Gardner Bender GVD-504A Circuit Alert Non-Contact Voltage Tester
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Gardner Bender GVD-504A Circuit Alert Non-Contact Voltage Tester
Customer Review: Avoid a "Shocking" Experience
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased my GB Instruments' "Circuit Alert" at my local home improvement center and have found it to be a reliable tool. I own this tool and a Harbor Freight "Cen-Tech, Non-contact Voltage Detector". Both tools perform acceptably, but I like the slim design and slightly sturdier feel of the Circuit Alert. The Circuit Alert is approximately 5-3/8"L x 9/16"W x 3/4"H (including the pocket clip). The clip acts as a momentary switch and is used to activate the detector. Some reviewers have indicated that they do not like the clip switch but I find the design a positive element as you cannot forget that it is on and drain the batteries. The detector will blink once and make a single chirp when first activated to let you know that it's functioning--unlike the Cen-Tech detector, which requires you to test it on a live circuit first. (Testing it on a live circuit probably isn't a bad idea, regardless of the detector.) The GB runs on two 1.5v LR44 button cell batteries and I store my detector with a thin piece of cardboard under the clip to prevent it from switching on accidentally as the result of bumping against other tools in my toolbox. The detector is Underwriters Laboratories marked and is rated for detecting voltages from 50 to 600 VAC. Mine detects 110 VAC on 14-2 at a distance of 2" (compared to the 1/4" to 1/2" using the Cen-Tech tool and the Cen-Tech has to be on the hot side of the jacket). The detector does seem to produce false chirps near static electricity, as mine will chirp rubbing it against a knit sweater. As a DIY'er, I don't use this tool very often but they are definitely much more convenient than checking to see if a wire is live using a multimeter. It's a tool worth adding to your collection, even if all you do is replace an electrical outlet or switch now and then.Customer Review: Not reliable, far from professional
Summary: 2 Stars
The product is typical cheap China construction, slap it togeather so it works out of the box, no consideration for durability. With a tool that can save your life, this is NOT up to par.
Mine stopped working after about a year of light use.
I was able to repair mine, what had happened was the batteries were not connecting to the flimsy internal connection that has very little support. I had to prize the connection out, and place batteries and cap on slowly while testing it against an appliance cord. The beeping let me know that contact was finally being made.
There is no On/Off button, so if it gets "squeezed" in you tool box it will drain the batteries, since the metal clip on the outside is the "on" connection.
Like I typed, for a SERIOUS safety item like this, unacceptable construction. And good thing I tested the unit on other "known live" cables before I dug into the ceiling light electrical with a false sense of security. When you use it every few months, you tend to forget the self test chirp it is supposed to make.
I am going to spend some more money and get a pro model, electricity is not something to take lightly.
Customer Review: Unreliable design
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased the GVD-504A and was very disappointed with it. In fact, I was so disappointed, I purchased a different unit.
This one is sitting in the junk pile.
Here are the reasons:
1) There is no positive on/off switch - you have to press on the clip to turn it on. This is the main design flaw with this unit.
If you don't make a good contact it can be off while you're testing and not chirp. This is a terrible design and is, in my opinion, dangerous! My new unit has a positive on/off switch. You just twist and it's on. When you're done you twist it back and it's off.
2) Requires 2 watch type batteries. These are expensive to replace and harder to find. My new unit takes standard AA or AAA batteries (I can't remember which) that are cheap and easy to come by.
Overall I would recommend passing on this unit.
Customer Review: Works, not hyperactive
Summary: 5 Stars
These testers are the bane of electricians every. Some don't always work others are hypersensitive. This one is perfect; detects voltage in every application, but it can tell hot from neutral. If I put it in the hot, it lights and in the neutral it doesn't. This is probably the 8th such tool I've owned and the first to not light up in the neutral. Good tool.Customer Review: A great tool at a great price
Summary: 5 Stars
Definately worth the money. I am a Home Inspector and I have been using this unit for over a year with no complaints. The unit has both audio and visual indicators, a plus. It self tests each time you activate it, a plus. It is durable, a definate plus, I can't begin to count the number of times I have dropped it and I have never had a problem. I am buying a 2nd one because I don't ever want to be on an inspection without it and sooner or later I will lose it in an attic or crawlspace.