FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (2023)

1User Manual

1.1FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight

21. Advisories

32. Introduction

43. Key Features

54. Safety

(Video) FLIR's VP50 Non-Contact Voltage Detector

64. Safety

86. Operation

97. Maintenance

108. Specifications

119. Customer Support

1210. Three-Year Warranty

13Documents / Resources

13.1References

13.2Related Manuals / Resources

(Video) How to use Non-Contact Voltage Detectors

User Manual

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (1)

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (2)

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight

VP50–2 (110V regions) and VP52–2 (220V regions)

Test Equipment Depot – 800.517.8431 – 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176

TestEquipmentDepot.com

1. Advisories

1.1 Copyright
©2020 FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

No parts of the software including source code may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed or translated into any language or computer language in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems. The documentation must not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or transmitted to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent, in writing, from FLIR Systems. Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of FLIR Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names or company names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.

1.2 Quality Assurance
The Quality Management System under which these products are developed and manufactured has been certified in accordance with the ISO 9001 standard. FLIR Systems is committed to a policy of continuous development; therefore, we reserve the right to make changes and improvements on any of the products without prior notice.

1.3 Documentation
To access the latest manuals and notifications, go to the Download tab at: https://support.flir.com. It only takes a few minutes to register online. In the download area you will also find the latest releases of manuals for our other products, as well as manuals for our historical and obsolete products.

1.4 Disposal of Electronic Waste
FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (3)As with most electronic products, this equipment must be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way, and in accordance with existing regulations for electronic waste. Please contact your FLIR Systems representative for more details.

(Video) IS THE FLIR VP50 THE BEST NON CONTACT VOLTAGE TESTER?

2. Introduction

The VP5x-2 detects the presence of AC voltage at electrical outlets, junction strips, electrical circuits, and other devices without having to contact the device physically. The VP50-2 (110 V regions) has a minimum excitation voltage of 90 V AC (this is its normal, or low sensitivity, mode); The VP52-2 (220 V regions) has a minimum excitation voltage of 190 V AC (this is its normal, or low sensitivity, mode). Both models have a high sensitivity mode allowing detection down to 24 V AC. Tactile vibration, audible beeper, and visual cues alert the user when AC voltage is present.

3. Key Features

  • Beeper sound
  • Vibration feedback alarms
  • Optimized High/Low sensitivity ranges
  • Multi-color LED alarm indicators
  • Bright flashlight
  • Dual LED illuminator at probe tip
  • ON/OFF button with auto power off (APO)
  • CAT IV 1000 V safety rated
  • Low battery indication (status LED flashing amber)
  • Robust pocket clip
  • Limited Three-Year Warranty
  • 9.8 ft. (3 m) drop-tested

4. Safety

NOTE

  • This device will not detect DC voltage.
  • Before and after each use, verify proper operation by testing on a known ‘live’ circuit (within
    the stated range of this device).
  • Static electricity can randomly trigger this device, this is normal for a device of this type.
  • In bright light conditions, the indicators will be less visible.

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (4) WARNING

  • Please read, understand and follow all warnings, cautions, safety information and instructions before operating this device. Failure to do so can result in death or serious
    injury.
  • Keep hands and fingers on the body of the probe when measuring, do not touch live
    circuits.
  • Risk of electric shock and burn. Contact with live circuits could result in death or serious
    injury.
  • This device may not detect voltage if: The user is not holding the tester, the device is at
    too long a distance from the voltage source, or if the tested frequency is outside of the
    specified range.
  • Do not attempt to detect voltages outside the specified range.

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (5) CAUTION

  • Use caution with voltages > 30 V AC.
  • If the device indicates that no voltage is present, voltage may still be present, use caution
    and double check your test results.
  • Never assume neutral or ground wires are de-energized. Neutrals in multi-wire branch
    circuits may be energized when disconnected and must be retested before handling.
  • Voltage detection performance is affected by varying electrical socket designs and insulation
    thickness/type; use caution.
  • Do not use this device if it is wet, does not power up properly, appears damaged, or if
    does not function properly.
  • Always wear protective clothing and eye-ware.
  • Do not use this device for purposes that have not been outlined in the user documentation.
  • Do not attempt to repair this device. There are no user-serviceable parts.
  • Do not expose this device to extremes in temperature or humidity.

