Handheld DMMs offer non-contact ac-voltage sensor
By Dan Strassberg -- EDN, February 19, 2004
The shocking truth is that accidentally coming in contact with ac-line voltage is no fun and, on occasion, can be lethal. Following the philosophy that it should do its utmost to keep all of its customers in the best of health, Meterman, the company that makes the bright-red hand-held multimeters, provides noncontact ac-voltage sensing in all of its new XP series instruments (Picture).
To prevent accidental contact with live ac circuits, the company not only ships the meters with sturdy, well-insulated probes, but also adds the VolTect feature, which operates even when you have switched off the battery power for all other functions. Simply hold down a button immediately below the LCD and bring the display-end of the instrument near a conductor that may be energized. If the conductor is energized, the meter emits a buzzing sound, and an LED next to the VolTect button glows. You can then treat the conductor with the respect it deserves and use the insulated probes to measure the conductor’s ac voltage. List prices for the three XP meters range from $39.95 to $79.95.
Wavetek Meterman Test Tools, 1-877-596-2680, www.metermantesttools.com.
