Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector
Introduction
The Southwire 40150N detects AC voltage over two ranges: 12 to 1000 volts and 100 to 1000 volts. LED indicators and beepers verify operation and indicate low or high voltage levels. The beeper can be turned off for silent operation. A powerful built-in LED flashlight is included for added convenience. With proper use, this tester will provide many years of reliable service.
WARNINGS
- Read, understand, and follow Safety Rules and Operating Instructions in the manual before using this tester.
- The tester’s safety features may not protect the user if not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check on a known live source within the rated AC voltage range of the tester before use to ensure it is in working order.
- Insulation type and thickness, distance from the voltage source, shielded wires, and other factors may affect reliable operation. Use other methods to verify live voltage if there is any uncertainty.
- Do not use if the tester appears damaged or if it is not operating properly. If in doubt, replace the tester.
- Do not use voltages that are higher than those marked on the tester.
- Use caution with voltages above 30 volts AC, as a shock hazard may exist.
- Comply with local and national safety requirements, particularly with regard to arc-flash potential.
- Do not operate the tester if the Low Battery warning occurs. Replace batteries immediately.
- Do not use the tester if there is evidence that batteries have leaked. The tester may be compromised. Replace the tester if this occurs.
- Use approved personal protective equipment when working on live circuits.
- The detector will not detect voltage if:
- The voltage is DC
- The wire is shielded or in a grounded metal box or conduit
- The user is not grounded or is isolated from the earth’s ground
- The detector may not detect voltage if:
- The detector tip cannot be fully inserted into the electrical outlet
- The electrical outlet is a tamper-resistant (TR) design
- The user is not holding the detector or the user’s hand is insulated from the detector (i.e. with a glove)
- The voltage source or wire is partially buried
- The magnetic field created by the voltage source is being blocked or interfered with.
- The frequency of the voltage being detected is distorted and thus not a perfect sine wave.
International Safety Symbols
Potential danger. Indicates the user must refer to the manual for important safety information.
Indicates hazardous voltages may be present.
Equipment is protected by double or reinforced insulation.
Maintenance
This tester is designed to provide years of dependable service if the following care instructions are performed:
- KEEP THE TESTER DRY. If it gets wet, wipe it off.
- USE AND STORE THE TESTER IN NORMAL TEMPERATURES. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of the electronic parts and distort or melt plastic parts.
- HANDLE THE TESTER GENTLY AND CAREFULLY. Dropping it can damage the electronic parts or the case.
- KEEP THE TESTER CLEAN. Wipe the case occasionally with a damp cloth. DO NOT use chemicals, cleaning solvents, or detergents.
- USE ONLY FRESH BATTERIES OF THE RECOMMENDED SIZE AND TYPE. Remove old or weak batteries so they do not leak and damage the unit.
- IF THE TESTER IS TO BE STORED FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, the batteries should be removed to prevent damage to the unit.
General Specifications
- Detection voltage range: 100V AC to 1000V AC, 12V to 1000V AC.
- Frequency range: 50/60Hz.
- Batteries: Two AAA 1.5V batteries.
- Operating temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C).
- Storage temperature: 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C).
- Humidity: 80% max.
- Altitude: 2000 meters.
- Pollution Degree: 2.
- Safety Compliance: CAT IV-600V.
Detector Description
- Screw on the battery cover
- Flashlight
- Flashlight
button - 12V button
- Tester On/Off button
- LED indicators
- Detector tip
- Worklight
Changing Batteries
- Carefully unscrew the battery cap at the rear (flashlight end) of the tester.
- Replace batteries with two AAA 1.5V batteries. Observe polarity.
- Carefully align the cover with the tester as shown below.
- Screw the cover onto the tester until it feels tight. Do not use excessive force.
- Verify operation by using the tester on a known live AC voltage within the defined detection range of the tester.
- Observe the correct polarity when installing batteries.
- Push IN and Rotate the Cap back onto the Tester’s Body.
NOTE: When batteries are loaded for the first time, please remove the white, rectangular security strip before installing batteries.
WARNING: When replacing the batteries, be sure to secure the cap firmly to maintain IP67 water and dust protection. A loose or overtightened battery cap may compromise water and dust protection.
