Replaced the batteries in my Amprobe one that I've had for a year or so
with Eneloops; it got very warm and now doesn't work even with the old
alkalines back in it. I'm not impressed as I received this as a gift
and actually had to exchange the first one because the battery cover
wouldn't stay on. 2nd one was OK until this AM though. I actually have
grown to like having it although my initial thought was "why do I need
this when I have several different multimeters?" (answer - NCVD is
faster for many jobs.)

What do you guy like? Fluke? Other? Bonus points if you've used it
with Eneloops or other NiMH rechargeables and can verify that it won't
blow up. (this is only the second device that I've come across that
wouldn't work with NiMH - first being a Nikon digital camera that was
specifically advertised as being NiMH friendly.) the Amprobe lights up,
buzzes, and shakes which is nice - really would like to keep all three
features.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

On 9/30/2013 8:47 AM, Nate Nagel wrote:
Replaced the batteries in my Amprobe one that I've had for a year or so
with Eneloops; it got very warm and now doesn't work even with the old
alkalines back in it. I'm not impressed as I received this as a gift
and actually had to exchange the first one because the battery cover
wouldn't stay on. 2nd one was OK until this AM though. I actually have
grown to like having it although my initial thought was "why do I need
this when I have several different multimeters?" (answer - NCVD is
faster for many jobs.)

What do you guy like? Fluke? Other? Bonus points if you've used it
with Eneloops or other NiMH rechargeables and can verify that it won't
blow up. (this is only the second device that I've come across that
wouldn't work with NiMH - first being a Nikon digital camera that was
specifically advertised as being NiMH friendly.) the Amprobe lights up,
buzzes, and shakes which is nice - really would like to keep all three
features.

nate

I had a black and yellow one from Walmart, that did fine
for a while. Stopped working, and no idea why. My next
one came from Horrid Fright Tools. Seems to work OK, but
no beep or vibrate. Not sure about nicads.

Agree, the voltage detector sure can be handy in so many
situations. I use mine, troubleshooting plug in devices.

Amprobe costs more than Horrid Fright, but might be worth
the extra one time purchase cost.


..
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...
Replaced the batteries in my Amprobe one that I've had for a year or so
with Eneloops; it got very warm and now doesn't work even with the old
alkalines back in it. I'm not impressed as I received this as a gift and
actually had to exchange the first one because the battery cover wouldn't
stay on. 2nd one was OK until this AM though. I actually have grown to
like having it although my initial thought was "why do I need this when I
have several different multimeters?" (answer - NCVD is faster for many
jobs.)

What do you guy like? Fluke? Other? Bonus points if you've used it with
Eneloops or other NiMH rechargeables and can verify that it won't blow up.
(this is only the second device that I've come across that wouldn't work
with NiMH - first being a Nikon digital camera that was specifically
advertised as being NiMH friendly.) the Amprobe lights up, buzzes, and
shakes which is nice - really would like to keep all three features.

nate

The company I worked for supplied us with Fluke testers. You have to be
careful that you get the one with the range you want. One is good for
voltages from around 20 to 90 volts, another from 90 to 1000 and the third
from 200 to 1000.
They seem to hold up and work ok. Lights up and sounds a tone when voltage
is detected.

We probably had over 20 of them in use and they seemed to work fine.
Good thing about them is they are CAT IV rated.

They are useful for some things, but before I stick my hands in anything, I
use another meter just to be sure.

Used them from 120 volt circuits up to some 480 volt 3 phase circuits.

"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...

Ment to put in the url .

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/elec....htm?PID=56048

On 09/30/2013 10:46 AM, Ralph Mowery wrote:
"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...

Ment to put in the url .

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/elec....htm?PID=56048


Awesome... posted my question over in the battery section of CPF as
well, the one response that I got said that Flukes play nice with NiMH
(both my Fluke DMMs do...) I'm on my way out the door to the supply
house, looks like the 1AC-II is the way to go. I'll miss the shaker of
the Amprobe, but having tools I can rely on is a Good Thing.

thanks again

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Nate Nagel wrote:
Replaced the batteries in my Amprobe one that I've had for a year or so
with Eneloops; it got very warm and now doesn't work even with the old
alkalines back in it. I'm not impressed as I received this as a gift and
actually had to exchange the first one because the battery cover wouldn't
stay on. 2nd one was OK until this AM though. I actually have grown to
like having it although my initial thought was "why do I need this when I
have several different multimeters?" (answer - NCVD is faster for many jobs.)

