Gardner Bender GVD-504A Circuit Alert Non-Contact Voltage Tester

Customer Rating:
Summary: Works Great
Comment: I've had no problems with this, and it's a huge time saver on wiring projects. It has also helped me diagnose and correct some cross wiring issues on light switches that the prior owner of my house was nice enough to leave me with.

Customer Rating:
Summary: It works!
Comment: I,ve only used the tester for a few weeks but it has performed well.
It will alert of hot wires or receptacles within a few inches most of the time but be sure to probe as close as you can, it seemed shielding would sometimes require you to get closer. The tester will also alert to power cords that will aid in finding faulty switches and bulbs.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Essential Tool To Have
Comment: A must have tool. Sometimes when you turn off the breaker switch, there always seem to be a live outlet. I always double check with this little tool. It comes in very handy.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Simple and Works . . .
Comment: I have used other brands and other models, but this tester works at a good range limiting false negatives and and is easy to operate.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Mine was defective - and dangerous
Comment: This unit generally gets good reviews, but mine was defective and therefore, dangerous.

It chirps and lights when even close to any hot switches or outlets. Users should be able to use these types of testers to differentiate hot wires from neutral or dead. Mine chirps around all wires dead or alive. It even chirps around objects unattached to any circuits...like my coffee cup! It's true, it chirps madly at my coffee cup!

I didn't buy it to see if my coffee is "hot". I can do that with my lips!

So, buy it if you want, but don't be surprised when you have to put your electrical work on hold and cough up postage to return it for a replacement.