Safety Category Ratings
| Category Rating | Brief Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| CAT II | Single-phase receptacles and connected loads | – Household appliances, power tools – Outlets more than 30ft (10m) from a Cat III source – Outlets more than 60ft (20m) from a Cat IV source |
| CAT III | Three-phase circuits and single-phase lighting circuits in commercial buildings | – Equipment in fixed installations such as 3-phase motors, switchgear, and distribution panels – Lighting circuits in commercial buildings – Feeder lines in industrial plants – Any device or branch circuit that is close to a CAT III source |
| CAT IV | Connection point to utility power and outdoor conductors | – Primary distribution panels – Overhead or underground lines to detached buildings – Incoming service entrance from the utility – Outdoor pumps |
FCC COMPLIANCE
Users of this product are cautioned not to make modifications or changes that are not approved by Southwire Company, LLC. Doing so may void the compliance of this product with applicable FCC requirements and may result in the loss of the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference.
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that can cause undesired operation.
FCC Digital Emissions Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the radio or television receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the computer equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the radio or television receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio television technician for help.
Canadian Digital Apparatus Compliance
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
Operation
- Turning the Tester On: Momentarily press the tester
On/Off button. The beeper will beep once, and the green LED will illuminate to indicate that the tester is on and ready for use. - Turning the Tester Off: Momentarily press the On/Off button. The tester will beep twice, and the green LED will turn off.
- Turning the Beeper Off: With the tester off, press and hold the On/Off button until the green LED is illuminated. The tester will now operate without the beeper. To turn the beeper off when the tester is on, press and hold the On/Off button until the green LED flashes. To turn the beeper back on, press and hold the On/Off button until the green LED flashes and the beeper beeps.
- Verify Operation:
Before using the tester:- Make sure the green LED is glowing.
- Check the tester on a known live AC voltage that is within the defined detection range of the tester.
- High Voltage Mode (100 to 1000V AC): Place the tip of the tester near an AC voltage. If the tester detects voltage within the defined detection range, the green LED will turn off, the red LED will turn on, and the beeper will beep rapidly.
- Low Voltage Mode (12 to 1000V AC): Press and hold the 12V button. The green LED will change to yellow to indicate the tester is in low-voltage mode. While pressing the 12V button, place the tip of the tester near an AC voltage. When AC voltage is detected, the yellow LED will turn off, the red LED will flash, and the beeper will beep. The flash rate and beeping rate will increase as the tester gets closer to the voltage source. If the tester detects high voltage, it will automatically change to high voltage mode: The red LED will change to a steady glow, and the beeper will beep rapidly.
NOTE: The tester cannot determine the actual voltage. The voltage level where the tester switches from low to high voltage mode is affected by insulation type and thickness, distance from the voltage source, and other factors. - Low Battery Indication: Replace the batteries if the green LED does not turn on. When the tester is on and the batteries are too low for reliable operation, the beeper will beep three times, and the green LED will turn off, indicating that the tester is not operational. Replace the batteries to restore operation.
- Auto Power Off: To conserve battery life, the tester will automatically turn off after approximately 5 minutes of inactivity. When powering down, the beeper will beep twice, and the green LED will turn off.
- Flashlight: Momentarily press the Flashlight button to turn the flashlight on or off. To conserve battery life, the flashlight will automatically turn off after approximately 5 minutes. The beeper will beep twice as the flashlight turns off.
NOTE: If the battery voltage is too low to operate the flashlight, the tester will indicate this condition by beeping three times, and the flashlight will turn off. The voltage detector has its own low battery threshold and may remain operational. Refer to Verify Operation (step 4) in this manual before using the tester.
REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT
Register your product purchase at www.southwiretools.com. At Southwire, we are dedicated to providing you with the best customer experience. By following a few quick steps to register, you can experience quicker service, and more efficient support, and receive information on our future products. Simply provide your model number, serial number, and just a few pieces of information about yourself – it is that quick and easy.
LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ON SOUTHWIRE METERS & TESTERS
Southwire Company, LLC. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable batteries, or damage arising from an accident, neglect, misapplication, contamination, modification, improper maintenance or repair, operation outside of specifications, or abnormal handling of the product. Southwire’s sole liability, and the purchaser’s exclusive remedy, for any breach of this warranty, is expressly limited to Southwire’s repair or replacement of the product. Whether Southwire repairs or replaces the product will be a determination that Southwire makes at its sole discretion.
