Non-Contact Voltage Detectors

[Barryng]

We frequently use non-contact AC voltage detectors (e.g. Fluke, Greenlee). They coveniently fit in a shirt pocket, are handy for cursory troubleshooting etc., and do not create any bargaining unit issues realtive to the use of tools since they are non-contact.

Is there such thing as a non-contact DC voltage detector? We extensively use 125 VDC for control so a DC version would be very useful. I not only have no idea how one would work but I also have not been able to find a vendor selling such a device.

 

[Zogzog]

Never heard of a non-contact DC detector, it would need to work on a whole different concept.

Be careful with non contact for AC, those are common accident contributors because most electricians do not know how they work. Some designs rely on a good connection to ground so they will not work on an insulated ladder or in a bucket. (Good article on AEMC website about this)

You also have to be careful on 3 phase systems, the phases can cancel each other out leading to a false reading, Non-contact detectors should not be used to verify an absence of voltage, there are too many potential accident factors.