Finding the best appliance tester suitable for your needs isnt easy. With hundreds of choices can distract you. Knowing whats bad and whats good can be something of a minefield. In this article, weve done the hard work for you.
Reviews
1. Reliance Controls Corporation THP103 AmWatt Appliance Load Tester/Plug-in Ammeter and Wattmeter
Feature
Meter gives instant, accurate digital readoutReadout measures amps or watts used by common-cord connected household appliances (1.0 to 15.0 amps, 125 to 1,875 watts)
Long 26-inch cord reaches remote electrical outlets
Rugged, high-impact construction
Easy slide-switch action insantly converts between amps and watts
Description
Reliance Controls THP103 AMWATT Appliance Load Tester / Plug-in Ammeter and Wattmeter. Gives instant accurate reading of wattage and amperage used by household appliances. Reads from 1-1875 watts. 26" cord. cULus listed. Since 1909, Reliance Controls Corporation has contributed more innovations that any other single manufacturer and has been awarded over 85 patents on manual transfer switches, time switches and accessories. Reliance Controls Corporation specializes in the manufacturing of a wide variety of electrical products. The primary product line consists of heavy duty time clocks and controls, generator accessories, transfer switches and transfer panels for portable generators. and inverters. And after over a century of innovation, Reliance Controls Corporation has built an enviable reputation for high quality, superior engineering and exceptional customer service.2. Clare Instruments SafeCheck 5S Electrical Tool / Portable Appliance Tester
Feature
Tests electrical integrity of tools in less than 10 secondsWill test Class I, Class II and Extension Cords
Performs: Ground Bond, Short Line-Gnd and Line-Neutral, Powered Leakage Test, and Ext Cord Polarity
Description
The SafeCheck 5s is a bench-top 'quality meter' that facilitates fast and reliable electrical integrity checks on almost any electrical device. It is fast and easy to use. Graphical instruction affixed to the tester for quick reference. Tests are run against a pre-set pass/fail limit in less than 10 seconds.3. Reliance Controls THP103 AmWatt Generator Appliance Wattage/Amps Load Tester by Reliance Controls
Feature
Accurate digital readout from 1 to 15 amps and 125 to 1875 wattsEasy slide-switch action instantly converts between Amps and Watts
Long 26-inch cord reaches to remote electrical outlets.
Only tester of its kind that gives a quick digital readout of Amps or Watts used by any plug-in
Perfect for choosing the correct portable generator to purchase.
Description
Electrical Load Tester4. Extech 380803-NIST True RMS Power Analyzer/Appliance Tester and Datalogger with NIST
Feature
Four simultaneous displays of Watts, Power Factor or VA, Voltage or Hz, AmpsTrue RMS Voltage & Current measurements of sine, square, triangular and distorted wave forms with a crest factor <d.; 5
Plug device to be tested directly into the Power Analyzer
Max, Data Hold and Overload Protection
Battery or AC adaptor provides line isolation
Description
Compact, battery operated data logging appliance tester for analyzing AC/DC power loads. Features include a built-in Data logger that stores up to 1,012 readings (single record/continuous data logging). This Product is NIST Certified which indicates that the product is traceable to standards provided by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).5. Souarts Multimeter Digital AC DC Voltage Current Resistance Tester Multi Tester Voltmeter Ammeter Ohmmeter for Electrical Appliance Vehicle and Power Line Inspection Repair
Feature
DC voltage: 200m-2000m-20-200-400V Error 0.5%; AC voltage: 200-400V Error 1.0%; DC current: 2000u-20m-200mA Error 1.8%; Resistance: 200-2000-20k-200k -2000k error 1.0%Product advantages: mini-thin, integrated design, small and beautiful, easy to carry
General product features: LCD display size: 35x14mm, maximum LCD display value: 1999, low voltage symbol display: yes, overload protection: yes, diode detection: yes, display approximate pressure drop, continuity test and buzzer function: Yes, Battery capacity detection: 9V, power supply: 12V 23A battery, product size: 102x60x24mm, product weight: about 60g
Description
Product General Features: LCD Display Size: 35x14mmLCD Maximum Display Value: 1999
Low Voltage Symbol Display: Yes
Overload Protection: Yes
Diode Detection: Yes, Show Approximate Pressure Drop
On-off detection and buzzer function: Yes
Battery capacity detection: 9V
Power supply: 12V 23A battery
Product size: 102x60x24mm
Product weight: About 60g
6. Voltage Voltmeter Ammeter, 100A AC LCD Digital Panel Power Watt Meter Monitor Voltmeter Ammeter Voltage Current Tester for Home Appliances
Feature
Made of flame retardant material, it is safe and durable to use.The large-screen can display power/ current/ voltage/ frequency/power factor/power consumption at the same time.
