Voltage indicator, varieties, functions, instructions for use. Voltage indicator - modern types of universal and contactless devices (90 photos) Voltage indicator 12 volts on LEDs

A very necessary tool in the household, which must be present in every apartment or house. Surely, in the life of every person, there was such a situation when suddenly, for some unknown reason, the light went out. The first reaction of any person is confusion, and in some cases even panic. What happened, where is the light, where did the electricity go, how to be now and what to do? After some time, thoughts of approximately the same content visit, I wonder if it’s just my light gone or everywhere?

With the right approach to business, the answers to all these questions can easily be given by voltage indicator... With its help, you can easily determine the presence of or or on the switch. And also, to establish the presence or absence of voltage on the input machine and electricity meter.

In this article, we will get acquainted with the most common types of voltage indicators in everyday life, we will analyze the visual methods of working with each of them, the pros and cons, as well as, for each of the options, we will summarize for ease of use in everyday life.

Now on the electrical equipment market, there is a huge variety of different types of voltage indicators, which one to choose and how not to miscalculate with the purchase? Let's figure it out.

In this article we will look at the main types of voltage indicators,

Indicator screwdriver - voltage indicator with warning light, contact type

This voltage indicator has one function, detecting the presence or absence of voltage on a wire or contact of electrical equipment.

A pointer of this type has two working parts. The first has the shape of a flat screwdriver, in direct contact with a live electrical wiring.

The second part is located on the handle of the indicator screwdriver, it is necessary to create resistance.

Let's check this indicator in operation

Let's consider the application of this screwdriver with a specific example. We have, to one contact of which a phase wire is connected, to the other a zero. The voltage indicator will indicate which wire the phase is on.

To determine, we pinch the contact located on the handle of the voltage indicator with our thumb and alternately bring the working part of the indicator, first to one, then to the other contact of the circuit breaker. At the same time, the thumb should be bare, without gloves.

If there is voltage on the contact, the indicator of the pointer will show it, a faint red or orange light inside the screwdriver will light up. And on the zero contact (in our example, the blue wire is suitable for it), the indicator will not show anything.

Let's sum up the testing results

Pros:

• does not have batteries, works directly from the phase;
• due to its simple design, it has high accuracy and reliability;
• it is possible, in case of urgent need, to use the voltage indicator as a flat screwdriver;
• easy to operate;
• service life is not limited;
• maintains performance under any ambient temperature conditions.

Minuses:

• a very weak indicator of the presence of voltage, it is very difficult to see in the sun;
• to work with the indicator, you have to take off your protective gloves.

We conclude: A very simple and reliable voltage indicator, ideal for indoor use.

Indicator screwdriver - voltage indicator, with contact and non-contact function, with light warning

This type of voltage indicator has two functions in its arsenal. Determination of the presence, absence of voltage (phase) by contact and without contact method, as well as the function of checking the continuity of the circuit (wire, cable, fuse).

The pointer has two working parts. The first looks like a flat screwdriver. Designed for direct contact with live elements.

The second is intended for non-contact determination of the presence of voltage, as well as for determining the integrity of the circuit in conjunction with the first part.

Inside the insulated transparent handle of the voltage indicator, there is an LED light, which, when interacting with a phase, signals its presence. Also, it contains batteries, batteries such as LR44, 157, A76 or V13GA.

Let's check this indicator screwdriver in operation

Alternately, we bring the first working part of the voltage indicator to the contacts of the two-pole circuit breaker. First to one, then to the other. At the zero contact, the indicator showed nothing.

On the phase one, the voltage indicator light came on, signaling the presence of voltage (phase) on this contact.

Also, using this voltage indicator, you can determine the presence of a phase by a non-contact method, for this we will use the second working part.

It should be noted that for the correct operation of this voltage indicator, it must be held correctly. This should be done, as shown in the figure below, behind the middle of the screwdriver body, without touching the first working part with your hand, otherwise the indicator may work in the "dialing" mode, thereby giving a false signal about the presence of a phase.

We bring the indicator screwdriver with the second working part to the wire insulation, it is not necessary to touch, the indicator will begin to signal the presence of a phase already at a certain distance from the wire.

Continuity check function (continuity) works simply.

Attention! All manipulations to check the integrity (continuity) of a wire, cable or various kinds of fuses are carried out only with the voltage disconnected.

