The Panel Decides: Voltsticks Tool Review
Before you splash out on a new volt stick check out our list of pros and cons of three popular brands from expert tradies.
The Tools
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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 |
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| Tim Learbuch
from Learings Electrical Contractors Experience: 20 years |
Scott Essler
from Essler Electrics Experience: 25 years |
Nathan Earle
from Earles Electrical Experience: 8 years |
The Verdict
WATTMASTER – WATVS Volt stick
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“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*
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VERDICT: A CLOSE CONTENDER
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: MY CHOICE
RATING: 7/10 *TOP PICK*
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SEW – LVD-15 Volt stick
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“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 ENOUGH
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: NOT FOR ME
RATING: 6/10
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VERDICT: PASS
RATING: 6/10
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KYORITSU – KEW 5711 Volt stick
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“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. |
| VERDICT: TOO SENSITIVE
RATING: 7/10
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VERDICT: MY FAVOURITE
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: LOTS OF DRAWBACKS
RATING: 4/10
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