Best Outlet Tester For Homeowners Taking On Electrical Projects

Klein Tools RT390 - amzn.to/4gL78vM
Klein Tools ET 270 - amzn.to/4dKP2aJ
Klein Tools RT250 - amzn.to/3N9rj99
Klein Tools RT210 - amzn.to/3zKZ6Cr
Having an outlet tester is a must for any homeowner taking on DIY electrical projects around the house. The question is which one should you buy and are there additional features that are worth investing a bit more money? I will walk through 4 examples starting off with a simple outlet tester and stepping up to a very capable circuit analyzer to show you the information you need to make the right choice for your electrical projects.
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@jamieminton172]

I am a professional and have a few variants of the 210 test,,,, somewhere, I basically use a multimeter. However, my most often used tester is a $2.00 night light from the Dollar Store. Those high dollar testers are good but lack "REAL WORLD" capabilities. Electrical receptacles make a mechanical connection with the spades of electrical plugs. Over time the clamping "holding" ability of receptacles weakens. All of the testers on the market have thick "heavy gauge" spades and hold quite nicely in worn out receptacles. My cheap chineesium night light has thin "light gauge" spades and SO does 90% of appliance used in the home or office. If the receptacle will not hold my night light securely the receptacle is a worn-out fire haphazard and should be replaced.

[@RJ-ej1nr]

That's brilliant, never thought of testing with a worst case plug. I've mainly used a tester and been ok using my feel for what's normal, although that has been developed over decades...

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

Klein should make a night light.

[@markm7991]

Important to note: The RT390 does not properly test newer CAFCI breakers. Older AFCI or AFCI+GFI breakers do trip. I found this out on QO breakers in my own home.

[@rzorrilla52]

As a DIYr, I wanted the RT250, but having batteries in an infrequently used device was a no-deal for me due to most-likely scenario of battery leakage over time. Similar devices exist with voltage reading that do not use batteries - like Kaiweets Brand (however my devices have shown poor voltage accuracy). Lowe’s Kobalt Model ET-19L has GFCI trip and voltage reading (no trip time) and also does not use batteries for about $16. That’s my choice if you are weary about battery leaking over time.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

only 8k to go!! So close to that gold award thing.

[@headhog77]

Do any of the testers check for bootleg grounds?

[@MAGAMAN]

My house was full of ground connected to the neutral when I bought it. I have been remodeling down to the studs on a room by room basis. Now they are all open ground GFCI outlets. I have pulled several taped up connections out of the walls and had to rewire the outlet from the attic down.

[@retiredfedleo6441]

Does the RT390 actually load test at 12, 15, 20 amps or does it estimate load/loss by testing at a lower amperage? Seems like you wouldn't want to run an automatic 20 amp load test on a 15 amp circuit.

[@12799MaDeuce]

0.01 is one hundredth of a second, not one tenth

[@waynegram8907]

How do you know the GFCI "Response Time"? what is the Response Time range under 100mS? The Trip Current range is 5mA to 9mA range

[@mobyhead1]

By the way, the lights in the least expensive tester are actually Neon bulbs, not LED's. In testers that basic, it's going to have to be Neon bulbs.

[@GPG0000]

Ohmigod, you must read my mind!!! I have to do some DIY electrical work and this is just what I needed!😊

[@MAGAMAN]

My Klein RT250 has never tripped any outlet I've tested, so either there is an issue with my tester, or every GFCI outlet I have installed in the past 3 years is defective.

[@nateb7394]

For a homeowner using these tools very infrequently, I think the simple one is probably best just in the fact that you never need to have batteries on hand.

[@AndrewFremantle]

For someone who doesn't need a better multimeter, and who doesn't already own one, the integrated multimeter is a neat idea, if the price is right. In my case, I already own better meters, and purchasing one of those wouldn't make any sense for me.

[@smeado3533]

I'd love for them to develop an affordable tester that can test gfci and reverse polarity when there's no system ground.

[@bobwhat7629]

Thanks for the information. Been thinking about getting one of these. Just got the 250.

[@rustyclark6263]

I use to sell all of those.they have changed since I was a manager at a electrical warehouse.but the electric is still the same.

[@RJ-ej1nr]

For me, the RT210 is an everyday carry, although other manufacturers have identically featured versions. The RT250 isn't worth the extra space in my main bag that already has a multimeter, but is an appropriate upgrade for many. I find the ET270 mostly a subset of my multimeter, so a pass for me. The RT390 I've been eyeing for a couple years with the easy voltage drop info being a fairly unique feature at this level. Maybe soon...

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

I had the RT250 I have another one ordered as the batteries leaked and messed up with the display

[@RJ-ej1nr]

You mean the RT250? The RT210 doesn't have a battery.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

@@RJ-ej1nr yes that’s what I ment lol

[@mnbsay9548]

Good video Thank you

[@mythrail]

I really wish I could buy outlets that produce a tone when they are wired incorrectly

[@theallseeinggoy1590]

Make it go ...caaalick

[@OrignalRobRobert]

Simple volt meter I have used for 20+years

[@mr.c6674]

Ok

[@tricogustrico]

Klein tools advertisement, no disclosure of how much he was payed or if he bought the stuff with his own money. SHILL for Klein tools. I just call it as I see it.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

$0 sponsorship and bought all those testers with my own money. If you do click the links in the description we get an affiliate commission. Hope that clears things up.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

Nah man, he's just a fan of certain tool brands. You should see him drooling over Wago lever nuts. 🤭

[@patrickursomanno8861]

Or touch the 9volt to your tongue. That's how I grew up .🫢