Dangerous Problems⚡⚡Klein NCVT-2 (old version) malfunction caught on camera. Also testing NCVT-5.

[@sknight0391]

The NCVT-2 probably went into "silent" mode once. But it obviously had mind of its own, turning on & off without even touching the button. NCVT-5 is definitely the better option.

[@hvacir9176]

exactly ncvt2 drove me crazy turns on , off .

[@sknight0391]

@@hvacir9176 I'm glad I wasn't the only one. A lot of people seem to be experiencing the same problems with the ncvt-2. Thanks for you feedback & for watching 👍

[@rj.parker]

Personally I believe the tip light is good enough because it assures you the thing is working AND these devices auto power down, the biggest concern in my experience. I do agree that functionally Ncvt-2 is the better detector with its dual voltage modes (12-48vac and 48vac to 1000vac) and better light. Mode changes based on holding the button for various times is perhaps the worst human engineering part of the NCVT-2. So to be safe you have to watch the light on the tip. That's probably why the new model has a weak buzzer. Its trying to enforce the habit of watching the tip and by extension, where you are sticking your hand. 1. Normal Power up = 1/2 second with the device off 2. Silent Mode = 2 seconds with the device off 3. Toggle Dual Mode = 2 seconds with device on plus retains last mode For those who are interested, part of the NCTV manual: [My comments in brackets based on my experience with it] "In NCVT-2 mode, the tester will be more sensitive and will show voltage indication at a further distance away from a high voltage source than in NCVT-1 mode [same device in high voltage only mode]. Use NCVT-1 mode in situations where you expect the voltage source will be greater than 48V AC." Low battery indication: Scenario 1 [what happens when the battery is slightly low, typically 1.4vdc is low] [After] "Powering on the tester: The 'power on' LED in the tip of the tester changes from a steady green or blue to a blinking green or blue and a series of beeping sounds is generated. The tester then turns off [within a few seconds]. The unit is now deactivated and is not operational, the batteries require replacement." [So if it doesn't stay on long the batteries are low. However it will work for a few seconds so its important to always look for the tip light to ensure its ready. In this "low battery scenario you get a chance for maybe one test, hopefully realizing the thing needs batteries.] Scenario 2 [The batteries are really dead] "Operating the tester: If the LED lights dim and the tone fades, the tester may require new batteries." Auto Power Off: [Auto power off is the #1 reason you always look for lit up tip first every time] "After 4 minutes of non-use, the tester automatically powers off to conserve battery life. Listen for a double-beep sound and watch the “power on” LED turn off. The tester is now deactivated and is not operational." Silent mode: [Clearly a problem if you are not always looking at the tip for visual indications] "The tester can be operated with only visual indication of voltage. With the tester powered off, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds then release." System self-test: "The “power on” blue or green LED visually confirms battery sufficiency, system integrity, and operation/active mode. Always test on known live circuit to verify tester functionality prior to use." Changing operation modes: "While the unit is powered on, press and hold the power button for 2 seconds. The unit will beep 3 times and the power-on LED will switch [toggle] from blue to green or green to blue. The tester will start in whichever mode it was last powered off in." Blue Tip with No Voltage is Dual Mode 12-48vac and 48-1000vac - Red Tip Blinks and Beeps on Low Voltage - Red Tip is Steady and Buzzer is Steady on High Voltage Green Tip with No Voltage is Single Mode 48-1000vac - Red Tip is Steady and Buzzer is Steady on High Voltage [End Manual Portions]

[@jessegarcia5056]

Mine stays in high mode and does not even beep it just stays green so it’s just a glow stick for me

[@sknight0391]

@@jessegarcia5056 you might be accidentally putting yours in silent mode. I think I mistakenly did that one time during the video also thanks for your feedback 👍

[@garyhill3444]

It has a silent mode for hospital use because of beeping hospital equipment.Nurses are trained to respond to beeping equipment.

[@71dembonesTV]

Never had an issue with the Fluke VoltAlert. The NCV function on my Fieldpiece stick meter has been reliable too. Definitely would never rely on either in a life or death situation. More of a convenience item for verifying which breaker turns off what without having to stick the meter probes in the outlet.

[@skyemac8]

Most tradesmen have hearing loss. I’d be hard pressed to hear that second tester. The light is satisfactory.

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for watching and commenting 😎👍

[@rock-on6nt]

I do agree with you regarding the tones and volume of them. I think Klein should keep the tones consistent across all models. The NCVT3 has a flashlight but the probe is shorter, the tones are different, and the addition of the flashlight is cool but you have to pay attention to the display rather than the tip.