Sequence of actions in the "dialing" mode

Let's say we need to ring the integrity of one wire core. To do this, we carry out the following series of actions.

• take off gloves;
• clamp the second (back) part of the voltage indicator with a bare finger, let's say with the right hand;
• with the first working part (made for a flat screwdriver) of the voltage indicator, we touch one end of the core of the tested wire;
• the other end of the tested wire must be touched with the fingers of the left hand.

Now, look:

• If the indicator lamp of the voltage indicator lights up, the tested wire core is intact.
• If the indicator lamp does not light up, the core is damaged and is in a clean cut.

Fuses are checked in a similar way.

Pros and cons of this indicator screwdriver

Pros:

• bright warning light;
• the possibility of contact and non-contact use to determine the presence or absence of a phase;
• there is a function of checking the continuity of the circuit (continuity);
• if necessary, it is possible to use the pointer as a flat screwdriver.

Minuses:

• the need for periodic replacement of batteries;
• limitation on ambient temperature from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius.

We conclude: A reliable and easy-to-understand voltage indicator, has the functions of checking the continuity of the circuit and without contact detection of the presence of voltage.

Suitable for both home household and professional use.

Digital indicator screwdriver, with contact and non-contact voltage detection functions

This voltage indicator does not have any power supply.

On its body there is a window with a liquid crystal display, on which digital voltage values \u200b\u200b12, 36, 55, 110, 220 volts are displayed.

There are also two pole buttons. The first is designed for non-contact voltage measurement.

The second is for contact measurement.

The indicator has one working part made in the form of a flat screwdriver.

Let's check the voltage indicator in operation

First of all, let's test the contact measurement method. We bring the indicator to the first, zero contact of the circuit breaker. The indicator displays a value of 55 V.

A small voltage may indeed be present at the neutral wire, but as a rule, it is only observed with loads (electrical equipment in operation). Our machine at the time of measurements was turned off, that is, there was no actual load.

Now, we bring the indicator to the phase contact.

On it, the indicator clearly showed 110 volts. The real value of the voltage equal to 220 V on the display of the pointer was barely distinguishable.

Attempts to force the voltage indicator to work in non-contact mode were unsuccessful, but a function not declared in the operating manual of the digital indicator was revealed, if without pressing the buttons to touch the phase, the indicator shows on the display a barely visible lightning indicating the presence of voltage.

Let's summarize the results of testing this voltage indicator:

Pros:

• does not have a power source;
• shows approximate digital voltage values.

Minuses:

• non-contact voltage detection function declared by the manufacturer does not work;
• restrictions on ambient temperature from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius;
• has limitations on the measured voltage 250 V;
• according to the instructions, it is forbidden to touch two buttons at once ( probably electric shock).

We conclude: This indicator is very unreliable in operation.

Voltage indicator with contactless, sound and contact light indication functions

This indicator, in contrast to its competitors presented above, in addition to light notification, also has sound. This function makes this instrument very safe in detecting the presence or absence of voltage.

On this indicator, the contactless mode of detecting the presence of voltage, has a sound alert, while it is accompanied by a green light indication.

Contact mode, has only a light warning, accompanied by a red indication.

For this, the device has two LED bulbs.

There is a speaker for sound.

At the end of the indicator there is a switch for operating modes:

1. "O" - the function of contact light warning, accompanied by the glow of a red light, determines the presence of voltage only in direct contact with the phase;
2. "L" - the function of non-contact sound notification of medium sensitivity, accompanied by the glow of a green light, determines the voltage from a short distance, even through the double insulation of the wire;
3. "H" - the function of sound notification of maximum sensitivity, accompanied by the glow of a green light, detects the presence of voltage from a long distance through the insulation of the wire.

The working part, hidden under the protective cap, is made in the form of a flat screwdriver.

A special contact is provided at the end of the voltage indicator, which, together with the main working part of the device, is used to determine the continuity of the circuit. The so-called "dialing" mode.

Sequence of work in the "dialing" mode:

• take off gloves;
• we hold the end contact of the voltage indicator with the finger of our right hand;
• further, with the main working part (made for a flat screwdriver), we touch one end of the core of the tested wire;
• the other end of the wire must be touched with the fingers of your left hand.