Can measure voltage range of AC 110V-250V and maximal current of 100A.
Equipped with AC current transformer, do not need to buy it separately.
With overload alarm function, reset energy function, power alarm threshold preset function, etc.The blue backlight can be turned on/off manually.Store energy data when power off (can be reset to 0).
Description
Descriptions:Maximumpower:22000W
Maximumcurrent:100A
Operatingvoltage:110-250V
Voltageaccuracy:1%
Poweraccuracy:2%
Executionstandard:JB/T9282-1999
Function:measurepower/current/voltage/frequency/powerfactor/powerconsumption
Applicationrange:allhomeelectricapplianceswithvoltageof110V-250V
Specifications:
Material:plastic
Size:85*47*28mm
Color:black
Packageincluded:
1xVoltageVoltmeterAmmeter
1 x AC Current Transformer
Notes:
1.Duetothedifferencebetweendifferentmonitors,thepicturemaynotreflecttheactualcoloroftheitem.Weguaranteethestyleisthesameasshowninthepictures.
2.Duetothemanualmeasurementanddifferentmeasurementmethods,pleaseallow1-3cmdeviation.Thanks!
7. P3 International P4460 Kill A Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor
Feature
Calculates cost and forecasts by week, month, and yearDisplays eight critical units of measure on the large LCD display
Built-in backup of accumulated information.
Accurate within 0.2%
Calculates cost and forecasts by week, month and year
Description
Now you can cut your energy costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt EZ, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display will count consumption by the Kilowatt-hour, same as your local utility, letting you calculate your cumulative electrical expenses and forecast by the day, week, month, even an entire year. Also check the quality of your power by monitoring voltage, line frequency, and power factor. Now youll know if it is time for a new refrigerator or if that old air conditioner is still saving you money. With the amazing Kill A Watt EZ you'll know "watts" killing you.8. First Alert CO615 Dual-Power Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Detector with Battery Backup and Digital Display
Feature
120v Ac Plug-in AlarmTest/silence Button
End-of-life Timer
7-year Limited Warranty
Battery Backup
Dual Power (plug in/electric and front load battery) ensures continuous protection to make certain the alarm will work at all times, even during power outages
Peak Level feature displays the highest concentration of carbon monoxide measured since the unit was last reset
Easily plugs into any standard outlet with no additional mounting necessary or it can also be mounted on any wall using the convenient power line cord (approx. 6 feet long)
Backed by a 7-year limited warranty and meets Underwriters Laboratories (UL) UL2034 standard for safety
Description
The First Alert CO615 Dual-Power Carbon Monoxide Plug-In Alarm alerts you to dangerous carbon monoxide. This carbon monoxide detector features a backlit digital display that shows at a glance the carbon monoxide level in the room, as well as the units power level. The dual-power design with battery backup means this personal carbon monoxide detector can monitor even in the event of a power outage. It plugs into any 120-volt outlet and features an end-of-life timer that lets you know when the monitor needs to be replaced. A single silence and test button eliminates confusion and allows you to silence and test the alarm easily.9. P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
Feature
Large Lcd Counts Consumption By The Kilowatt HourConnects To Household Appliance & Assesses Its Efficiency
Calculates Electrical Expenses By The Day, Week, Month Or Year
Checks The Quality Of Power By Monitoring Voltage, Line Frequency & Power Factor
Dim: 5.13"h X 2.38"w X 1.63"d
Electricity usage monitor connects to appliances and assesses efficiency
Large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour
Calculates electricity expenses by the day, week, month, or year
Displays volts, amps, and wattage within 0.2 - 2.0percent accuracy
Compatible with inverters; designed for use with AC 115-volt appliances
Description
Empowers You to Save Hundreds on Electric Bills
Electricity bills are rising. Now you can cut down on costs and find out what appliances are actually worth keeping plugged in. Simply connect these appliances to the Kill A Watt, and it will assess how efficient they really are. The large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your electrical expenses by the day, week, month, even an entire year. Also check the quality of your power by monitoring voltage, line frequency, and power factor. Now you will know if it is time for a new refrigerator or if that old air conditioner is still saving you money. Kill A Watt can help you reduce your power bill and will help find power-wasting appliances so you are able to decide whether it is worth keeping them plugged in. For standard 115 VAC appliances only, 15 amps maximum, 125 VAC maximum.Find Out How Much Electricity You're Using
 Large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour |
Test The Quality of Your Home's Power
But measuring appliance consumption is just the tip of the iceberg. Because it can monitor voltage (Volt) and line frequency it can also test if an outlet is working, or evaluate the quality of the electrical power provided by your utility company. It can detect voltage drops around the house, help to predict brownout conditions or to make sure a new home's outlets are in working condition before escrow closes.
