What’s the first tool you reach for when measuring voltage? Of course, it’s the finest voltage meter because it will give precise readings necessary for making smart decisions during repairs and replacements of electrical devices. While digital multimeters will also suffice for the job, the voltmeter is more reliable because of its specialized multimeter features.
Keep in mind that it’s essential to use a multimeter for the job, too! You have to check whether the device in your hand can be used in the type of circuits being tested. Most devices can only be used on a specific type of circuits, either alternating current (AC) circuits or direct current (DC) circuits.
10 Best Voltage Meters
1. Kuman- Best Voltage Tester for Electricians
This Kuman is widely considered as the best wireless voltage test for the money because it’s useful in making base measurements, as can be expected from a device. These include electromotive force (V), the testing range for which it’s mainly designed for, as well as power in watts, energy in kilowatts, voltage and current in amps.
Quick Summary
- Digital LCD large display
- Measures several electricity usage parameters
- Overload protection with alarm and buzzer
- Built-in battery
- Operating voltage, current, resistance 120V
We find this device in many residential and commercial applications, particularly in households and businesses that want to monitor their month-to-month consumption. Take note that it isn’t like the traditional tester with test probes and the like.
Easy to install and use
This is a plug-and-play type of device although reading the instructions manual is recommended. You just need to enter your cost of electricity and it will do the rest, just as any electricity usage device will. You can refer to the electromotive force (V) measurement on the backlit LCD display, too, and even move the device without losing the previous data.
Once you’ve entered the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) into it, you can see your monthly consumption even before the bill comes in your mail. The electric consumption (in kWh) is measured on a daily basis, too.
Fairly accurate for residential use
Emphasis must be made that tests done on Kuman unit revealed a 3% error. This isn’t a big deal for residential users with average consumption but it can be an issue for commercial and industrial users. The 3% error can add up over time.
- Large and clear large display
- Has numerous modes including time/electromotive force (V)/frequency and time/watt/cost
- Good accuracy levels
- Portable design
- Comes with safety features
- Isn’t a electric tester for repair purposes
2. KAIWEETS HT100- Best Non Contact Voltage Tester
The Kaiweets HT100 is a pro-grade device for alternating current (AC) circuits and, as such, we consider it as the best multimeter testing kit. Most, if not all, household outlets and appliances are on AC circuits. With its adjustable sensor indicators and audible beeps, it’s easy to use, even for a beginner hobbyist, and its readings are easy to read from the backlit LCD display.
Quick Summary
- Adjustable sensitivity
- With low high and sensitivity modes
- Comes with live and null wire testing
- Non-contact voltage detection
- Bright LED flashlight design
It has a CAT III safety rating up to 1000V and CAT IV up to 600V. There’s a warning beep and a red glow from the screen when electromotive force (V) exceeds 90V, a good safety feature. The beeps increase in frequency, too, as the electromotive force (V) ratings increase and the screen displays red (live wire) or green (null wire) light.
Compact design
Instead of the conventional rectangle-shaped design, the HT100 looks like a large pen with a bright LED flashlight at one end. You can then carry it either in your shirt or jeans pocket, as well as use it in low light conditions. You should be able to use a multimeter it in tight corners and rely on its long-lasting battery.
Plenty of safety multimeter features
Once it doesn’t detect a signal, it automatically shuts down thereby conserving its battery and preventing overloads. Other safety measures include multiple alarms in case of overload, the alarms being in the form of sound and light. The non-contact voltage live and neutral wire detector makes it ideal for breakpoint testing as well as a handy circuit tester for DIY enthusiasts and electricians.
- High-resolution backlit LCD display
- Sensitivity is easy to adjust
- Dual range electromotive force (V)
- Portable design
- Long-lasting battery
- Difficulty in testing TR outlets’ neutral lines
3. HANMER Multimeter- Best Voltage and Continuity Tester
If you’re looking for the best multimeter for low volt lighting with a budget-friendly price, then this true rms multimeter is our recommended unit. Aside from measuring DC and AC current, resistance, voltage and electromotive force (V), it’s also useful in measuring resistance, capacitance, frequency and continuity. You should then be able to use it in running automotive diagnostics as well as in residential and commercial applications.
