Application Note

3 Fluke Corporation Differences in voltage testers can be shocking
Other considerations
Differences occur not just in the testers themselves. Nor is
the solenoid vs. electronic issue the only one to resolve.
Several other considerations are important for your safety
and job performance.
One mistake people make with test equipment is trying
to save a buck on leads and probes. This can be a very
expensive “cost-savings.” Cheap and poorly constructed
input accessories are prone to failure of the materials that
are supposed to protect you. Remember that you usually
hold accessories in your hand while conducting measure-
ments. If a failure occurs, the result could be extremely
hazardous to you. It is important to maintain quality
throughout your measurement tool kit. Choose accessories
that are suitable for industrial work, then keep an eye on
them for abrasions and other damage that eventually occur
with use. This way, you’ll never have to worry about the
failure of a test lead or probe—or the consequences thereof.
Look for the IEC rating (e.g., CAT II, CAT III or CAT IV) on
your tester, and buy leads and other accessories that meet
or exceed that rating.
Additional features can make your tester a bit more
useful. However, these may add weight and cost. If these
features are important to you, then consider them when
buying a voltage tester.
false positive. Then again, it
can work to your advantage.
For one thing, it won’t lull you
into a false sense of safety
that an energized conductor
is de-energized. Suppose the
solenoid-based tester doesn’t
show you the 80 V sitting on
that energized wire, and you
grab it—what then?
Fluke Corporation
PO Box 9090, Everett, WA 98206 U.S.A.
Fluke Europe B.V.
PO Box 1186, 5602 BD
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
For more information call:
In the U.S.A. [phone] or
Fax [phone]
In Europe/M-East/Africa [phone] or
Fax [phone]
In Canada (800)-36-FLUKE or
Fax [phone]
From other countries [phone] or
Fax [phone]
Web access: http://www.fluke.com
©2007-2009 Fluke Corporation.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Printed in U.S.A. 5/2009 2125194 A-EN-N Rev C
Modification of this document is not permitted
without written permission from Fluke Corporation.
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