Safety is paramount when working with electricity, and commercial electric voltage testers are crucial for protecting yourself and your business. Used correctly, voltage meters confirm when outlets, wires, and equipment have no power, so you know you can proceed with building maintenance.
To help you understand how to use a commercial electric voltage tester, this blog will detail:
- Understanding voltage detectors
- Steps to use a voltage detector
- Common applications for commercial voltage detectors
- Safety tips for using a voltage detector
- When to call a professional
Read through to the end to learn how to minimize risks while working around electrical systems.
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Understanding Voltage Detectors
Even if you switch the power off, either to a circuit or the mains itself, there’s no guarantee it’s actually off. All it takes is one faulty breaker or GFCI, and the electricity may remain live. Working on or near the system can then lead to an arc flash, fire, or even electric shock.
Commercial electric voltage meters detect the presence of live current in various parts of your electrical system. This makes them the best way to ensure safety before you start working on anything related to or near electrical systems. There are two types of voltage meters:
- Contact
- Non-contact
Contact voltage meters feature a probe that can detect electric current. They provide a direct voltage reading to better assist with fault diagnosis.
Non-contact voltage meters, in comparison, feature a sensitive tip that detects electrical fields through the air. This allows you to check hidden circuits and equipment. However, non-contact meters are less accurate.
Steps to Use a Voltage Detector
Although hiring a professional is the safest option, there are steps to using commercial electric voltage detectors safely:
- Perform a pre-test check: Read the instructions, inspect the detector’s condition, and then test it on a known live circuit to ensure it works as intended.
- Set up the testing area: Clear away any obstacles around the testing area and inspect for hazards such as water or structural damage before getting closer.
- Prepare the voltage meter: Select from AC or DC testing and set a voltage and sensitivity range applicable to your needs.
- Position the meter: Hold the detector only by its insulated grip. For a non-contact meter, hold the device at the recommended distance in the instructions. If using a contact meter, insert or touch the probe to the hot and neutral connections of the outlet or wiring.
The hot wire is typically red or black, while the neutral one is usually white. You may also need to test the ground connection, which is generally green or bare. To do this, touch the probe against the hot and ground connections.
It’s best to check your electrical system with a non-contact meter first before moving on to a contact detector for further diagnosis. This helps limit exposure to live electrical equipment.
Common Applications for Commercial Voltage Detectors
Commercial voltage meters have many applications, including:
- Preventative maintenance: Checking the condition of electrical panels, circuits, breakers, and outlets
- Troubleshooting: Finding circuits or outlets that are failing and detecting improper phase sequence in three-phase power
- Renovation: Ensuring the power is off before commencing work
- Emergency response: Checking for live electricity after storms, power outages, and fires
Safety Tips for Using a Voltage Detector
Voltage detectors keep you safe from electrical hazards, but only if used correctly. Follow these tips during use:
- Before the test, use the detector on a known power source (one that is energized) to verify its function. Then, use the voltage detector for your test. To be sure of proper function, even after getting a negative indication of power, re-check it on a known source that is energized to confirm the detector is working correctly.
- Wear non-conductive clothing, insulated gloves, and safety glasses
- Ensure the testing area is free of hazards and moisture
- Remove all metallic accessories
- Replace detector batteries regularly
- Test the meter before each use
- Always store the meter properly after use
When to Call a Professional
A voltage meter will help protect you when working around electricity, but it’s still better to hire an electrician in most situations. This is especially true if you’re working with a more complex electrical system or any high-voltage equipment. Any work involving safety compliance, building codes, or insurance documentation also needs to go through a professional.
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