12V Non Contact Voltage Tester

Darkness · 14 Mar 2020

I was told you can get a 12v non contact pen tester like one of those 230v non contact models electricians use. Is this true and if so, can anyone recommend one?

Looking to test wiring for breaks in the cable in various vehicles like cars, machinery etc.

foxhole · 14 Mar 2020

The mains version often registers as low as 12volts .

https://www.wish.com/product/5b724d64674f8d6881794b53?from_ad=goog_shopping&_display_country_code=GB&_force_currency_code=GBP&pid=googleadwords_int&c={campaignId}&ad_cid=5b724d64674f8d6881794b53&ad_cc=GB&ad_curr=GBP&ad_price=3.00&campaign_id=8701462921&gclid=CjwKCAjwgbLzBRBsEiwAXVIygAcN0Sj_z7_4AEGxibUl-Rfs4st3oVMHr6YHWvnawivjorSZdUsE6xoCMbcQAvD_BwE&hide_login_modal=true&share=mobileweb

Darkness · 14 Mar 2020

But is there a proper non contact one which you don’t need to touch the live wire or contacts? Just put it near the outer sheath?

I could run the tester up along the cable till I find where the point of a break is located.

foxhole · 15 Mar 2020

Darkness said:
But is there a proper non contact one which you don’t need to touch the live wire or contacts? Just put it near the outer sheath?

I could run the tester up along the cable till I find where the point of a break is located.

above link are none contact variety .

bernardgreen · 15 Mar 2020

Capacitive ( non contact ) detection of voltage in a cable can only work when the voltage being tracked is alternating.

Darkness · 15 Mar 2020

So it would need to be an ac voltage instead of dc for the method I am looking for to work?

bernardgreen · 15 Mar 2020

Darkness said:
So it would need to be an ac voltage instead of dc for the method I am looking for to work?

Yes

opps · 20 Mar 2020

from what I have read elsewhere a Hall sensor or magnetic flux sensor will work. The compass in your phone might be able to pick up the break.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable will be able to contribute.

endecotp · 22 Mar 2020

opps said:
from what I have read elsewhere a Hall sensor or magnetic flux sensor will work.

Only while a current is flowing.
And if the problem is a break in the cable, there won’t be a current flowing.

In principle a capacitive detector can detect a DC voltage. Example: a gold leaf electroscope can detect when a static charge e.g. a balloon you’ve rubbed on a jumper is brought near it. ( e.g.

)

I am sceptical that this can be done usefully for 12 V though. But maybe it can! Would be interesting, if someone buys one of the gadgets linked earlier, to hear if they work.

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12V Non Contact Voltage Tester

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