AC Circuit Load Testers or AC Circuit Analyzers are essential instruments for electricians and laymen. These devices provide loads to check the capabilities of AC circuits or wirings.
Why should we use AC circuit load testers?
As per the record, in the majority of cases, fire breaks out due to wiring problems. Additionally, faulty wiring causes damage to precious electronic equipment. It happens because of miscalculations in our wiring or circuit designs.
How can we counter this situation as a common person?
To prevent these hazards, we must properly monitor the behavior of our AC Circuits at different loads. The circuit must be checked at different levels of electrical current after installation. Hence, we need loads that can withdraw the corresponding amount of current.
Here, the AC circuit load tester comes to the rescue. These instruments check the performance of AC circuits with ease. By “performance” I mean:
- Check the status of the wiring
- Check the ability of wiring at different current levels
- Point out and show if there is any danger
Thus we need the best AC Circuit load tester for this task. We cannot rely on ordinary AC circuit load testers for this sophisticated job as the wrong readings might be deadly. But only experts can tell you how to pick a good AC circuit load tester.
Well, here we are. This blog will answer the following questions
- What is the best AC circuit load tester?
- Which are the top AC circuit load testers?
- What are the factors that make an excellent AC circuit load tester?
- And some common misconception
So stay in touch.
Choosing the Best AC Circuit Load Tester
Once we have the best AC Circuit load tester in our hands, we do not have to worry about the testing of AC wiring or circuits.
As per my personal experience, I found EXTECH CT-70 one of the best ac circuit load testers. After going through many good AC circuit load testers, I found EXTECH CT-70 simple, durable, sustainable, and quite efficient in the field. Amazingly, it combines all the necessary functions, which are the basic need of a wiring electrician, in one instrument.
However, it is not the only instrument in the market. Hence, we categorized other good AC circuit load testers based on the following parameters:
a. Safety
As mentioned in our previous blogs, Safety is our prime concern when it comes to instrumentation. We have divided safety into different categories (CAT-I, CAT-II, and CATIII).
Cutting to the chase, CAT-III safety helps us to work with electrical wiring from main circuit breakers (or power meters). Hence, a good AC Circuit load tester must be safe for CAT-III.
b. Rating
Our common goal is to simulate the situation we face in our daily life. The rating tells us about the ability of the AC circuit load tester to provide a load of how many amps. By providing that load, the ability of our circuit can be measured easily.
Generally, 20 amps of load would do the job. However, if we have a load of 12 amps and 15 amps along with 20 amps, it would be the best AC circuit load tester.
c. Extra Functions
It is always the task of an instrumentation engineer to combine all functions in a single instrument. We know it is not possible for now. However, we strive to get more functions from a single instrument.
Likewise, a good AC circuit load tester would combine more functions in itself.
For a starter, the following are a few to rely on:
- Socket testing
- True RMS value
- Non-Contact Voltage measurement
- Voltage and frequency measurement
- CFCI testing
And much more besides these would be better.
d. Physical Features
An ideal AC circuit load tester would be easy to grab and light to pick and carry. It should always be tough enough to handle the harsh fieldwork.
For this purpose, the AC circuit load testers are made light, tough, and easy to handle.
Before picking any, thoroughly observe the physique of the instrument.
e. Battery Timing
Battery timing often depends upon the workload on the battery. If the instrument consumes more power, the battery cannot perform for a long time. Hence, a good ac circuit load tester must avoid unnecessary consumption of battery.
However, the list mentioned below keeps this function in check regardless of whether it’s not mentioned in the features.
Without any further delay, let’s go through the list.
List of Top AC Circuit Load Testers
Based on the above factors, we made the following list.
1. SureTest 61-164 Circuit Analyzer
Besides its simplicity, this AC circuit load tester is an accurate and safe instrument. Safety is a priority in the design of this model. However, safety does not trade off for accuracy.
Sustainability and durability are also their defining features. Besides these, let’s study its other features.
Distinguishing Features:
- This model looks behind the walls for problems in wiring. It is widely liked by professionals.
- It provides the load of 12, 15, and 20 Amps to AC circuits, hence tests every feature and capability of wiring
- Besides its basic function, Socket testing can be easily and quite efficiently done through it.
- Despite all these functions, it weighs only 9.4 oz (~267 grams)
- The bright OLED shows reading in tough environments with ease.
- Additionally, it simple very simple to use
Summing up, if one needs a more safe and more accurate AC circuit load tester, SureTest 61-164 (Amazon link) is the best option. The majority of our colleagues prefer it for its simplicity and durability. Moreover, it is quite helpful for circuit analysis and detecting any danger. The product is available at a reasonable price at the given link.
2. MS-5908A
After assessing its ability, we ranked MS-5908A among our top list. Although this instrument is comparatively new in the market, it has positive reviews.
Widely known for its accuracy and simplicity, electricians prefer it for heavy duty. Let’s go through its salient features:
Distinguishing features:
- Voltage measurement is shown in true RMS value.
- An artificial load of 12, 15, and 20 Amps is sufficient value for our use
- It can be used as a socket tester
- The operation is simple and quite friendly
- Durable and long-running instrument
Keeping all these features in consideration, MS-5908A (Amazon link) is a helpful and simple instrument. Load and unloaded AC can be easily measured, and its mechanism is very simple. Accompanied by other features, it is an ideal AC Circuit load tester.