What do you guy like? Fluke? Other? Bonus points if you've used it
with Eneloops or other NiMH rechargeables and can verify that it won't
blow up. (this is only the second device that I've come across that
wouldn't work with NiMH - first being a Nikon digital camera that was
specifically advertised as being NiMH friendly.) the Amprobe lights up,
buzzes, and shakes which is nice - really would like to keep all three features.

nate


I have a Klein NCVT-2. I can't compare it to any other brand since it's the
only one I've used. It does what I need it to do, so I'm happy with it.

It doesn't buzz, so if that's important then this device is not for you.
Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

There's no mention of it being - or not being - NiMH friendly. CAT IV, auto
sensing dual range 12-48 VAC and 48-1000 VAC or single range mode, 48-1000
VAC.

There's contact information, a product video and brochures available at
this link.

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/el...-tester-ncvt-2

On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:46:33 -0400, "Ralph Mowery"
wrote:


"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...

Ment to put in the url .

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/elec....htm?PID=56048


Ralph,

Out of curiosity; what is meant by "Flat-tip" and "Round-tip"?

"Oren" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:46:33 -0400, "Ralph Mowery"
wrote:


"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...

Ment to put in the url .

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/elec....htm?PID=56048


Ralph,

Out of curiosity; what is meant by "Flat-tip" and "Round-tip"?

I don't know for sure. All ours have the flat tip. That will fit in a
standard US wall socket.

Just looking at the pictures , some of them have tips that are round instead
of flat. Not sure if they will fit a wall socket or not.

On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 12:17:50 -0400, "Ralph Mowery"
wrote:


"Oren" wrote in message
.. .
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:46:33 -0400, "Ralph Mowery"
wrote:


"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...

Ment to put in the url .

http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/elec....htm?PID=56048


Ralph,

Out of curiosity; what is meant by "Flat-tip" and "Round-tip"?

I don't know for sure. All ours have the flat tip. That will fit in a
standard US wall socket.


I was also thinking that when I asked.

Just looking at the pictures , some of them have tips that are round instead
of flat. Not sure if they will fit a wall socket or not.

My first thought when I looked was the round tip was a "probe".

(this is for automotive) You can probe in the wiring insulation.

http://www.cirris.com/university/testing/images/electrical_probe.jpg

"Oren" wrote in message
...
I don't know for sure. All ours have the flat tip. That will fit in a
standard US wall socket.


I was also thinking that when I asked.

Just looking at the pictures , some of them have tips that are round
instead
of flat. Not sure if they will fit a wall socket or not.

My first thought when I looked was the round tip was a "probe".

(this is for automotive) You can probe in the wiring insulation.

http://www.cirris.com/university/testing/images/electrical_probe.jpg

The Fluke testers are fully insulated round and flat.

I do have a Fluke meter that has some test leads that have very sharp
points that can punch through most insulation if needed. Also have some
that have rounded tips and those will fit into some alligator clips.

I guess that my favorite test leads are the ones that you can remove the
tips and put on differant kinds. I usually use just the pointed kind, but
also like the ones that are sort of like alligator clips. They have 'ears'
about half way from the end and you activate the opening of the clip by
pulling the ears back. Almost as if giving someone a shot with a needle.
Keeps the hands out of the wiring beter when working on live circuits.
http://www.fluke.com/fluke/usen/acce....htm?PID=55683

I never did like the hooking the rubber coated alligator clips to a live
circuit.

On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|

On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

There's contact information, a product video and brochures available at
this link.

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/el...-tester-ncvt-2

I just have to ask; what is "Pollution Degree: 2" mean?

Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|

The Klein NCVT that I have lights up and beeps. Different colors and
different beeps for the 2 ranges. The ranges are listed as 12-48 VAC and
48-1000 VAC.

I wonder what is does at exactly 48 VAC...

On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 17:14:07 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|

The Klein NCVT that I have lights up and beeps. Different colors and
different beeps for the 2 ranges. The ranges are listed as 12-48 VAC and
48-1000 VAC.

I wonder what is does at exactly 48 VAC...

Hmm, there has to be an answer - somewhere...

On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it
around inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it around
inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will take
it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I do
not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles in my
house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable amount of
force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper proof receps.

nate


I'll try my Klein tonight. I don't know that I have ever stuck it in a
receptacle, but I'll try that tonight. I don't have any tamper proof
receptacles so I can't test that.

I got mine at Home Depot.

On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:05:06 -0400, Nate Nagel
wrote:

Some of them just light up and don't beep

....some just "chirp" - I have one of these gadgets.

