These electrical testers have all the advantages of traditional solenoid testers, with none of the typical drawbacks. Use all 3 voltage detection methods - light, sound, and vibration, to work more efficiently in noisy environments, dimly lit areas, or tight spaces. Built-in flashlight, GFCI trip capability, and the legendary ruggedness you expect from Fluke, make these an excellent choice for most residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
The Fluke T+ is the basic electrical tester for residential electricians and HVAC technicians, who need a durable, reliable tool for testing voltage and continuity.
The Fluke T+PRO is the choice for the demanding commercial and industrial electrician. This full-featured electrical tester includes voltage and continuity measurement, a Rotary Field Indicator, resistance, and a digital display with 0.1 V resolution.
Five reasons to give up your old solenoid tester
1. In the US, a useful solenoid tester can measure up to 480 V or more. Having the ability to measure higher voltages limits the tools ability to detect voltages below 100 V, due to the poor dynamic range of its magnetics. Try using one on 24 V or 48 V control circuits, and you may as well be using a stick of wood.
2. Solenoid-based testers can appear on the circuit under test as a load and interfere with its operation. The T+ and T+PRO testers have higher input impedance than traditional solenoid-type testers, but not so high that they have problems with ghost voltages.
3. The relatively high current draw of solenoidbased testers means significantly more heat- enough that the testers can quickly overheat and even become damaged if you measure voltage too long. If you use a solenoid-based tester, allow for half-minute cool-downs. The T+ and T+PRO testers can measure voltage under 240 V indefinitely.
4. Solenoid-based testers generally do not comply with the IEC 61010 electrical safety standard due to excessive current draw, poor dielectric withstand performance, and impulse destruction from transients. When they fail, it can be catastrophic. Without IEC 61010 compliance, these testers also miss compliance with NFPA 70E (article 110.9) and other standards that require environmental ratings
5. Applying Ohms Law to the low-impedance solenoid-based tester shows that you can easily carry a lethal current through the tester. Wearing insulated gloves can reduce the shock hazard, but you will also be risking an arc hazard each time. Solid-state testers, on the other hand, provide additional protection against this type of occurance.