Quick Summary
- Measures most testing ranges
- True RMS multimeter Technology
- High quality probe
- Data hold function
- CAT III up to 600V
- 1-year warranty
- Flame-retardant shell
It comes with several accessories, such as the test probes and jacks, so it can be used out of the box – after an initial calibration, if you want. It’s small enough to be carried in the palm of your hand or in your jeans pocket or tool bag, too.
Full-featured digital meters
Take note that this isn’t a specialized device but a digital multimeter that can test ac current, voltage, resistance in AC and DC circuits. As a pocket multimeter, it’s also useful in measuring other standard ranges, such as resistance up to 660 Ω, capacitance up to 6.6 μF and frequency up to 660 Hz. The results are displayed on a fairly large 6600-count screen.
With several safety features
Designed in accordance with IEC 61010-1 safety standards, it has an overload protection suitable for CAT III applications. The high quality test leads can withstand high voltage readings within the safety standards, too. The unit itself looks and feels sturdy so it can withstand medium-duty use.
Other safety measures include automatic shutdown after 10 minutes of idle time and ceramic fuse tube. There are also warning lights, buzzer sounds and sound conduction sensor for added input protection.
- True RMS technology
- Fairly accurate reading
- Easy to use
- Portable design
- Sturdy construction
- No temperature measurement
4. B&K Precision- Best Electrical Voltage Tester
With its high level of accuracy, the B&K Precision PR 28A probe is a must-have accessory for the best multimeter tester probe for home! It has a higher-than-expected level of accuracy when paired with a high quality multimeter. We suggest setting realistic expectations since its performance will depend on the overall quality of the digital multimeter it’s paired with.
Quick Summary
- 1000M ohms input impedance
- Package includes cable, red probe, and black and red plugs
- 48-inch cable length
- Higher electromotive force (V) probe
- Compatible with many digital multimeters
For example, on a cheap automotive multimeter with 7 megohms, the reading will be low. But on a electric tester with 11 megohms, it will be slightly high. Overall, it’s a probe that can be used with most digital meters within the recommended 40k VDC or 20kVac Max input electromotive force (V). You can then use it for most higher electromotive force (V) testing purposes although we don’t recommend applications beyond light industry.
Works well with most Digital multimeters
While this is a relatively inexpensive probe, it works as well as its pricier counterparts! It can be paired with standard digital multimeters with compatible slots for its banana probe. There’s no need to buy a mini multimeter for it for as long as you already have one in your tool box, such as a Fluke multimeter.
Easy to use
It comes with a flat attachment, which easily slips under the cap sans the need for lifting it. Of course, it doesn’t need to be calibrated since it isn’t a digital meters per se. The automotive multimeter that it’s used with should obviously be calibrated to get accurate results.
- Affordable price
- Sturdy build from the cable to the probe
- Can be used with standard digital multimeters
- Works with DC circuits
- Handy tool
- May not be accurate at higher sampling rates
5. B&K Precision- Best Voltage Pen Tester
The best rated non contact voltage tester should ideally have a compact design so that it can be used in tight spaces, as is the case for many HVAC repair and replacement jobs. This is the case for the B&K Precision HV44A electric tester! Unlike most HVAC digital multimeters, however, there are no separate cables and plugs with it.
Quick Summary
- Probe and electric tester in a self-contained unit
- Measures DC current, electromotive force (V) at 40KV maximum
- Compact design (16.5” x 2 1/8” x 2” for the electric tester)
- Input impedance: 600MO
- 34-inch ground cord (length)
- 1-year warranty
Instead, the probe and the electric tester are in a single unit. You just have to point the end of the probe into the circuit and see the reading on the meter below it.
