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition...

VolTect™ Compact Digital Multimeter by Amprobe®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe...

True-RMS Digital Multimeter by Fluke Electronics®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe...

Heavy-Duty Circuit Tester by S&G Tool Aid®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working...

Electrical Continuity Tester by Dorman®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working...

Bulb by S&G Tool Aid®. This product is made of high-quality materials to serve you for years to come. Designed using state-of-the-art technology and with customers in mind. It will meet your needs and deliver great quality at an...

Bulb by Lisle®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition with proven tools...

Back Test Probe and Alligator Clips Set by Lisle®. Provides the technicians with an asortment of back probe pins with standard banana plug connections. Alligator clips allow many ways to connection to multimeter probes. The probes are...

Used for testing electrical circuits in cars, trailers, boats, and more Retractable test leads pull out and stay at desired length and rewind into its own protective case when not in use

Test Leads by Electronic Specialties®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working...

Continuity Tester by TRC®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition with...

Handypack™ Circuit Tester by Standard®. This product is made of high-quality materials to serve you for years to come. Designed using state-of-the-art technology and with customers in mind. It will meet your needs and deliver great...

Circuit Tester by Standard®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition with...

Digital Voltmeter by Prime Products®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition...

PP 3™ Digital Voltmeter by Power Probe®. The Power Probe 3 is a Digital Voltmeter designed to work on 12V to 24V sources, with the ability to apply Power and Ground. Using an Auxiliary Ground cable, the user can simultaneously supply...

Heavy-Duty Circuit Tester by Lisle®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition...

Circuit Tester by Lisle®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition with proven...

Heavy-Duty Circuit Tester by ATD®. If you're looking for a reliable solution to complete your project, this 1st-grade product is right up your alley. Designed utilizing the finest materials, it delivers unmatched levels of durability...

True RMS Clamp Meter by TRC®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition with...

Auto Ranging Digital Multimeter by Install Bay®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe...

Digital Multimeter by ATD®. Failure to properly maintain the electrical system can result in its damage and costly repairs. Do everything right the first time. Inspect and keep the electrical system in a safe working condition with...

Digital Multimeter by Performance Tool®. Get your job done right every time with top-of-the-line electrical testing tools showcased on our virtual shelves! Whether you’re testing, designing, diagnosing, or doing any other job, they...

Almost any wiring job requires electrical circuit testing to make sure everything is OK, and there are numerous electrical testing tools available on the market. The simplest electrical testing device is a test light tool. It has a probe that leads to a fuse located inside the device. The fuse is connected to the light, which lights up to indicate that current comes through it. Also, test light tools may have a clamp for ground connection. If short circuit occurs, the fuse in the tool blows and does not allow for excessive current flow. So, test light tools are quite simple and inexpensive devices, which are needed for dealing with basic electric jobs.

Multimeters provide more information about electric current and show voltage, resistance, and more. Such tools help to find various electric faults and eliminate them. If your job requires testing isolation resistance, you will need a megohmmeter. If you need to check the safety of the electrical system, a current leakage tester can be very helpful. We also carry current line splitters, cable height meters, circuit tracers and accessories, current probes, and more. Take advantage of quality electrical testing tools we offer at a fair price.