On 9/30/2013 3:05 PM, Nate Nagel wrote:

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate


Sounds like it doesn't do the job it is paid to do.
Pretty fluked up piece of gear?


..
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

On 9/30/2013 5:34 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:05:06 -0400, Nate Nagel
wrote:

Some of them just light up and don't beep

...some just "chirp" - I have one of these gadgets.

Walmart's black and yellow one chirps, and blinks.
And breaks in a few months. Yes, I checked the battery.


..
Christopher A. Young
Learn about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it around
inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will take
it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I do
not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles in my
house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable amount of
force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper proof receps.

nate


I just tested my Klein. Requires no effort to get it to read in the hot
side of my receptacles. In dual mode, it starts beeping with the 12-48V
signal within a 1/2" of the receptacle and then beeps with the 48-1000V
signal as soon as the tip enters the hot side. In single mode (high only)
it beeps once inserted.

At the breaker box, I opened the door and dragged it down the front of the
breakers. It beeped intermittently, with some breakers causing it to beep
and others not.

I'd say it's sensitive enough for most people's need.

Oren posted for all of us...

And I know how to SNIP


My first thought when I looked was the round tip was a "probe".

Anal? For Stumped?


--
Tekkie

DerbyDad03 posted for all of us...

And I know how to SNIP



It doesn't buzz, so if that's important then this device is not for you.
Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid when
working near electricity. ;-)


You may get the idea you have your mates BOB
(battery operated boyfriend)


--
Tekkie

Oren posted for all of us...

And I know how to SNIP


On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

There's contact information, a product video and brochures available at
this link.

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/el...-tester-ncvt-2

I just have to ask; what is "Pollution Degree: 2" mean?

Maybe it makes doody vs just pee pee.

--
Tekkie

On 9/30/2013 11:13 AM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

There's contact information, a product video and brochures available at
this link.

http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/el...-tester-ncvt-2

I just have to ask; what is "Pollution Degree: 2" mean?

I missed that when I read it.

Also never heard of it.

I found
http://www.ni.com/white-paper/2871/en/

You might get temporary condensation (which can be a conduction path),
but not rain (which can be a much worse conduction path). Would think
that would be of more interest for probes and screwdrivers (where actual
contact is made).

On 09/30/2013 03:05 PM, Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid
when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it
around inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate


Follow up - after looking online, it seemed like Santronics was
supposedly the top of the line brand (and made in USA!) for this kind of
device. Was going to order one but have been trying to find something
to use a Sears gift card on for ages. I did find that online you can
use it for "marketplace" items much like Amazon, so I've been slowly
picking away at it. Anyway, I ended up with two 4-packs of AAA
Eneloops, a Streamlight UV/white LED flashlight (so handy!) and a Sperry
VD-6505 NCVD, as I could use my gift card on that but not on a
comparable Santronics unit.

I don't normally think of Sperry as a higher end brand than Fluke, but
if this unit lasts it'll be my favorite of the three. Love the
adjustable sensitivity, it is more sensitive than the Amprobe on the
highest setting. Working now on a single Eneloop AAA just fine; my one
dislike is the design of the thumb switch although the light/beep when
you first press the switch is confirmation that you have the unit on.

It does not buzz, only light up and beep, but the buzz/vibrate seems to
be exclusive to Amprobe. I guess if this one craps out the next one I
buy will be Santronics.

nate


--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 03:05 PM, Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid
when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it
around inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate


Follow up - after looking online, it seemed like Santronics was
supposedly the top of the line brand (and made in USA!) for this kind of
device. Was going to order one but have been trying to find something to
use a Sears gift card on for ages. I did find that online you can use it
for "marketplace" items much like Amazon, so I've been slowly picking
away at it. Anyway, I ended up with two 4-packs of AAA Eneloops, a
Streamlight UV/white LED flashlight (so handy!) and a Sperry VD-6505
NCVD, as I could use my gift card on that but not on a comparable Santronics unit.

I don't normally think of Sperry as a higher end brand than Fluke, but if
this unit lasts it'll be my favorite of the three. Love the adjustable
sensitivity, it is more sensitive than the Amprobe on the highest
setting. Working now on a single Eneloop AAA just fine; my one dislike
is the design of the thumb switch although the light/beep when you first
press the switch is confirmation that you have the unit on.

It does not buzz, only light up and beep, but the buzz/vibrate seems to
be exclusive to Amprobe. I guess if this one craps out the next one I
buy will be Santronics.

nate



Just curious...