4. Safety

4.1 Safety Symbols

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (6)

5. Descriptions

5.1 Product Description

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (7)

  1. AC Voltage sensor
  2. Tip lighting
  3. Alarm indicator
  4. Status indicator
  5. Power button: ON (short press); OFF (long press); Low/high sensitivity toggle (short press with meter ON)
  6. Pocket clip
  7. Flashlight ON/OFF button (long press)
  8. Battery compartment access cap
  9. Flashlight

5.2 Button, Indicator, and Beeper Descriptions

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (8)

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (9)

6. Operation

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (10)WARNING
Do not use this instrument before testing on a known live circuit.

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (11)WARNING
Keep hands and fingers on the probe body, away from the probe tip.

6.1 Low (normal) and High Sensitivity Modes
The meter operates in one of two modes: normal (low sensitivity), mode, or high sensitivity mode. The excitation voltage required to activate the meter alarm is much lower in the high sensitivity mode, see below.

  • In Normal (low sensitivity) mode, the minimum excitation voltage is 90 V AC (VP50–2) or 190 V AC (VP52–2).
  • In high sensitivity mode, the minimum excitation voltage is 24 V AC.
  • Toggle the low and high sensitivity modes by short pressing the power button (with the unit powered up).
  • In normal (low sensitivity) mode, the status indicator illuminates solid green.
  • In high sensitivity mode, the status indicator illuminates solid amber.
  • The VP50–2 is intended for 110 V AC regions and the VP52–2 is intended for 220 V AC regions.

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (12)CAUTION
Static electricity and other stray sources of energy can randomly trigger the sensor, this is normal. Random triggering is more likely in high sensitivity mode but can also occur in the low sensitivity mode.

6.2 Basic Operation

(Video) Comparing popular NCVT's on Wet Romex

  1. Short press the power button (5) to switch the meter ON. The meter vibrates briefly, beeps twice, and the tip lights (2) turn ON.
  2. When ON, the status indicator (4) should be solid green, indicating a proper working condition.
    • If the status indicator is flashing amber, replace the batteries.
    • If the status indicator is flashing red, the meter is malfunctioning (contact FLIR for Service).
  3. Once powered, short press the power button to toggle the sensitivity modes. The beeper will sound when the sensitivity is changed. See the Low and High Sensitivity Modes section for additional information.
    FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (13)WARNING
    Test on a known live circuit before testing on an uncertain circuit. Varying electrical socket designs and insulation thickness/types can affect voltage detection performance.
  4. Hold the AC voltage sensor (1) very close to the voltage source.
  5. If voltage is present, the meter vibrates, beeps, and the alarm indicator (3) flashes.
    • With voltage detected, in the normal (low sensitivity) mode, the alarm indicator flashes red.
    • With voltage detected, in high sensitivity mode, the alarm indicator flashes amber.
  6. To switch OFF, long press the power button. The meter beeps once and the status indicator and tip lights switch off.

6.3 Flashlight
To turn the flashlight (9) on or off, long press the flashlight button (7), the meter will beep. Note that the voltage detector does not operate while the flashlight is ON.

6.4 Low Battery Indication
The status indicator (4) flashes amber when the batteries need replacing. After 1 minute of flashing, the meter automatically switches OFF. See the Maintenance section for battery replacement instructions.

6.5 Auto Power OFF (APO)
The meter switches OFF after 3 minutes of inactivity. The flashlight switches OFF after 30 minutes, regardless of activity.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Cleaning and Storage
With the meter OFF, clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent, do not use harsh detergents, abrasives or solvents.

Use compressed air to clear dust from the flashlight lens. Clean the lens with a commercial lens cleaner if necessary.

Ensure that the device is dry before performing tests. When storing for long periods, remove the batteries and store separately.

7.2 Battery Replacement

  1. Switch the meter OFF before replacing the batteries.
  2. Unscrew the cap, as shown. FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (14)
  3. Replace the 2 x ‘AAA’ batteries, observing correct polarity, as shown on the outside of the case, near the compartment cap.
  4. Secure the cap, ensuring that the red plastic ring in the battery cap aligns with the battery, as shown. FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (15)
  5. Check that the device powers up correctly before attempting to make measurements.

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (16)Recycle used batteries; do not dispose in household trash. Follow all regulations with respect to the disposing of this device at the end of its lifecycle.