 The LCD shows all meter readings: volts, current, watts, frequency, power factor, and VA |
Founded in 1987, P3 International is a privately owned manufacturer of solution oriented consumer products. For the last twenty years they have strived to develop products that are easy to use and ahead of their time. Thanks to their customer-centric attitude and support from their clients, they have experienced steady growth over the past decade.
They are committed to manufacturing high quality products that appeal to a variety of different people, from the environmentally conscious to the more technologically-minded consumer. With this philosophy driving them they are always looking for innovative new products which they can offer their customers.
Their unique products have garnered much attention, in particular the Kill A Watt. Reviews of P3 products have been featured in newspapers such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Technical Specifications
10. LotFancy Non-Contact Voltage Detector Electric Tester Pen with LED Light, Check Range 90-1000V AC (Battery NOT Included)
Feature
Detect AC Voltage - Helps to distinguish the earth wire and live wire of 90-1000V AC power supplier and alerts you of the high intense radiation from powered home appliancesSafe and Reliable - CE Approved, Non-contact CAT III voltage tester gives you a warning red light and Beep sound when the high voltage or intense electric radiation is detected
Handy LED Flashlight - Integrated bright white led light can be used as a torch at night or illuminate the dark /dim working environment
Auto Power Off - Electric tester pen will automatically shut down within 5 minutes if there is no operation; LED light is optionally turned on, saving battery power
Portable Voltage Pen - Lightweight and convenient pocket clip makes the voltage detector an ideal electrical tester tool for electricians or daily-use safety tool
Description
LotFancy Non-Contact Voltage Tester is a convenient and essential tool for Electricians, maintenance and service professionals, safety personnel, and homeowners.Easy to use
Push power button once to turn it on. You will hear a beep and the tip of the detector will turn green, it is now ready for use.
By placing the voltage pen within 0.4 inch (1 cm) of the live wire, the detection of live voltage will be indicated by a beep sound and a flashing red light.
For dark or dim workplaces, push the button once more to activate the built in white LED flashlight. Pushing the button again will turn off the LED light function.
To Power Off, press and hold the power button for a few seconds, a notification tone will sound twice and the detector turns off. Or it will automatically power down within 5 minutes of non-use.
Notes:
The higher the voltage detected, or the closer to the voltage source the Pen is, the more frequently the red light flashes
We suggest you do a function test before each use of the detector by using it on a known circuit to ensure the tester is functional..
A faint LED glow or Beep sound indicates batteries are low and need to be replaced.
1-Year Warranty - Money-back satisfaction guarantee
Specifications:
Frequency Range: 50 to 500 Hz
Test Voltage Range: 90-1000V AC
Safety Rating : CAT II 1000v
Powered By: 2 x AAA Batteries (Not included)
Material: ABS Plastic
Color: Orange and grey
Length5.7 inch (14.5cm)
Package weight: 1.2 Oz
Battery is not included !
Package includes:
1 x Non-Contact AC Voltage Detector
