Plant maintenance, test + measurement: Products + services
Voltage testing: a guide for safety and efficiency
From left: FLUKE T6-1000 PRO Electrical Tester Kit, Fluke T5-1000 Voltage, Continuity and Current Tester, Fluke 1AC II Non-Contact Voltage Tester.
2. Power off the circuit Before using the tester, turn o the power to the circuit you are going to test at the main breaker panel. 3. Test for voltage For non-contact voltage testers: Hold the tester close to the individual wire you want to test. The Fluke 1AC II will light up and beep if voltage is present. For contact voltage testers: Touch the probes to the wires or terminals of the circuit. The Fluke T5-1000 and T6-1000 PRO will display the voltage reading on the screen. 4. Interpret the results If no voltage is detected, it is safe to proceed with work on the circuit. However, if voltage is detected, further investigation is needed to ensure the circuit is safe to work on. 5. Verify continuity Set the tester to continuity mode. Touch the probes to the two points of the circuit. A continuous circuit will cause the tester to beep or display a continuity indicator. 6. Record measurements Note the voltage readings for documentation or further analysis. The Fluke T5-1000 and T6-1000 PRO feature a ‘Hold’ function to freeze the display if necessary. Use cases for voltage testers Fluke voltage testers can help test, troubleshoot, and maintain circuits in various settings. Here are a few typical applications with pointers to which testers to use in each scenario. Verifying power supply: Use the Fluke 1AC II to quickly check if an outlet or power source is live before plugging in devices or performing maintenance. Troubleshooting circuit breakers: The Fluke T6-1000 PRO can measure voltage and current simultaneously, helping identify faulty breakers or overloaded circuits. Testing light fixtures: Ensure light fixtures are properly connected by using the Fluke T5-1000 or T6-1000 PRO
Voltage testers are valuable tools for professionals who work with electrical systems. They are used to verify the presence or absence of voltage in electrical circuits, ensuring safety and eiciency in various tasks. This application note, shared by Comtest, local representative for Fluke, oers a guide on how to use a voltage tester eectively and which Fluke voltage testers can assist in dierent settings. Voltage testers are available in various forms, including non-contact voltage testers, contact voltage testers, and multifunction testers. As a leading manufacturer of electronic test tools, Fluke oers a range of reliable and user-friendly voltage testers designed to meet dierent needs. Fluke T6-1000 PRO Electrical Tester: Measures voltage up to 1 000 volts ac and current up to 200 amps ac without contact, displays voltage and current measure- ments simultaneously, providing visual cues for conti- nuity in noisy environments. Fluke T5-1000 Voltage, Continuity, and Current Tester: Can measure current without breaking a circuit due to its OpenJaw™ design. Automatically selects ac or dc measurement up to 1 000 volts. Fluke 1AC II Non-Contact Voltage Tester: Portable, non-contact voltage tester ideal for quick safety checks. Includes a continuous self-test feature and visual and audio cues during voltage detection. It can measure a range of currents from 90 to 1 000 volts ac.
Step by step 1. Safety first
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses. PPE needs will vary depending on the environment you test in, so refer to OSHA and NFPA guidelines to keep yourself safe when working with circuits. Ensure the voltage tester is in good working condition by performing a self-test if the device has this feature. If no self-test feature exists, be sure to inspect the device visually, test leads, and any accessories for signs of damage. If no damage is present, test the voltage tester on a known voltage source or proving unit to make sure it measures properly.
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24 Electricity + Control FEBRUARY 2026
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