8. Specifications

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (17)

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight User Manual - Manuals+ (18)

9. Customer Support

Repair, Calibration, and Technical Support: https://support.flir.com.

9.1 Corporate Headquarters
FLIR Systems, Inc.
27700 SW Parkway Avenue
Wilsonville, OR 97070, USA

10. Three-Year Warranty

This product is protected by FLIR’s 3-Year Limited Warranty. Visit
https://support.flir.com/prodreg to read the 3-Year Limited Warranty document.

Copyright
© 2020, FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

Disclaimer
Specifications subject to change without further notice. Models and accessories subject to regional market considerations. License procedures may apply. Products described herein may be subject to US Export Regulations. Please refer to [emailprotected] with any questions.

Publ. No.: NAS100038
Release: AD
Commit: 64642
Head: 64642
Language: en-US
Modified: 2020-03-18
Formatted: 2020-03-18

(Video) VR40 - NON-CONTACT VOLTAGE DETECTOR, FLASHLIGHT AND 4:1 IRT (short version)

Documents / Resources

FLIR Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight [pdf] User Manual
Non Contact Voltage Detector Plus Flashlight, VP50-2, VP52-2, 110V, 220V

References

FAQs

How does a noncontact voltage detector work? ›

Non-contact voltage testers work by sensing a very small amount of current that is capacitively coupled from the live circuit to the tester and back to ground. Non-contact voltage testers light up when they detect this current without needing to make direct contact.

Can a non-contact voltage detector detect DC? ›

Test quickly for energized circuits, detect AC and DC voltages with non-contact volt detectors available from Specialized Products. They are safe and allow you to avoid exposure to high voltage electrical shock or personal injury.

How do you test if a wire is live? ›

One of the easiest ways to know if a wire is live is to use a voltage checker or a current checker. These are simple devices that you can touch to any wire, and it will tell you if there is electricity running through it.

Are non-contact voltage testers accurate? ›

These devices are not 100% accurate, but they do a pretty good job. You simply hold the tip near a suspected circuit, and it'll tell you if there's current or not.

Why use a non-contact voltage tester? ›

A non-contact voltage tester is the quickest and simplest way to safely check for electrical current in a wire, outlet, switch, or old lamp that has mysteriously stopped working. It's a useful tool that every electrician carries.

Can a multimeter be used as a voltage detector? ›

Can a multimeter check voltage? A multimeter is a testing instrument that can be used to measure multiple electrical properties, including voltage.

How do you read a voltage detector? ›

How To Use a Voltage Tester | Ask This Old House - YouTube

How can you tell if a wire has power? ›

A voltage tester is the safest way to test for a live electrical wire with there being many testers. The main ones are non-contact voltage testers and digital multimeters and are used to detect current flows. Voltage testers are not expensive and can be purchased from local hardware stores.

Why do I have voltage when switch is off? ›

Just to recap, a "phantom voltage" is where a wire from a switch to a light or outlet runs next to a permanently live wire, when the switch is off, the AC voltage in the other wire can induce a voltage in the switched-off wire.

How do you read a non-contact voltage tester? ›

How to Use a Non-Contact Voltage Tester - YouTube

What is an electrical sniffer? ›

Top Definition. These devices detect the presence of voltage without direct contact with the wire. One style (Greenlee 1010 or Fluke 1ACA1) looks like a pen and you touch the tip to a possible power source such as a wire or outlet and if the tip glows red, you know there is some level of voltage present.

Are voltage testers safe? ›

Non-contact voltage testers (also known as inductance testers) allow you to check for voltage in wires or devices without you having to touch any electrical parts. They are safe, easy to use, and inexpensive.

What is the advantage of a non contact voltage detector over a voltmeter? ›

What is the advantage of a noncontact voltage detector over a voltmeter? It does not have to contact the energized electrical circuit to indicate voltage.

How can you tell which wire is hot? ›

How to Identify Hot, Neutral and Ground Wires using ... - YouTube

How do you check voltage at home? ›

Set a multimeter to measure voltage. Insert a probe into each slot and read the line voltage measurement. A properly working outlet gives a reading of 110 to 120 volts. If there is no reading, check the wiring and the outlet.

What setting do you use to check voltage? ›

Set your multimeter to measure DC voltage. Use the selector knob or button to choose the expected measurement. For example, if you're expecting 9 volts from your battery, set it to 9 or 10. In the U.S., it's usually 30 volts or less.

