TriplettSniff-It 2 LV Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector with Adjustable Sensitivity, Detects 5V - 600V (9601)

This device does work as intended but I wish the controls of it were a bit more intuitive. I used this for 120V wiring for lights, switches, and outlets and it picked them all up. This sniffer has an adjustable knob that allows you to sense voltages from 5V AC to 600VAC and making sure to set that properly each time can be a pain. The main reason that's annoying is the adjustment knob is also the same knob that you turn the device off with. That means each time you turn it on you have to re-adjust/calibrate to the voltage you are intending to sense. For me, I would usually use a known working outlet to calibrate it to turn on or beep at the distance I was trying to sense at. Then I would move on to the circuit under test. If this device could have an on/off switch along with an adjustment knob or slide that would work much much better and be easier to keep it off while using it for testing. Another issue is the sensitivity of this device. It is very hard to find a good setting to keep the device from beeping at all when there is 'no' live voltage to beeping constantly. Either it picks up EMI too easily or it seems to beep randomly while waving it around in the air. The only reliable way to use this was to have it beep from motion but configured to beep constantly or always on when around the desired voltage. Not ideal. For what I needed it for, however, it did function and it was a good test to see if live voltage was in the wire. Next time, I would probably try another model if given the chance.

The Triplett 9601 Sniff-It Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector is my trusted side kick when it comes to ensuring my safety and for fast circuit tracing. You do have to learn to use it. Before you actually use it, you have to adjust it with a known source such as a trusted AC outlet. Simply plug the plastic tip into the smaller rectangular hole of a standard AC outlet and adjust the sensitivity until the Voltage Detector begins to chirp and flash reliably. Then, you can pass the plastic tip near unknown wires or other conductors to see they are live. When you are done with your project, simply return the adjustment setting to the OFF position to conserve the battery. CONS: It is too bulky to be clipped inside your shirt pocket. I clip it to my shirt pocket but with the Voltage Detector on the outside of the pocket. Also, the battery cells used are not as available as are AA or AAA cells.

Goods:I love the adjustable sensitivity. I have the  Klein Tools NCVT-1 Non Contact Voltage Tester  and the disadvantage of the Klein is that you must be right near the voltage source to get a response. The  Fluke 1AC-A1-II Volt-Alert  and  Fluke 2AC Alert Voltage Tester  units are borderline dangerous. The Triplett 9601 can detect 120v as far away as 1.5ft, I would say. Then you can dial it down to single out wires in close proximity. The range is great if you would like to trace wires through walls (to ensure you don't hit/cut anything).Cons:*It's on the fat side, but I don't care.*The only real downside I have for this unit is the bizarre battery. I can't say it's an immediate disadvantage because I'm not sure how long it will last. Other owners report years of battery life so I'm not terribly concerned.

No battery included. Unusual size so you will not have a A23 in stock.Daughter bought for father's Day gift but it bombed for the project he needed it for.

This works well a detecting voltage. But if you have low low current (a voltage drop) due to poor connections, it will still detect voltage but things might not work. Specifically, if you are trying to debug LED xmas lights, You're better off pulling bulbs one at a time and checking for voltage in half the socket with a multimeter. With the ground lead in the back of the wall plug, each time you check for voltage, it will complete the circuit and light all the lights between the wall and your test probe.

So far the Triplett 9601 Sniff-it has worked well. I'm still here. If it fails, well then I will not be able to write that up. But at least I will have a place to go. Do you?So far it's ok. Now ok is better than bad and means it is pulling it's load. Why give it 5 stars. That would be like giving a Fireman or Policeman or serviceman 5 stars for doing their duty. No, 5 stars is above and beyond the call of duty. Don out. Ex-fire fighter.

On the Plus of this is the price, Decent price.Another Plus is the variable voltage selector, I often deal with low volt (24v circuts) around 120 and 220v circuts. Nice to be able to set the voltage detection level. Also helps find inductive voltage problems.The one negitive is the battery. Uses a 24v battery instead of the common AA battery, Just remember to turn it off.

I don't like this detector as much as I had hoped to. Although the sensitivity is adjustable, I have to turn the sensitivity almost all the way up to detect 115 v ac with the probe against a wire.Maybe I just haven't worked with it enough to fully appreciate it yet, and I will keep using it.

I got it on time, however, this particular item is defective. It's giving me continuous flashing and sound alarmseven I'm meters away from electrical wires.