No matter how old your home is, you will need to test an outlet at some point. And whether you’re testing the outlet to ensure that it works or troubleshooting a problem with your electrical system, an outlet tester is a must-have tool.
We’ve researched and rounded up 10 of the best electrical outlet testers on the market today.
1. Sperry Instruments GFI6302 GFCI Outlet
$17.96
The Sperry receptacle testers are designed to check for correct wiring in standard three-wire outlets. These testers are ideal for homeowners, electricians, contractors, maintenance personnel, and safety inspectors. The GFI6302 is the largest tester in the Sperry Instruments receptacle tester lineup. It features an easy-to-read AC voltmeter display and seven visual indication lights (LEDs) to identify correct wiring conditions.
What to expect from the product?
- Easy to use
- Great for quickly testing GFCI receptacles
- Visual indication of wiring problems
- Handy pocket size
- Test leads stored in the unit
2. Sperry Instruments STK001 Non-Contact Voltage Tester
The non-contact voltage detection pen can test for the presence of AC voltage from 90V to 600V in electrical fixtures, outlets, and wires. The pen will beep, and the tip will illuminate when it detects the voltage. It can also be used to test the polarity of an outlet.
What to expect from the product?
- Compact size allows for easy storage and travel.
- Very affordable- great value!
- The power bank works with any USB-compatible device, making it extremely useful.
- Easy enough to use that even a child could figure it out.
- No charging required- just plug in the USB cord, and you’re ready to go!
- It comes in two colors (red or black) to choose what’s best for you!
- Includes a carrying case that makes it easy to keep your new power bank safe from scratches and dings when traveling around town or on vacation!
- The tester is yellow, which might make it harder to see in low light conditions.
3. Klein Tools RT210 Outlet Tester
The Klein Tools Outlet Tester is a simple tester for standard North American alternating current (AC) electrical outlets. An indicator light alerts you to the results of the tests. This outlet tester is made of durable plastic and has a plug-in design with a one-button operation.
What to expect from the product?
- Tests both standard and GFCI receptacles.
- Receptacle tester is able to detect six common wiring faults in the outlets so you can quickly identify issues before installing or troubleshooting devices.
- LED lights indicate wiring conditions for easy reading.
- 3 LEDs clearly show if wiring is correct or if there is an open neutral, open ground, open hot, hot/ground reversed or proper grounding. Lights help eliminate the confusion of traditional analog testers.
4. Klein Tools RT250 GFCI Receptacle Tester
Ideal for both professional and DIY use, the Receptacle Tester offers a large LCD display that indicates open hot, open neutral, open ground, hot/ground reversed, hot/neutral reversed and correct wiring. It tests standard three-wire outlets and GFCI protected outlets. Includes convenient storage bag.
What to expect from the product?
- Reliable: The GFCI tester has been designed to determine if the receptacle is properly wired and compatible with a GFCI device.
- Safe to use.
- Easy to use: Easy-to-read LCD display indicates open hot, open neutral, open ground, hot/ground reverse, hot/neutral reverse and correct wiring.
- Pocket-sized: The LCD display is easy to read even in low light conditions. The pocket-sized tester with a convenient pocket clip makes it very portable.
5. AstroAI Digital Multimeter
The AstroAI TRMS Digital Multimeter is designed to safely and accurately troubleshoot various automotive and household electrical problems. It’s easy and safe to operate and features many different functions for measuring current, voltage, resistance, continuity, transistor, and diode testing, which is both for automotive and household uses. Use this multimeter for home commercial electrical industrial school hobbyist automotive applications etc.
What to expect from the product?
- The multimeter is easy to use and gives accurate results.
- The continuity test and the diode test features both works well.
- The multimeter is durable, exceptionally sturdy, and can take a beating.
- The multimeter is versatile and can be used in various repair tasks.
- Inaccurate continuity setting.
6. Gardner Bender GFI-3501 Tester
With the Gardner Bender GFI-3501 tester, you can test for wiring problems in 3-wire receptacles and GFCIs. The LED lights indicate wiring status and help you identify possible wiring mis-wirings or other faults.
What to expect from the product?
- Test for wiring conditions in standard, GFCI and AFCI receptacles.
- Identifies correct wiring and indicates mis-wires.
- LED lights to show how the circuits are.
- Works on 110V – 125V AC circuits.
7. Klein tools dual-range non-contact voltage tester
$42.27
The Klein Tools Non-Contact Voltage Tester with Receptacle Tester is a great choice for safety and functionality. It is ideal for any electrician, contractor, or homeowner. It helps to quickly determine the electrical state of circuits and test for the presence of proper grounding in receptacles.
What to expect from the product?
- Includes a heavy-duty holster with a clip and wrist strap for easy carrying and portability.
- Non-contact voltage detector senses voltage in cords, cables, circuit breakers, switches, lighting fixtures, wire and outlets.
- GFCI tests standard three-wire outlets ensure correct wiring and identify common wiring faults in standard three-prong outlets.
- LEDs indicate if the wiring is correct or indicates the type of fault.
8. Bastex Socket Tester with GFCI check. Receptacle Tester for Standard AC Outlets
A complete home electrical tester, including GFCI Check, so you can quickly and easily identify the most common wiring faults. This easy-to-use tester will have you testing outlets and wiring like a pro in seconds.
What to expect from the product?
- Fast and efficient – A Bastex socket tester is an essential tool for every electrician, contractor, tradesman or DIY homeowner. This advanced plug-in outlet tester checks for seven different wiring conditions quickly and efficiently.
- Safe and compact – Compact design with no exposed metal when checking outlets, this device has been designed from the ground up with safety in mind.
- Easy to read leds – Quickly detect if an outlet’s wiring is correct or if there is a problem, including reverse polarity, open neutral, open ground and hot/ground reversed.
- 3 year warranty – The item comes with a three-year warranty from the manufacturer. If it breaks or fails in any way, we will replace it free of charge, no questions asked.
9. Triplett AC Line Splitter and GFCI Outlet/Receptacle Tester
This simple plug-in tester checks for power, wiring polarity, and ground fault interrupter (GFCI) function in a standard 3-wire outlet. The tester monitors the GFCI “Trip” button to verify that it works properly. The tester is designed to work on 120 VAC outlets.
What to expect from the product?
- GFCI Test – Test GFCI Outlets and Test Standard 3-Wire Outlets
- AC Line Splitter – This allows you to use one outlet for multiple devices.
- 5 Visual Indicators – Quickly identify the status of your outlets or power.
- Tests – GFCI Outlets, Standard 3 Wire Outlets, Circuits and Wiring
- Great For – Homeowners, Contractors, Electricians, Service Technicians
10. Southwire Tools & Equipment 40022S Receptacle Tester
The Southwire 40022S Receptacle Tester tests the most common wiring problems in standard and GFCI receptacles. Durable and very simple to use!
What to expect from the product?
- The unit is simple and features a three-light display for quick reference, indicating if the outlet is wired correctly.
- The Southwire 40022S Receptacle Tester does not test for all wiring conditions.
- It is designed with a GFCI push button, to help you easily test if the trip function works perfectly.
- The product is UL listed.
As you’ve learned, there are various good options out there for the best electrical outlet tester on the market. Whether you’re dealing with household wiring issues or home safety concerns, one of these models will work well for you.
To get a better understanding, you can check them out here. All that’s left is to head to your favorite electronics store and select one that works best for your needs.
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