1-28-20
I'm reviewing the Milwaukee 2202-20 Voltage Detector with LED. This is used by not piercing the wires, or non contact. You would use this on the outside of Romex or insulated wires, but you can also stick the tip in an outlet to check for voltage.... meaning it must be over 50v to be detected, I think.
I LOVE this thing. It's so easy to use. I never thought the LED part was necessary but honestly, I've grown to like that feature. I wanted to get a more modern non-contact tester, as the older ones I have are somewhat falling apart. I have different versions of Greenlee(?), 2 of the same model which is solely for higher voltages (at least 110v), and 1 of a different model whichcan do both lower and high voltages. I intend to post images of those when I get a chance.
So my older ones have no working issues, they are accurate. My issue is the model I have 2 of is technically "always on". It has a pen like clip (like for pockets) and this clip must be squeezed into the body for it to be on, and use the tool as you would any other. It beeps/chirps and has a flashing red LED. To shut off, just release the squeeze off the clip, then there's a shield that slides to prevent the clip from contact on the body. Here in lies my issue. That shield is falling apart on the one, and missing on the other, so if traveling in my pocket, I can accidentally run down the batteries.
The other style older tool has a side toggle switch, actually a slide. Its settings are OFF, Lo, & Hi. My issues with this tool, is 1. that it's getting too easy to slide the switch on, so again, if traveling in my pocket, it can also accidentally be switched on. Easier than I'd like. 2. The sound can be quite faint on this tool... and it sounds more like a radar detector to best describe along with a flashing green LED. The sound and LED increase with intensity depending on how close you are to the live wire or how high the voltage is. Then there's issue 3. which applies to all 3 of those older tools. The battery size. They all take the tab like batteries, each takes 2 and I think they're a pain to change. They're the smaller L47? I'd like to say, so this now leads me to why I like the Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee... I like the ease of use. You can have with or without sound, depending on how long you hold the power button for. The power button, I truly like this design. It's a push button on the end, and it takes "some" push to be able to activate the button. I've had zero issues with keeping this guy in my pocket. It's never turned on while in there, plus when 1st turning it on, there's a definitive audible beep. Unless leaning into the pocket the right way, there's no way to accidentally turn this on. However, if I ever find I need to replace the batteries.... this unit takes 2 AAAs! You can find those anywhere. In the local convenient store even, if you find yourself in a bind on a job. How AWESOME is that?! Easier to replace as well, IMO.
Now I've only had this tool about 2 months now, and I don't do electrical work everyday, so for me up until now, I've found it reliable and accurate. I've used it to trace Romex cables, check power to receptacles & switches, extension cords (but you have to follow the twist to have a constant detectection -which I'm OK with. Shows how sensitive this is or not) and I think I've used it on MC -but maybe it was just on the stripped back ends. I'll test that and report back. 110v -120v. The tool feels good in the hand too. I'm not thrilled that it was made in China, but so far I'm happy with this purchase.
I know when I searched for a replacement, I went through quite a few brands mostly the well known ones... Fluke, Southwire, Greenlee?, Klein... and the reviews, quality, and costs were all over the board, so I purchased 2 other brands along with this one. This Milwaukee is the clear winner for me. I may do a comparison video on them,as I've kept them all, so you can decide and see for yourself. Hope this helps.
I bought this from the seller "Capital Supply" but fulfilled by Amazon, which I feel is important to list this info. I've come across sellers with variances in their items, including knockoffs, even if listed as same brand. I'll post an update with a durability review.
***UPDATE*** 2-21-20
So I want to answer some questions (my own mainly) as to how sensitive the item is. I did test it on live MC conduit and it was not able to detect it through the metal. I find this to be a perfect sensitivity... such as in an extension cord or Romex type of cables, you must be right up against the side that is hot, touching the cable as you go down the line to be as close as you can to the hot leg. If I'm on the neutral side, my unit will not alert. I like that.
As I've been doing more jobs, I find the LED super useful! I'm truly extremely happy with this purchase. I will update again as more time passes.
| Brand | Milwaukee |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Style | Voltage Tester |
| Color | Red with black trim |
| Item Weight | 0.15 Pounds |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 2 x 8 x 1 inches |
| Manufacturer | Builders World Wholesale Distribution |
| Part Number | 2202-20 |
| Item Weight | 2.4 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2 x 8 x 1 inches |
| Item model number | 2202-20 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Measurement System | Metric |
| Display Style | LED |
| Included Components | Voltage Tester |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