SOUTHWIRE MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT THE PRODUCT WILL BE MERCHANTABLE OR FIT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. SOUTHWIRE MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OTHER THAN THE WARRANTY SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN. SOUTHWIRE WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES FOR ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY.
This warranty is void if this product is used for rental purposes. No product reseller is authorized to extend any other warranty on Southwire’s behalf relating to this product, and no such reseller warranty will be binding on Southwire. If you have a warranty claim, or if the product needs to be serviced during or after the warranty period set forth above, please contact the Customer Service Department at 855-SWTOOLS (855-798-6657).
The sender is responsible for all shipping, freight, insurance, and packaging costs associated with sending a product to Southwire. Southwire will not be responsible for lost or damaged products returned pursuant to this warranty.
All products returned to Southwire under this warranty should be mailed to:
Southwire Company, LLC.
Attention: Tool Warranty Return
840 Old Bremen Road Carrollton, GA 30117
1-855-SW-TOOLS
Toll-Free Technical Help
Assistance technique gratuite
Contents Made in China
Southwire Company, LLC. One Southwire Drive, Carrollton, GA 30119
©2016 Southwire Company, LLC.
All rights reserved.
5/16 Rev. 0 40150N Insert/Insertion
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the primary function of the Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector?
The Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector is designed to detect AC voltage from 50V to 1000V without making contact with live wires, ensuring safety during electrical work.
How does the Southwire 40150N indicate the presence of voltage?
The Southwire 40150N uses both an audible alert (beeping sound) and a visual indicator (flashing LED light) to signal the presence of AC voltage.
What type of battery does the Southwire 40150N require?
The Southwire 40150N operates on a single AAA battery, which is typically included with the device.
What safety features are included with the Southwire 40150N?
The Southwire 40150N features a fully insulated probe tip to prevent accidental contact with live wires and includes a patented battery self-test feature to ensure proper operation.
What is the weight of the Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector?
The Southwire 40150N weighs approximately 0.15 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
How can I verify that my Southwire 40150N is functioning correctly before use?
To verify functionality, test the Southwire 40150N on a known live circuit. If it beeps and the LED indicator lights up, it is operational.
What should I check if my Southwire 40150N gives inconsistent readings?
Inconsistent readings may result from electromagnetic interference or improper positioning. Ensure you are testing away from other electrical devices and check that the tester is functioning correctly.
Does the Southwire 40150N come with any warranty?
Southwire 40150N typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship; check specific retailer details for warranty duration.
What types of applications can I use my Southwire 40150N for?
The Southwire 40150N is suitable for checking outlets, circuit breakers, light fixtures, and other electrical installations to ensure they are live and functioning properly.
How does one operate the Southwire 40150N effectively?
To use the Southwire 40150N, simply hold it near an outlet or wire; if voltage is present, it will beep and flash accordingly.
What should I do if my Southwire 40150N gets wet during use?
If your tester gets wet, immediately turn it off and dry it thoroughly before attempting to use it again; do not use it until you are sure it is completely dry to avoid damage or malfunction.
What is the operating temperature range for the Southwire 40150N Voltage Detector?
The operating temperature range for the Southwire 40150N is typically between 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C).
What should I do if my Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector does not beep or light up when near a live wire?
If the Southwire 40150N does not respond, first ensure that you are within its voltage detection range of 50V to 1000V. If it still does not activate, check the AAA battery and replace it if necessary.
How can I verify that my Southwire 40150N is functioning correctly before use?
To verify functionality, test the Southwire 40150N on a known live circuit. If it beeps and the LED indicator lights up, the tester is operational.
What should I check if my Southwire 40150N gives inconsistent readings?
Inconsistent readings may result from electromagnetic interference or improper positioning. Ensure you are testing away from other electrical devices and that the tester is functioning correctly.
VIDEO – PRODUCT OVERVIEW
DOWNLOAD THE PDF LINK: Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector Operating Instructions
REFERENCE: Southwire 40150N Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector Operating Instructions-Device.Report
References
- User Manual >