3. KLEIN TOOLS RT-390
Klein Tools is a reputable brand in the field of instrumentation. They surpass the competitor based on performance. All become true when we discuss their efforts in AC circuit load testers.
The single instrument accumulates many functions. Moreover, it is simple to use for every category of professionals. And accurate in a reading. Let’s study its functions in more detail.
Distinguishing Features:
- The device is simple and handy for a common person
- To change the damaged cord, this device has a detachable cord module
- It checks voltage drop for 12, 15, and 20 Amps of load
- Power consumption is less and turns off after 5min of non-usage
- Results can easily be understood through a large display
- Suitable for 3-wire sockets.
Long story short, KLEIN TOOLS RT-390 (Amazon link) is the most favored instrument. It is durable and sustains considerable shock in a rough environment. This special ability makes it more attractive for professionals. This device is available at a reasonable price at the given link.
4. MY-5908B
Comparatively new in the market, the instrument got admiration from engineering brethren. Although it does not surpass the competitor, it made a spot among top AC circuit load testers.
Generally, clients hesitate while trying a new product, but this one has been tested by professionals in their corresponding field and got positive reviews. Let’s dive into some of its common features.
Distinguishing Features:
- MY-5908B has a large display, showing results explicitly. Even a layman can understand the readings
- Socket testing is also installed to facilitate users with minimum effort
- Voltage drop is measured for 5, 8, and 10 Amps. The values are comparatively less but good for low-level testing.
- RCD(Residual Current Device) and GFCI (Ground fault Current Interrupter) tests are easily conducted through it.
In short, MY-5908B(Amazon link) is an amazing AC circuit load tester. Widely known for its explicit reading display and handiness, the instrument is available at a reasonable price. Additionally, it combines many functions in itself that it is hard to ignore.
5. EXTECH CT-70
The instrument is designed by EXTECH: a reputable brand of electronic instruments. The model CT-70 provides the load of practical loads for wiring.
Hence, the circuit is tested on the ideal load that corresponds to the practical. Besides, it also works as a socket tester.
Let’s dive into some of its distinguishing features.
Distinguishing Features:
- CT-70 provides a load of 12, 15, and 20 Amps to AC Circuits. This range encompasses loads of our common use.
- At the same time, this instrument is a socket tester, that measures neutral to ground voltage and display peak voltage and frequency.
- Moreover, GFCI (Ground-Fault circuit interrupter) is also installed for testing of Ground connection.
- It allows us to measure both Loaded and Unloaded AC line voltage with ease.
- LED changes from green to read in case of any problem detection
- Despite all these functions, it weighs only 1 pound (~453 grams)
Summing up, EXTECH CT-70 (Amazon link) is an excellent choice among AC circuit load testers. It is a package of essential instruments. CT-70 is a smooth-running, durable, and long-running instrument that accumulates approximately every function that is necessary for electricians. Besides, everyone with a little knowledge of electrical wires can operate this.
Conclusion
Summing up the whole blog, we understood that an ideal AC circuit load tester would test our wiring on different loads. These loads work as a simulation for our wiring.
However, it is always difficult to get a good instrument but we will explain it.
Hence, the best AC circuit would have the following features:
- The AC circuit load tester would be safe.
- The instrument should have sufficient rating (12amps, 15amps, and 20amps)
- More extra function
- Good physical features
- Long battery timing
Judging from these factors, we come to the conclusion that EXTECH CT-70 (Amazon link) is the best AC circuit load tester. It fits the above features accurately. We found it more convenient and handy. Additionally, durability and sustainability are also common in these models.
We suggest it to our clients and found no negative response. Moreover, it is available at a reasonable price at the given link.
Question-Answer Session
Q1: How is an AC circuit load tester different from a socket tester?
A Socket tester tests the AC wiring. It tells us if there is any misconnection among the line, neutral, or ground wire. Some of these instruments are available with other additional functions.
On other hand, the AC Circuit Load tester provides an ideal load for AC Circuit. The main purpose of this instrument is to check the capability of wiring and whether it sustains the flow of current at that load. Similarly, the voltage drop that occurs due to load (Supplied by an AC circuit load tester) can also be measured.
Q2: Can an AC circuit load tester be used as a socket tester?
Not necessarily, however, it is mentioned in the manual of the instrument. Many AC circuit analyzers are available along with an internal socket tester.
We must go for the instrument with both qualities. Yet some people prefer separate instruments for these functions. Although, users know better.
Q3: How can we use AC circuit load tester?
Its use is very simple. All you have to do is to insert the cable of the AC circuit load in the socket. A good AC circuit load tester would show you all the necessary readings on display.
However, you have to be careful about safety. Only the CAT-III level (or higher) is safe for use.
Q4: Why is it advised to use the AC circuit load tester with a detachable cable?
As we are dealing with a load of several amps. The cable that connects the socket and AC circuit load tester together may damage over minor negligence.
Hence, if the cable is damaged, it can easily be replaced.
Otherwise, we have to replace the whole instrument. This makes it cost-effective.
Q5: Why cannot we use the insulation resistance meter for the same purpose?
Although the insulation resistance meter will tell you the value of resistance between two conduction wires, it fails to provide the practical condition of the load.
The same question is also asked about multimeters. The answer is the same for both instruments.
In an AC circuit load tester, we don’t have to worry about any calculations. The required values are provided directly. We cannot say this for the insulation resistance meter.
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