If the chain is intact, then:

• in the "O" mode - the red light will turn on;
• in modes "L" and "H" - the green light will be on, accompanied by a sound signal;

If the chain is damaged:

• the indicator will not react in any of the modes.

Let's check the pointer at work

We turn on the contact indication mode - "O".

Now, in turn, we bring the voltage indicator first to the zero contact of the circuit breaker, where it does not show anything, as it should be.

Then, to the phase contact. The voltage indicator light came on.

We pass to the contactless mode of the middle sound and light indication "L".

This mode can work both with a bare working part of the pointer and with a protected cap. So, turn on the mode and bring the pointer to the circuit breaker. No need to touch the contacts! We hold the device at a distance of 1-2 cm from live parts. Near the zero contact, the indicator indicators are silent, and near the phase contact they begin to emit sound and light alerts, a green light comes on.

We test the device in the last position of the switch - "H", the mode of increased sensitivity of contactless sound and light indication.

You can use this mode with the cap on or with the cap removed. We turn on the device and bring it to the circuit breaker.

The indicator turns on sound and light notification when a phase is detected on one of the conductors of a wire or cable already 20 centimeters before the contacts of the circuit breaker.

Let's summarize the testing of this voltage indicator

Pros:

• a wide range of functions, three display modes, one light and two sound;
• the ability to determine voltage at a distance;
• contactless light indication is duplicated by sound;
• there is a continuity check function.

Minuses:

• the device runs on batteries such as LR44, 157, A76 or V13GA, they run out pretty quickly. Before carrying out work, a preliminary check of the device is required;
• working ambient temperature from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius.

Output: An excellent, understandable and adequate device with a wide range of functions. Suitable for both a professional and a beginner.

Two-pole voltage indicator, two-pin type, with voltage reading function

This voltage indicator belongs to the category of professional. Unlike conventional single-pole indicators, it cannot determine which of the contacts the phase is on, but it can notify about the presence of voltage in general.

This device consists of two probes, at the end of each of which there is a working part made in the form of sharp pins, the probes are interconnected by a soft copper wire.

One of them has an indicator scale with step voltage values \u200b\u200bof 6, 12, 24, 50, 110, 120 and 380 volts applied to it.

Taking measurements using a two-pole pointer, the device will show in what range the measured voltage is. It can be used in a 380 Volt network.

The only indicator capable of accurately determining the specific voltage of the 220 or 380 volt network, as well as identifying 220 volts in the network.

The device has two working parts.

The first is made in the form of a sharp probe located on the main body of the device.

The second one is located on an additional body, its working part also looks like a sharp probe.

Let's check the two-pole voltage indicator in operation

The device requires two contacts, phase and zero or phase and ground. With one working element we touch the phase contact, with the other to the zero or ground contact. In our example, on a two-pole circuit breaker there is a phase present and a zero. We refer to the working parts of the device for the contacts of the circuit breaker. Insert the probe of the main part into one contact, the probe of the additional one.

If there is voltage on the circuit breaker, the indicator lamps of the indicator start to glow. The scale of the main part of the indicator shows a value equal to the mains voltage. In our example, the indication shows a voltage equal to 220 Volts, which corresponds to reality.

Let's sum up the results of testing a two-pole voltage indicator

Pros:

• has a stepped scale for determining the voltage;
• has the ability to work in a network of 220 and 380 volts;
• able to determine overvoltage in the 220 Volt network;
• does not have power supply elements;

Minuses:

• weak point flexible wire connection between the main and additional parts of the device;
• relatively bulky relative to the voltage indicators presented above;
• cannot determine where is the phase and where is zero;
• the ambient temperature for stable operation of the device is limited from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius.

Output: This indicator is good for professional electrical works... For household needs, in addition to it, it is better to purchase an indicator screwdriver.

In any technique, LEDs are used as a display of operating modes. The reasons are obvious - low cost, ultra-low power consumption, high reliability. Since the indicator circuits are very simple, there is no need to purchase factory products.

From the abundance of circuits for making a voltage indicator on LEDs with your own hands, you can choose the most optimal option. The indicator can be assembled in a couple of minutes from the most common radioelements.

All such circuits are divided into voltage indicators and current indicators for their intended purpose.

Work with a 220V network

Let's consider the simplest option - phase check.

This circuit is the current indicator light found on some screwdrivers. Such a device does not even require an external power supply, since the potential difference between the phase wire and the air or hand is sufficient for the diode to glow.