All-in-one
There’s no need to carry an extra pair of test probes because the probe itself is connected to the electric tester! You can place it in your shirt pocket and carry it around when doing various testing tasks. You will find it handy in measuring positive polarity DC voltages as high as 40kV.
The self-contained tester consists of a pair of interchangeable screw-in contact tips and an analog electric tester, as well as a ground cord and clip. It comes in a high-impact plastic case with excellent insulation and impact resistance property. Plus, it’s a lightweight meter and probe.
Wide range of applications
You can use it for residential and commercial applications, such as testing televisions, audio systems and power supplies, among others. Keep in mind its electromotive force (V) range, from 0 to 40kV on DC circuits, and its 600 megohms low input impedance. It has a 3% accuracy rate, a fairly good one for its price.
- Easy to read
- Good accuracy
- Ultra-compact design
- Lightweight
- Durable electric tester
- Cannot measure other testing ranges
6. Digital Insulation Resistance Tester- Best AC Voltage Detector
The BT-6688B hvac multimeter is the best multimeter for a do it yourself enthusiast because it’s easy to use and maintain. You can use it out-of-the-box, too, since it already comes with six pre-installed batteries and the test probes. You may have to pre-calibrate it but it’s a quick and easy job.
Quick Summary
- CAT III safety rating up to 1000V
- 1 year warranty
- Data hold function
- Low Battery Indication
- Comes with high quality test leads
- Measures higher electromotive force (V), current, resistance and AC voltage
- LCD digital display with backlight
- Data retention
With its own carrying case, its durability is further increased. It has a bright orange case that makes it convenient to locate it when it’s placed with other tools inside a tool box, too. It’s sturdy enough to light-duty and heavy-duty use in residential and commercial tasks.
High electromotive force (V) testing applications
The unit comes with heavy-duty higher electromotive force (V) cables so it’s suitable for tasks up to light industrial testing. The cable terminals are placed on its back side, a convenient feature for numerous tasks, too. The device itself feels heavy but that’s to be expected from a higher electromotive force (V) electric tester.
It has several functions aside from testing higher electromotive force (V), thus, it gives good value for the money. These functions include AV electromotive force (V), high and low power indicator, and data retention. Your testing tasks become faster and safer due to these functions.
Feels secure in the hands
With its fairly heavy weight combined with its anti-slip case, it’s a great hvac multimeter for outdoor tasks. But it’s small enough to be placed inside a standard-sized tool box. It also has dust-proof and damp-proof testers, which are suitable for outdoor jobs.
- Looks and feels durable
- Clear large digital display
- Use immediately
- Affordable price
- Possible for heavy-duty use
- Batteries may not last as long as expected
7. Amprobe Voltage Detector- Best Non Contact DC Voltage Tester
The TIC-300 PRO is the best non-contact voltage meter because of its overall reliability, particularly in terms of its accurate measurements. No wonder that it’s used for a wide range of industrial applications including testing in power distribution equipment, transmission lines and load break connectors, among others.
Quick Summary
- Measures electromotive force (V) up to 122kV
- 10 MW low input impedance
- Push-button operation
- Adjustable electromotive force (V) setting
- Indicators for electromotive force (V) presence
- Self-test feature
Despite its heavy-duty industrial applications, it’s fairly easy to use. Just turn on the unit by pressing on the on/off button and selecting the low/high range setting on another button. You will be notified, so to speak, if a source of electricity is null or live – the device will emit light and sound with greater frequency as it gets closer to the source.
Versatile hvac multimeter kit with plenty of features
It has a low and higher electromotive force (V) setting, a useful feature for professional electricians who deal with a wide range of electrical current tasks. For its low electromotive force (V) setting, it can measure voltage between 30 and 1,500VAC suitable for testing breakers, breaker panels and power wiring and outlets. For its higher voltage setting, which measures between 1,500 and 122,000 VAC, it’s used for substations, downed power lines, and transmission lines.
Take note, however, that it may be less accurate in medium voltages, a common complaint among professional users.
