Although voltage testers and voltage detectors are different tools, their purposes overlap and they can be seen as alternatives to each other. Both instruments can indicate the presence of voltage.
Voltage screwdrivers
Voltage measuring screwdrivers are similar to voltage detectors in that they have a single point of detection. However, live screwdrivers require the hand to touch the tool in order to complete and ground the circuit. It is believed that voltage measurement screwdrivers are not as effective as voltage detectors, because using your body to complete the circuit presents a risk to those who do not understand electricity.
socket testers
Socket testers are devices that are used solely to check the correct connection of socket outlets. They plug into a power outlet and have a series of LEDs that indicate and identify problems. The socket tester is a useful alternative to voltage detectors when testing sockets, but its only function means it cannot be used for other tasks that voltage detectors are capable of, such as checking for broken wires.
Voltmeters
Voltmeters are devices you may have used in school to measure voltage. They are designed for the same purpose, give you a numerical value for voltage, and are used in the same way as voltage testers. However, voltmeters are not widely available and a voltage tester or multimeter (see below) are often considered voltmeters as they perform the same task.
Multimeters
Multimeters are versatile instruments because they combine the features of other instruments and can be used to measure a variety of parameters. Multimeters measure voltage in the same way that voltage testers do, and they are more useful if you need to perform other electrical tests.