You don't mention anything about looking into the Klein unit that I
mentioned. Did you compare it to any other brands and find it lacking, or
did you just not consider it as one of your options?

On 10/04/2013 10:17 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 03:05 PM, Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid
when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it
around inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate


Follow up - after looking online, it seemed like Santronics was
supposedly the top of the line brand (and made in USA!) for this kind of
device. Was going to order one but have been trying to find something to
use a Sears gift card on for ages. I did find that online you can use it
for "marketplace" items much like Amazon, so I've been slowly picking
away at it. Anyway, I ended up with two 4-packs of AAA Eneloops, a
Streamlight UV/white LED flashlight (so handy!) and a Sperry VD-6505
NCVD, as I could use my gift card on that but not on a comparable Santronics unit.

I don't normally think of Sperry as a higher end brand than Fluke, but if
this unit lasts it'll be my favorite of the three. Love the adjustable
sensitivity, it is more sensitive than the Amprobe on the highest
setting. Working now on a single Eneloop AAA just fine; my one dislike
is the design of the thumb switch although the light/beep when you first
press the switch is confirmation that you have the unit on.

It does not buzz, only light up and beep, but the buzz/vibrate seems to
be exclusive to Amprobe. I guess if this one craps out the next one I
buy will be Santronics.

nate



Just curious...

You don't mention anything about looking into the Klein unit that I
mentioned. Did you compare it to any other brands and find it lacking, or
did you just not consider it as one of your options?

It actually got really bad reviews on Amazon whereas the Sperry unit was
surprisingly highly rated. Since I was mail ordering anyway I didn't
worry about what I could or couldn't get locally.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

Nate Nagel wrote:
On 10/04/2013 10:17 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 03:05 PM, Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid
when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it
around inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate


Follow up - after looking online, it seemed like Santronics was
supposedly the top of the line brand (and made in USA!) for this kind of
device. Was going to order one but have been trying to find something to
use a Sears gift card on for ages. I did find that online you can use it
for "marketplace" items much like Amazon, so I've been slowly picking
away at it. Anyway, I ended up with two 4-packs of AAA Eneloops, a
Streamlight UV/white LED flashlight (so handy!) and a Sperry VD-6505
NCVD, as I could use my gift card on that but not on a comparable Santronics unit.

I don't normally think of Sperry as a higher end brand than Fluke, but if
this unit lasts it'll be my favorite of the three. Love the adjustable
sensitivity, it is more sensitive than the Amprobe on the highest
setting. Working now on a single Eneloop AAA just fine; my one dislike
is the design of the thumb switch although the light/beep when you first
press the switch is confirmation that you have the unit on.

It does not buzz, only light up and beep, but the buzz/vibrate seems to
be exclusive to Amprobe. I guess if this one craps out the next one I
buy will be Santronics.

nate



Just curious...

You don't mention anything about looking into the Klein unit that I
mentioned. Did you compare it to any other brands and find it lacking, or
did you just not consider it as one of your options?

It actually got really bad reviews on Amazon whereas the Sperry unit was
surprisingly highly rated. Since I was mail ordering anyway I didn't
worry about what I could or couldn't get locally.

nate


I've got no skin in this game so it really doesn't matter to me, but I'm
not seeing what you're seeing as far as reviews, at least not from a
numbers perspective.

AFAICT they are both rated 4 out 5, with the Klein having a higher
percentage of 5 stars than the Sperry. Granted, the Sperry has a high total
percentage of 4 and 5 Stars. On the flip side, the Sperry has a higher
percentage of 1 star reviews than the Klein.

In any case, I'm not sure I'd classify these numbers as "really bad" vs.
"surprisingly high", especially at the 5 star level and with twice as many
Klein reviews (55 vs. 28) which should mean a more accurate assessment.

Sperry 6505

5 57.1%
4 25.0%
3 3.6%
2 3.6%
1 10.7%

Klein NCVT-2

5 60.0%
4 16.4%
3 7.3%
2 9.1%
1 7.3%

I'd like to toss out a partially unrelated comment regarding the reviews at
Amazon, as well as many other sites. This comment happens to be about one
of the Klein reviews, but it applies to many other reviews/comments that
I've read at various review sites.

One customer gave the Klein a 1 star rating because the one he bought
didn't work and he can't they a hold of anyone to figure out how to return
it or exchange it. I have never had trouble getting a hold of the vendor
that sold me something via Amazon or any other website. I don't think it's
right that a product's rating should be hurt because the purchaser can't
figure out how to read their receipt or click a link on a website, etc. In
many cases I often wonder if the product actually worked but the user just
didn't know how to use it. If they can't figure out how to contact the
vendor they bought it from, I suspect they probably couldn't figure out how
to read the instructions that came with the product.