Built for rugged environments
As small as it seems, the TIC-300 PRO can withstand falls of up to six feet. It’s actually designed for field use and for a certain level of rough treatment, such as being thrown into truck seats. It should last for around 20 years with proper care, too.
- Gives accurate measurements on lower and higher electromotive force (V)
- Sturdy construction
- Compact size
- Easy to calibrate
- Heavy-duty use
- Doesn’t measure other testing ranges
8. Fluke 80K-6 Probe- Best Fluke Voltage Tester
The Fluke brand is among the best multimeters in the electrical testing market, thanks to the reliability, durability and accuracy of its products. The Fluke 80K-6 is considered the best electrical voltage meter by many professionals for these reasons, too.
Quick Summary
- +/- 1% accuracy rate DC to 500Hz
- 75 megohm input resistance
- 10 megohm input resistance required
- Compatible with many Fluke digital multimeters
It’s a higher electromotive force (V) probe specifically designed for expanding an AC or DC capacity to as much as 6000 volts peak. But keep in mind that it’s a CAT I probe so it should only be used on testing energy-limited circuits, such as the high electromotive force (V) in photocopy machines and televisions. It shouldn’t be used on power distribution systems and the like for safety reasons.
Useful accessory for electric tester
On its own, the Fluke 80K-6 isn’t useful since it’s just a probe, and it isn’t even like the self-contained, tester-and-probe-in-one B&K Precision HV44A. But when it’s used with a compatible digital multimeter, usually a Fluke-branded one, it’s a truly useful accessory! As previously mentioned, it can extend the electromotive force (V) measurement function of an AC and DC tester by as much as 6000 volts.
Even with its limitations to energy-limited circuits within appliances and equipment, it’s still a handy accessory to have in your tool box. Think of it as your starter accessory in expanding your testing kits.
Easy to use
Just pair it with a compatible digital multimeter and voila! It’s already in use. Of course, its level of accuracy largely depends on the calibration of the AC/DC device it’s paired with.
- Long-lasting use
- Reputable brand
- Extends usefulness of digital multimeter
- Affordable price
- Can’t be used in industrial applications
9. Eversame Multimeter- Best USB Voltage Tester
If you’re looking for the best multimeter for testing micro-USB and Type-C devices, the Eversame multimeter should be on your shortlist. You can use it for measuring the testing ranges on cellphones and their chargers, as well as on wall and car outputs, solar panel chargers, and power banks. Remember that it’s most suitable for checking the charging speed and quality of these electrical devices instead of checking high-electromotive force (V) equipment.
Quick Summary
- Multi-interface tester
- High-grade LCD display
- Detection of charging and discharging condition of mobile devices
- Equipped with safety measures
It’s also useful for determining the highest current output of wireless devices including chargers, charging pads and charging stands.
Multiple uses
Don’t dismiss the compact size of this Eversame multimeter because it’s among the best multimeters for DIY applications. It’s compatible with Type-C and USB-enabled devices, as well as support QC3.0, QC2.0 and BC1.2 devices. Most professionals use it for repairing smartphones and determining the charging performance of their chargers.
Be sure to check that it’s actually compatible with your smartphone and other mobile devices before using it. According to the manufacturer, its PD protocol quick charging technology supports iPhones, Galaxy S10 and S9, Note 10 and OnePlus, among others.
Safety guard features
Apparently, the manufacturer knows that users think of their mobile devices as a lifeline, a device where their daily lives are recorded. As such, this Eversame mini multimeter has several safety measures to protect the mobile devices from, say, explosions during testing.
These safety measures include over-current protection, over-electromotive force (V) protection and under-electromotive force (V) protection as well as a low-energy protection. It even has an alarm system in case something goes wrong.
- Great functionality
- Fairly accurate reading
- Easy to operate
- Affordable price
- Suitable only for light-duty applications
10. BTMETER Multimeter- Best Contact Voltage Tester
The BT90EPC auto ranging is the best multimeter since it measures all of the standard ranges in automobiles. These ranges include DC/AC voltage and current as well as capacitance, frequency, and resistance. Other measurements that can be made with the multimeter are temperature, duty cycle and diode test and continuity.
