There are a handful of tools that should be filed under the heading, “tools everyone should own.” A hammer, a drill, a level, screwdrivers, a tape measure, a few rolls of duct and electrical tape, etc. Add to that list a few items for electricians and DIYers that are packaged together and available exclusively from Lowe’s. The Southwire Electrical Test Kit combines the three most commonly used electrical testing tools for the low, low price of $29.98. Great for troubleshooting and helpful in some basic household repair, the kit includes a manual ranging multimeter, a non-contact voltage tester, and a receptacle tester.
Southwire Manual Ranging Multimeter
Whether you work in the electrical field or not, a multimeter can, and probably should, become an indispensable part of anyone’s tool bag. This basic, general purpose multimeter can test batteries, light fixtures, electrical fixtures, outlets, appliances… basically, all manner of electrical things. Southwire’s manual ranging multimeter probably falls more on the basic side of things, but that doesn’t make relegate it to the lower leagues. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other multimeters from Southwire, it will support the same basic functions as a Pro model.
This multimeter has 7 functions with 20 ranges. Just as you would expect, it also comes with a couple of test leads.
It features a backlit digital display for easier visibility in darker environments. It also has a hold feature to keep your measurements posted on the screen.
The multimeter also features an integrated stand that holds the unit upright. Impact resistant overmolding makes for a more comfortable grip and also provides some protection for the multimeter when you inevitably drop it.
Southwire Electrical Test Kit: Manual Ranging Multimeter (10030S) Features
- 7 functions with 20 ranges
- Backlit digital display
- Special ranges for testing AAA, AA, C, D and 9V batteries
- Impact resistant double molded housing provides comfortable grip
- Integrated tilt-stand for easy viewing
- CAT III 300V/CAT II 600V, UL Listed
- Includes: Multimeter, test leads, 9V battery
Southwire Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Again, a non-contact voltage tester should exist in everyone’s toolbag. Where a multimeter can test a variety of things involving a variety of voltages, the main purpose of the NCV tester revolves around safety. Before you start horsing around with cutting wires or jamming screwdrivers into electrical boxes, of course, you’re going to shut off the breaker. But, did you actually remember to do it?
Or, maybe you certainly did hit the breaker, but perhaps through some strange electrical anomaly (read: you turned off the wrong one), there still exists some doubt that there might be current flowing through that circuit you’re about to work on. Enter the NCV tester. Basically, this device shows whether AC current runs through that circuit or wire without you actually having to touch that circuit or wire.
Non-contact voltage testers are pretty simple and easy to use. When switched on, the unit beeps and the head glows green. When the NCV tester senses current, the head beeps like crazy and turns red. It can verify AC current between 100 and 600V. This tester also features a thinner testing probe for working with wall outlets.
It features a flashlight on the other end of the unit for those times when you’re working in the dark (which, if you’ve switched off the breaker, there’s a good chance you’ll be working in the dark).
The Southwire NCV Detector comes with a pocket clip and features a low-battery self-test. When the batteries have lost too much of their charge, the unit will beep three times and the green light will shut off.
Southwire Electrical Testing Kit: NCV Detector (40116N) Features
- Flashlight now 2x brighter
- Thinner probe tip for working with wall outlets
- Power switch now standard
- Green LED means power on, flashing red LED with beeper means voltage detected
- Low battery self-test
- Pocket clip for easy storage
Southwire Receptacle Tester
A receptacle tester should be readily available anytime you find yourself working around outlets. The operation here is very simple. Is your outlet wired up properly? Jam this tester into the outlet and find out instantly.
If your outlet is wired correctly, the two orange lights in the center and on the right of the unit will light up. If there are any issues with the circuit, from an open ground to reversed wiring, the receptacle tester will show it through different light patterns. The user can decode these patterns by the key on the top of the tester.
Southwire Electrical Testing Kit: Receptacle Tester (40010s-A) Features
Identifies wiring errors in standard 3-wire receptacles- LED indicators and wiring legend identify fault
- For use on 120V AC outlets
- UL Listed
Final Thoughts
If you don’t have any electrical testing equipment yet, Southwire and Lowe’s offer you a great opportunity to cover that base relatively cheaply. Granted, Pros will find this to be a foundational part of a much larger suite of test and measurement tools. For less than $30, the Southwire Electrical Testing Kit is a great set for a lot of your basic diagnostic work.
For the homeowner that’s pretty handy, you can diagnose some issues that you might be able to tackle yourself rather than paying for a service call to an electrician. But even when the work is beyond your scope of knowledge, being able to communicate what your readings are will likely reduce the amount of time an electrician needs in the early stages, saving you money on the repair.
Southwire Electrical Testing Kit Specs
Manual Ranging Multimeter (10030S)
AC Voltage: 600V Range, 0.1V Max Resolution, ±1.2% Max Accuracy- DC Voltage: 600V Range, 0.1mV Max Resolution, ±0.5% Max Accuracy
- DC Current: 10A, 1µA Max Resolution, ±1.0% Max Accuracy
- Resistance: 2000kΩ, 0.1 ohm Max Resolution, ±0.8% Max Accuracy
- Battery Test: 1.5V/9V, 10mV Max Resolution, ±1.0% Max Accuracy
- Continuity: Audible Threshold Approximately 30 Ohms
- Diode Test: Yes
- Dimensions: 5.44 x 2.6 x 1.5″
- Weight: 0.64lb
NCV Detector (40116N)
- AC Detection Range: 100-600V AC
- Safety Rating: CAT IV 600V
- Frequency Range: 50/60Hz
- Batteries: 2 AAA
- Operating Temperature: 32° to 104°F (0° to 40° C)
- Storage Temperature: 14° to 140°F (-10° to 60°C)
- Dimensions: 6.23 x 0.83 x 0.99″ (158 x 21 x 25mm)
- Humidity: 80% Max
Receptacle Tester (40010s-A)
- Dimensions: 3.43 x 1.73 x 0.95″ (87 x 44 x 24mm)
- Weight: 0.12 lbs
Get your Southwire Electrical Testing Kit exclusively at Lowe’s!