To display mains voltage, for example, checking the presence of current in the socket, the circuit is even simpler.

The simplest current indicator on 220V LEDs is assembled on a capacitive resistance to limit the current of the LED and diode to protect against the reverse half-wave.

DC voltage test

Often it becomes necessary to ring the low-voltage circuit of household appliances, or check the integrity of the connection, for example, the wire from the headphones.

A low-power incandescent lamp or a 50-100 ohm resistor can be used as a current limiter. The corresponding diode lights up depending on the polarity of the connection. This option is suitable for circuits up to 12V. Higher voltages will require increasing the limiting resistor.

IC indicator (logic probe)

If it becomes necessary to check the operability of the microcircuit, a simple probe with three stable states will help in this. In the absence of a signal (open circuit), the diodes do not light up. In the presence of a logical zero, a voltage of about 0.5 V appears on the contact, which opens the transistor T1, with a logical unity (about 2.4 V), the transistor T2 opens.

This selectivity is achieved due to the different parameters of the transistors used. For KT315B, the opening voltage is 0.4-0.5V, for KT203B - 1V. If necessary, you can replace the transistors with others with similar parameters.

When carrying out even the most basic work with electricity, it is important to observe safety measures. Even with extensive experience in this area, you should not risk it, as it is life-threatening. In order to check the presence of electric current, you must always have a voltage indicator on the farm. The main advantage of this device is ease of use and instant detection of the presence of current in the network.

If you look at the photo of the voltage indicator, you can see that this tool is a screwdriver, with a built-in indicator.

Manufacturers offer many different types of indicators, but each has its own principle of operation. Before using, you need to understand the rules, and avoid mistakes.

Indicator types

Screwdriver

The simplest and most common is a passive indicator screwdriver. With its help, you can find out whether or not there is voltage in the circuit. The main advantage of this type of screwdriver is that the indicator shows the presence or absence of voltage after touching the contact.

There is a contact on the handle, which must be clamped when we bring it to the conductor. The result of the presence of current is shown by a neon lamp built into the handle.

Electricians rarely use this type of mains voltage indicator due to its low functionality. This type of indicator is more suitable for home use.

Active screwdriver

A more advanced indicator model is the active screwdriver. This type of screwdriver determines the presence of voltage in the network, as well as its integrity. The housing contains a battery-powered circuit and an LED.

The main feature of this indicator is the possibility of contact and non-contact use, and is suitable for professional use.

Control

The most popular probe among electricians is a self-made voltage indicator - control. This is a design in the form of a light bulb inserted into a socket and wires, the edges of which are probes.

The control is convenient in that it shows the presence of voltage and whether the power of the network is normal. The main advantage of this indicator is the ability to test three-phase circuits.

Multimeter

Another type of voltage indicator is a multimeter. This is a universal device that measures current, voltage, frequency, capacitance, etc. The multimeter measures to the nearest thousandths.

Universal probe

For professional use, electricians often choose a universal probe. This device is more versatile than the others. Thanks to the ability to identify phases, pluses and minuses, ringing, etc. This indicator is considered one of the basic tools of an electrician.

Non-contact voltage indicator

Also one of the safest is the non-contact voltage indicator. This type of indicators is equipped with three modes of operation: contactless use with high and low sensitivity and light notification. These three modes change depending on the tasks being performed:

• Light notification - the signal is generated by the light of the lamp. It detects the presence of current only upon contact.
• Non-contact notification at low sensitivity - the device detects the presence of current at a short distance.

Non-contact notification with high sensitivity - detects the presence of current at a great distance. This mode allows you to measure the voltage in the wires plastered in the wall, as well as to identify their route.

This screwdriver is a simplified multimeter. It is an excellent device with many functions and very easy to use. With it, you can check the continuity of the circuit, determine the voltage at a distance, and there is also a light and sound indication.

To obtain more information about the electrical circuit, a digital voltage indicator is used. This indicator on the display gives more detailed information by showing the digital value of the mains voltage. With it, you can control the voltage by setting the maximum and minimum values. This device is installed to protect against voltage surges.

When choosing an indicator, it is important to know all the pros and cons. It is recommended to carry out work related to electricity with extreme caution, and check the presence of electricity in the network only using indicators.

Photo of voltage indicator