Q Re: home voltage tester stuff

[Mabouya]

My sister has asked that I get her an electrical multi-meter, which I will do. This is for simple DIY stuff.

However, I'm thinking of also tossing in some much simpler "quick checking of home circuitry" stuff.

I see that Klein has both contact and non-contact testers.

>>>>> Anyone care to help me decide between the two options? (or recommend something else?)

(the non-contact one also comes in two-for-one form, where they also include the socket tester shown in the upper image)

TIA

Contact: https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/e...utlet-test-kit
(upper image)

Non-contact: https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/e...er-12-1000v-ac
(lower image)

[Peter Polack]

Just get her the 2 for 1 kit you mentioned. That other device only measures down to 32VDC and 24VAC so to
me it's of limited use. Besides; it may not fit in a stocking!

[thollandpe]

The non-contact tester is just a quick check to make sure everything’s de-energized before you begin working inside a box or enclosure. It just tells you the voltage is there, not how much it is.

[PaMtbRider]

If you are buying her a simple multimeter in addition to a choice of the above I would get the non-contact or just the outlet tester. If I am using a meter with test leads I'm not going to bother using option 1. The outlet tester verifies power and also that it is wired correctly. They often also have the ability to test gfci functionality. The test leads on the meter in option 1 typically don't fit in an outlet and is why they are including the outlet tester.

[Scott G.]

Two outlet testers are handy, for finding breakers and
if more than 1 outlet is protected by a GFCI outlet.

[Mabouya]

Guys, thanks for the feedback - that's helpful.