As Dennis Miller used to say "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong."

On 10/04/2013 01:17 PM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Nate Nagel wrote:
On 10/04/2013 10:17 AM, DerbyDad03 wrote:
Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 03:05 PM, Nate Nagel wrote:
On 09/30/2013 01:04 PM, Oren wrote:
On Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:19:53 +0000 (UTC), DerbyDad03
wrote:

Personally, I'm not sure I want a tester that buzzes and vibrates when I
get near a hot wire. Buzzing and vibrating are things I like to avoid
when
working near electricity. ;-)

Me too. I like ones that beep :-|


Some of them just light up and don't beep. I could do without the
vibrating I guess but the beep is crucial, I may be just waving it
around inside a box seeing if anything is energized.

I bought a Fluke 1AC-II at the supply house today but I think I will
take it back, it is not nearly as sensitive as the Amprobe that died. I
do not trust it at all as it will not alert on some of the receptacles
in my house when pushed into the hot side opening with a reasonable
amount of force. It definitely will not alert on one of the new tamper
proof receps.

nate


Follow up - after looking online, it seemed like Santronics was
supposedly the top of the line brand (and made in USA!) for this kind of
device. Was going to order one but have been trying to find something to
use a Sears gift card on for ages. I did find that online you can use it
for "marketplace" items much like Amazon, so I've been slowly picking
away at it. Anyway, I ended up with two 4-packs of AAA Eneloops, a
Streamlight UV/white LED flashlight (so handy!) and a Sperry VD-6505
NCVD, as I could use my gift card on that but not on a comparable Santronics unit.

I don't normally think of Sperry as a higher end brand than Fluke, but if
this unit lasts it'll be my favorite of the three. Love the adjustable
sensitivity, it is more sensitive than the Amprobe on the highest
setting. Working now on a single Eneloop AAA just fine; my one dislike
is the design of the thumb switch although the light/beep when you first
press the switch is confirmation that you have the unit on.

It does not buzz, only light up and beep, but the buzz/vibrate seems to
be exclusive to Amprobe. I guess if this one craps out the next one I
buy will be Santronics.

nate



Just curious...

You don't mention anything about looking into the Klein unit that I
mentioned. Did you compare it to any other brands and find it lacking, or
did you just not consider it as one of your options?

It actually got really bad reviews on Amazon whereas the Sperry unit was
surprisingly highly rated. Since I was mail ordering anyway I didn't
worry about what I could or couldn't get locally.

nate


I've got no skin in this game so it really doesn't matter to me, but I'm
not seeing what you're seeing as far as reviews, at least not from a
numbers perspective.

AFAICT they are both rated 4 out 5, with the Klein having a higher
percentage of 5 stars than the Sperry. Granted, the Sperry has a high total
percentage of 4 and 5 Stars. On the flip side, the Sperry has a higher
percentage of 1 star reviews than the Klein.

In any case, I'm not sure I'd classify these numbers as "really bad" vs.
"surprisingly high", especially at the 5 star level and with twice as many
Klein reviews (55 vs. 28) which should mean a more accurate assessment.

Sperry 6505

5 57.1%
4 25.0%
3 3.6%
2 3.6%
1 10.7%

Klein NCVT-2

5 60.0%
4 16.4%
3 7.3%
2 9.1%
1 7.3%

I'd like to toss out a partially unrelated comment regarding the reviews at
Amazon, as well as many other sites. This comment happens to be about one
of the Klein reviews, but it applies to many other reviews/comments that
I've read at various review sites.

One customer gave the Klein a 1 star rating because the one he bought
didn't work and he can't they a hold of anyone to figure out how to return
it or exchange it. I have never had trouble getting a hold of the vendor
that sold me something via Amazon or any other website. I don't think it's
right that a product's rating should be hurt because the purchaser can't
figure out how to read their receipt or click a link on a website, etc. In
many cases I often wonder if the product actually worked but the user just
didn't know how to use it. If they can't figure out how to contact the
vendor they bought it from, I suspect they probably couldn't figure out how
to read the instructions that came with the product.

As Dennis Miller used to say "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong."


you're right, I was looking at the NCVT-1 which was whatever came up
first when I searched... that one has a two star average rating.

In any case we're discussing a ~$20-30 product... and even my old one
lasted a year. I was really surprised, however, that I didn't like the
Fluke one.

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel