What parts does a voltage detector consist of?

The design of voltage detectors is fairly standard across all manufacturers. Parts of a voltage detector include an on/off button, a body to hold, and a spout or probe that is used to detect voltage. Read our full guide below on the various parts of a voltage detector to learn more about what each section does.

Voltage detector housing

The case of non-contact voltage detectors consists of a simple plastic shell that contains the electronic circuit that powers the device. The body is also part of the instrument you are holding. It is usually cylindrical in shape, but may be a square or slightly flattened version of a cylinder or square.

Spout or probe voltage detector

The nose or "probe" of a non-contact voltage detector tapers like a pen/pencil and has an elongated tip for better probing. This part of the tool houses the sensor that performs the detection. The tip is the correct size and shape to fit into a socket.

Voltage detector on/off button

The on/off button is located on the top of the instrument or on the body. This is usually a simple button press that may require a quick press or hold for a few seconds and you should refer to the user manual for instructions on how to use your particular detector. to be a little more comfortable, since there is less chance that they will knock in a bag or pocket.Voltage detectors may not have an on/off button and remain on all the time. The battery in these types drains faster and they can also be activated by accidental charges when not in use, making them less reliable than models with an on/off button.

Alternative forms of voltage detector

There are alternatively shaped voltage detectors that are more square in shape and are not pen-shaped, with a pointed end. They work the same way and the differences are minimal but less common. The handle shape is usually preferred because it is slightly more comfortable to hold, store, and transport.

Additional functions of the voltage detector

Sensitivity scale

Each non-contact voltage detector will have a voltage range that it is suitable for detecting. These ranges can be fixed or adjustable. Adjustable voltage detectors will be equipped with a rotary dial to allow adjustment of the sensitivity of the instrument and the voltages to be detected.

Because non-contact voltage detectors actually detect electromagnetic waves, the sensitivity scale has more to do with the distance from the source at which the instrument detects electromagnetic waves than it does with actual voltage levels. Increasing the sensitivity means that the detector will be able to perceive electromagnetic waves further from the source of electricity, while decreasing the sensitivity will require the device to be closer.However, voltage levels affect this because the lower voltage will produce fewer electromagnetic waves and therefore the sensitivity will need to be increased over a shorter distance than compared to a higher voltage source.

torch

Some non-contact voltage detectors have a small built-in light source or flashlight that can usually be found either at the end of the probe or at the top of the instrument. A flashlight usually consists of LED lamps and is controlled by a button on the body of the device. This is useful when working in poorly lit areas.

Battery check

The battery check is a very useful feature of non-contact voltage detectors, consisting of a simple button that checks the tool's battery life before using it. Normally a working battery will be indicated by a light when the button is pressed.

Clip

To complete the "handle" look, many non-contact voltage detectors have a clip at the top for attaching the device to things like pockets.