Before you splash out on a new volt stick check out our list of pros and cons of three popular brands from expert tradies.
Three volt sticks put to the test
Three expert electricians look at the price, comfort, size, colour and IP rating of three different volt sticks
Sometimes the cheapest tools are the best
The Tools
WATTMASTER – WATVS Volt stick
SEW – LVD-15 Volt stick
KYORITSU – KEW 5711 Volt stick
RRP $41.30
RRP $83.49
RRP $74.80
THE LOWDOWN: Pocket-sized non-contact voltage tester with light and sound indication. Fully-insulated body and safety hand guard. Beeping sound indicates live wire. CATIII 1000V AC. Sensitivity 230-1000V AC. Indicates within 4mm of wire carrying 230V AC.
THE LOWDOWN: The SEW LVD-15 non-contact Voltage Detector is intended to check for AC voltage, signalling the user with an intermittent tone and a flashing LED when voltage from 50-1000V AC is present. The LVD-15 is used to detect voltage in outlets, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, wires and cables, or to find a break in a wire. It also has a flashlight for convenience.
THE LOWDOWN: This volt stick has dual sensitivity: ‘low’ permits discrimination between phase and neutral, while ‘high’ enables the checking live cables in conduits or behind walls. It has a self-check function with audible warning for errors, and a low battery warning. The LED torch illuminates dark work spaces, and the unit has a CATIV 600V / CATIII 1000V safety rating.
The Panel
Tim Learbuch Learings Electrical Contractors Experience: 20 years
Scott Essler Essler Electrics Experience: 25 years
Nathan Earle Earles Electrical Experience: 8 years
The Verdict
WATTMASTER – WATVS Volt stick
“I tend to lose or break volt sticks quite often, so being cheap to replace is a plus.” – Tim
Tim:SIMPLY THE BEST I tend to lose or break volt sticks quite often, so being cheap to replace is a plus. If it was a little more robust I would pick this one every time. The simplicity of this voltstick is the winner – no buttons or switches, and the size is good.
Scott:BRIGHT CHOICE It’s bright and easy to see. I liked the price, and that it has an IP rating. It didn’t have a low voltage operation below 230V though, which would have been useful – as would an on/off switch a light, and making the buzzer a little louder.
Nathan: JUST RIGHT This is a nice bright colour, and has IP rating, which is good, however it didn’t have a switch to configure battery life. A light on the tip would have been a bonus! It’s not overly sensitive like the others, and it’s at a good price point.
VERDICT: IT’S A WINNER! RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
VERDICT: A CLOSE CONTENDERRATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
VERDICT: MY CHOICE RATING: 7/10 *TOP PICK*
SEW – LVD-15 Volt stick
“I thought it was too sensitive and it felt bulky in the hand.” – XXX
Tim:LOUD AND BRIGHT I’ve never used this brand and was excited to try it out. Loud and bright indicators made it good to use in a noisy environment, however this didn’t feel tough to me. It feels like it would shatter into pieces if I dropped it.
Scott:ON THE BULKY SIDE I liked the on/off button and the light function, however, I thought it was too sensitive and it felt bulky in the hand. The price is also a bit high, and I feel like the light function was too dull.
Nathan: NOT IDEAL The grooved holding pads were good, but the blue light wasn’t ideal, and the colour sensitivity was a bit high. It didn’t have IP rating, and overall, there were better options at a cheaper price.
VERDICT: NOT TOUGH ENOUGHRATING: 7/10
VERDICT: NOT FOR ME RATING: 6/10
VERDICT: PASS RATING: 6/10
KYORITSU – KEW 5711 Volt stick
“Being dark it would be easy to lose it in a roof cavity.” – Nathan
Tim:LIGHTWEIGHT CHOICE It’s lightweight and small, and the little torch was handy. I didn’t like the dual sensitivity. It also seemed oversensitive and was indicating while a long way away from cables. It also felt very breakable, and should feel tougher for the price.
Scott:LOTS TO LIKE I liked the light function, the high and low voltage operation, the buzzer, the temperature range, and the brand itself – although there was no IP rating. This could have been improved by having a power on/off button to save battery.
Nathan: TOO EASY TO LOSE The light on the tip is handy, it’s also good to have a light on/off button to conserve battery life. I didn’t like that it was so ultra sensitive – that is a big drawback. Being dark it would be easy to lose it in a roof cavity.
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