What is non contact voltage on a multimeter? ›

"Non-contact voltage detectors are a quick, inexpensive way to check for the presence of live voltage on ac circuits, switches and outlets before working on them." Question 1: Why exactly is this relevant? If you are going to work on a circuit, why not use your multimeter directly to check the presence of voltage?

How do I use a multimeter to check voltage at home? ›

How to Use a Multimeter to Test an Outlet - YouTube

How do you know if power is going to light? ›

The easiest way is to go to an outlet on a circuit that you know is live (has power). Insert the tester leads or sensor into the outlet slots. If the tester lights up, it's working fine. If it fails to light up, the tester is bad or needs new batteries.

How do you test if a wire is live without a multimeter? ›

2. Method – Using tester screwdriver
  1. Get a voltage detector screwdriver. ...
  2. Turn on the screwdriver by pressing the power button.
  3. Touch the probe of the screwdriver to the wire.
  4. If the detector lights up, then there is electricity running through the screwdriver.

How does a voltage sensor work? ›

A voltage sensor is a sensor used to calculate and monitor the amount of voltage in an object. Voltage sensors can determine the AC voltage or DC voltage level. The input of this sensor is the voltage, whereas the output is the switches, analog voltage signal, a current signal, or an audible signal.

How do you use a Mastercraft non-contact voltage detector? ›

How to Use a Non-Contact Voltage Tester - YouTube

How does a voltage sensor work? ›

Volt Sticks detect voltage by a non-contact means (i.e. without any metallic contact) that is without the need for a test probe to touch the wire or surface that is being tested. The voltage, or more correctly the Electric Field, produced by the voltage is detected using the principal of Capacitive Coupling.

How do you use a non-contact voltage test light fixture? ›

Before using the tester, check its batteries the easy way: by shoving the tip into a live electrical socket, or holding it against the cord or bulb of a lit lamp. You'll hear continuous chirps or see a series of flashes to confirm the tester has detected voltage.

How do you make a homemade voltage tester? ›

Home made voltage tester - YouTube

Can a multimeter be used as a voltage detector? ›

Can a multimeter check voltage? A multimeter is a testing instrument that can be used to measure multiple electrical properties, including voltage.

How do you use a voltage tester? ›

To use a neon voltage tester, simply touch one tester probe to a hot wire, screw terminal, or outlet slot. Touch the other probe to a neutral or ground contact. The small neon bulb in the tip of the tool will light up if there is current present. The tester can also verify whether an outlet is properly grounded.

Why is my voltage tester blinking red? ›

A blinking or steady red glow and an audible beep indicate voltage present. If no indication, voltage could still be present. Before and after each use, verify operation by testing a known working circuit that is within the rating of this unit.

How do you check voltage on a light switch? ›

How to test a light switch - YouTube

How do you change the battery in a Mastercraft non contact voltage detector? ›

How To Replace The Battery In A VoltAlert™ Voltage Detector

What is the sensor output voltage? ›

Sensors can have various Voltage outputs 5 volts, 10 volts -5 to +5 volts and more. Sensors having a Voltage output are calibrated over this range against various engineering units such as so that the output value corresponds to a specific value of pressure, temperature, load, tilt etc.

What is a voltage sniffer? ›

Voltage sniffers use black magic to determine whether or not wires are live, and they're 100% reliable every time.

How does a power detector work? ›

RF Power Detectors Information. RF power detectors pick up radio frequency signals and generate an output corresponding to the strength of the signal. Subsequently, a processor correlates this output to real signal power.

Why do I have voltage when switch is off? ›

Just to recap, a "phantom voltage" is where a wire from a switch to a light or outlet runs next to a permanently live wire, when the switch is off, the AC voltage in the other wire can induce a voltage in the switched-off wire.

How do you test if a wire is live without a multimeter? ›

2. Method – Using tester screwdriver
  1. Get a voltage detector screwdriver. ...
  2. Turn on the screwdriver by pressing the power button.
  3. Touch the probe of the screwdriver to the wire.
  4. If the detector lights up, then there is electricity running through the screwdriver.

How do you test if a wire is live with a screwdriver? ›

Touch the tip of the tester screwdriver to the wire you're testing, being sure to hold the tester screwdriver's insulated handle. Look at the handle of the screwdriver. If the small neon light in the handle lights up, there is power going to the circuit. Otherwise the circuit is dead.

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