Quick Summary
- Multifunctional digital multimeter
- Auto ranging features
- Low Battery Indication
- Extra features like auto backlight and power off
- Measure up to 20A for 30 seconds at a time
- Data hold function
- Relative value and battery test
- PC-Link function
- Comes with cable and software installation CD
Most testing functions are available
The auto-ranging multimeter is useful in getting fairly accurate measurements of several testing ranges. These include direct current (DC) electromotive force (V) up to 1000V and AC electromotive force (V) up to 750V, as well as current (20A), capacitance (100μF), and resistance (40 ohm). The temperature probe can handle as high as 1000℃, a useful tool for checking engine temperatures.
Packed with extra features
The large LCD screen makes it easy to read the readings while the backlight turns on automatically in low light conditions, a handy feature when working from day to early evening or in dim light situations. The auto ranging multimeter has an automatic power off feature wherein the device automatically shuts down after 30 minutes of idle time or continuous operation; the shutdown is preceded by a beeping sound. It has a manual power off, too.
- Highly satisfactory performance
- Clear display panel
- Good quality cables
- Clear instructions
- Isn’t as sturdy as expected
Buyers’ Guide for Best Voltage Tester: Your Questions Answered Here
What type of electromotive force (V) electric tester should I buy?
The ultimate electromotive force (V) digital multimeter depends on your specific needs and wants of the device. You must then first determine exactly what you will be using a multimeter for before making your choice. You will have an easier time narrowing down your choices, too.
For example, you may want the B&K Precision HV44A digital multimeter because of its self-contained design suitable for residential and commercial uses. But it isn’t a safe device for heavy-duty testing and, thus, your best choice is the TIC-300 Pro if you’re testing transmission lines and the like.
You will find several different types of multimeters with each type being used for specific purposes. Some are permanently mounted on a panel, which are usually found on generators and other fixed equipment. Some are portable electric tester that can be used for a wide range of electrical current work.
These are also available in two different types based on their display panel. Analog multimeters have arrows pointing to the number on a panel while digital show the reading on an LCD screen.
Emphasis must also be made that your choice in a digital multimeter will be influenced by the level of accuracy desired. If you’re using it for residential applications, then a lower level of accuracy is acceptable. But a higher accuracy level is a must for commercial and industrial uses.
Tip: Periodically calibrate your digital multimeter so that it’s within its specified tolerance, usually stated by the manufacturer on the instruction manual. The calibration should be made against the Weston cell or other electromotive force (V) standards.
How do I know what voltage range I need for a voltage electric tester?
Again, it depends on your specific needs and wants in a electric tester! If you want a more versatile device, you may want to look for one with an adjustable range. You can them increase or decrease its range as needed.
A few tips to keep in mind when doing so:
- To increase the range of an item, connect it to high resistors compatible with its series.
- To decrease its range, reduce its resistance, usually by putting the right resistance in parallel with it.
You should also select a range above the maximum expected electromotive force (V), an easy task for a manual ranging tester. But if it doesn’t have a manual ranging option, the auto-ranging digital multimeter function will do the job.
Does it matter which wire is red and which is black on my electromotive force (V)meter?
Yes, it does on old-school analog multimeters. If the probes are incorrectly connected or the selected electromotive force (V) range is incorrect, the electricity flow will likely push the needle backwards instead of forwards. The needle can also be “pegged” wherein it’s pushed too far, which can happen when its setting is 10V but it’s pushed into 40V instead. In either case, there may be inaccurate measurements, even permanent damage, in the future.
Always read the instruction manual on an electric tester before using it, even when you’re already experienced in handling both analog multimeters and digital multimeters. There may be slight differences in the design, perhaps a few extra safety precautions that must be taken.
Do I need to calibrate my electromotive force (V) electric tester before I use it and why?
