Bought a cheap voltage tester that nearly cost me a whole day's pay

Jamie Young · 2026-04-10T14:15:06.232918+00:00

I picked up a no-name brand tester for $15 at a local hardware store, and it gave me a false negative on a live 240 line in a basement rewire. Had to call in another guy to double-check, which set me back $200 and wasted three hours. What's a solid tester you all actually trust for residential work?

jakel365mo ago

Switched to a Fluke after getting bit by a cheap one. Worth every penny.

4

keithlane6mo ago

Honestly, my cheap one's never let me down.

2

kaid596mo ago

My old Greenlee tester did the same thing on a 120 circuit last year. I mean, you just can't trust the cheap ones with your safety. I switched to a Fluke and it's been solid.

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