Keep in mind that devices are designed to measure a specific quantity – electromotive force (V) – and display the reading that changes in a predictable way. For example, the reading may be directly proportional to the square root or cube in relation to the quantity being measured. The best multimeters should give precise readings up to a certain point.
But even the best voltmeters will require calibration before their first use. This is because the starting zero point must be fixed and marked first, and this is where calibration comes in. Calibration make sure that the actual response is the exact response expected of the device being used.
And then there’s the matter of the frequency of calibration. There’s no one-size-fits-all calibration recommendations but these guidelines are useful.
- Check the calibration interval recommended by the manufacturer.
- Calibrate before a major project and make sure that the devices will not be used before the intended testing jobs
- Calibrate after a major project to determine whether electric testers provided accurate readings
- Calibrate after the device has been dropped to the floor, or its internal overload safety protection has been knocked out, or it has absorbed physical impact from above. Even a small yet visible physical defect on the device, such as a broken connector or a dent on the plug, should be enough reason for an out-of-schedule calibration.
You may also set your own calibration schedule depending on your frequency of use of the device. The more frequently you use it, the shorter the interval between calibrations, if possible.
What happens when I switch the probes of the electromotive force (V) electric tester?
It sound like a recipe for disaster – the red and black probes have been exchanged on a digital multimeter. But it isn’t! There will be no explosions and other bad things that will happen in this instance.
Instead, the reading on the device will be negative. This is because the device measures electromotive force (V) as it relates to the common probe. Keep in mind that the “+” on a battery in comparison with its “-“ is 1.5V. If the probes are switched, the “+” becomes the zero or common point.
As such, the “-“ of the battery in comparison with the new common point is -1.5V. Again, it’s just a negative reading but there will no negative things happening.
What does the accuracy of the electromotive force (V) electric tester mean?
The accuracy of a electric tester refers to the closeness of the indicated value, as shown on its screen, to the true rms value of the signal being measured. In the case of analog multimeters, their accuracy levels are listed as a percentage of the full-scale measurement.
If the measured value is near to full scale, the accuracy level as published by the manufacturer is meaningful. If the measured value is 2/3 above full scale at least, then it’s still an acceptable level of accuracy.
The rule of thumb here is that the further away the displayed measurement from full scale, the greater its possible deviation from the signal’s true rms value. This is when it’s seen as a percentage of reading instead of percentage of full scale.
For instance, if an analog multimeter has a +/-3% accuracy at a 0 to 100V range, its pointer can then be about 3V below or above the signal’s true rms value. While 3% doesn’t seem like a huge deviation, it can add up over time and it can affect the decisions made by the technician or electrician.
Do all electromotive force (V) electric tester have overload safety protection?
Most, if not all, devices have overload safety protection as part of their safety measures. The overload protection features prevent damage to the electric tester itself and the circuits on which these are being used, as well as for the protection of the user. These can include ceramic fuses that protect against the risk of over-current; many devices have high input impedance on their volts/ohms terminals for this purpose.
Other safety measures include overvoltage protection through a protection circuit and a thermal protection circuit for the detection of overvoltage.
Picking the Best Non Contact Voltage Tester for You
The 10 picks reviewed above have the excellent quality, reasonable price and versatile applications that we’re looking for in the best voltmeters. But in terms of overall quality, the TIC-300 Pro is the outstanding electromotive force (V) electric tester for professionals because of its heavy-duty applications, particularly in industrial installations.
But it isn’t a large device that will intimidate its first-time users. In fact, it’s comparatively smaller than the rest of the full-sized electric testers on our list but it still provides full-sized features. It’s easy-peasy to use, too, despite its heavy-duty use, from turning it on to making adjustments to it.
We have to say that while the TIC-300 Pro is the best for industrial applications, it may not be suitable for DIY residential tasks and for beginners. The self-contained B&K Precision HV44A is more suitable. Again, you’re the best judge of what you actually need in an electric tester, features-wise.