[@sknight0391]

Maybe the brand new "redesigned" version of the NCVT-2 will be better. They have them at Home Depot now. Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching 👍

[@chrisathanassiadis1317]

Thanks for the video,Shannon. I have 2 of these always in my side pocket. 1 is dual voltage and the other is for high voltage. They would randomly turn on and off constantly throughout the day driving me crazy. I also have a video with 3 of them behaving differently on the same wire. One of the weirdest situations is when you test a receptacle on the live, without holding it it shows that there's no power and while it's in the receptacle, if you touch it, it shows you have power. I wouldn't trust any of these. Stay safe

[@sknight0391]

Klein has redesigned it. I haven't personally tried the new version but it does have a "screw on" cap for the battery compartment now so I would imagine that will probably fix the issues. Thanks for watching and thanks for your feedback 😎👍

[@CraneGuru]

Great video - - Just FYI, with the -2, while in the blue mode, it is both low and high voltage mode at the same time. If it senses high voltage, the light will turn on steady and beep steady - - if it senses low voltage, it will flash red and beep beep beep.

[@jerseyjoe9393]

I had the very first version that had the power on button on the end cap. I too got this model #2 and TOTALLY AGREE that they are just trying to do too much with one tool. If you need a light then bring out your light. My first one worked every time, No power on / off issues. Every time you turned Model #1 onyou also pushed on the cap too. All I'm sayin' is that the added features are useful for SOME techs. BUT some guys JUST WANT basic function to keep from gettin' that nasty buzz. Good tool brand. But some ideas have way too much influence by a millenial engineer that has never had the fun of getting juiced. The first design was out for YEARS and it gave us the function we want. BRING IT BACK!

[@jorgecampa57]

Awesome comparison thank you I am sold.I will purchase the ncv2 thanks again.

[@I__Love_Lamp]

I respect your opinion but the light itself proves it's function in my opinion and I always have a backup tester to verify voltage. Better safe than sorry!

[@drifter436]

I hear ya brother. I don't trust ANY of them. I don't care who makes it. Thanks for the heads up Shannon.

[@spike--]

Should have tested that wolf spider at 4:13.

[@sknight0391]

Yeah, that was my coworker for the day. He's Union #549 😂 Maybe he would have chased the laser around like a cat. Thanks for watching 👍

[@richa7812]

Thanks. Experienced the exact same issues with the 2. Too much time wasted playing with mind. Three strikes and it is OUT.

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for the feedback Rich. Klein finally just redesigned that instrument. the new version has a screw-on tailcap which should resolve those erratic issues with it turning on and off on its own. They have the new version at Home Depot now. 👍

[@megdahlin1118]

Klein may have improved on that issue since this video was made. I've had the NCVT-2 for just over 2 years and haven't encountered this problem. I even just now tried to force the clip end up and it doesn't budge until I press the yellow button to release it and then putting it back on it solidly snaps back into place.

[@sknight0391]

Yes, you're exactly right. They recently changed the whole design. That model now has a screw-on tailcap. Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@BambooPandolfi]

I believe you had it in silent mode. Which would explain it not making an audible sound. I’m not sure about the tail cap problem.

[@yangdong8879]

Mine has the same the problems. I think it is the battery negative contact on the cap that is too soft. Yesterday it stopped detecting any voltage because a little bit of coffee got inside of it. I just took the circuit board out and wiped the tip and PCB using alcohol wipe, I will see if it is going to work.

[@Lilliputian63]

You ask if a Klein rep can contact you regarding the NCVT-2? I can tell you they won't. Their inevitable response will be "TFB". I've been in contact with a rep about my NCVT-2 and how it just stopped working about just a few hundred uses (over a 5 year period). It's one of 3 testers I've got and it got minimal use. One day, there appeared a cloudy discoloration on the inside of the normally clear probe, and that was it. It no longer worked. I tried jiggling the battery cap. No battery leakage. No loose wires. It just didn't work. Looked to me like a component had blown, causing the cloudiness. The first email reaction of the rep was "plastic gets cloudy over time". That didn't explain why the older NCVT-1 was still clear. Then..."no manufacturer has a lifetime warranty" and "we have a longer warranty (2 years) than Fluke. What crap. When you have to excuse your products poor performance by bragging about a warranty, you know you're grasping for straws. Also, note how he stopped trying to diagnose the cloudiness? He KNEW it was because of a cheap, blown capacitor. I responded back that Fluke can offer a 1 year warranty because their testing tools are made with quality components that last a long lone time. I've got one of their multimeters that is nearing 40 years old. Lesson learned. No more Klein electronic devices in my tool bag.

[@alexbernard8579]

My NCV-2 is actually pretty loud, however the NCVT-5 by Klein is MUCH more obvious when touching a hot as it is a higher pitch tone and even much louder. I got mine last week, don't know if they changed them or what, but it also does beeps if it is low voltage, then a solid tone if it is a close connection ( On the NCV-5), both are brand new. Never had the issue with the NCVT-2 .I use it in my pocket pulling it out multiple times a day as an electrician with no problems for about a solid 5 days now. Both are great, get a Fluke if you want accuracy or even a 10 dollar Greenlee non contact tracer is great. Never had an issue with the new Greenlee 90-1000v tic tracer

[@thehvachacker]

Good video, I never used these for troubleshooting. You have me considering to try a tester to verify power. I prefer my meter to know how much voltage is present. The phone makes it sound sufficient yet it is closer to the voltage tester than your ears. I do love that UEI folding thermometer.

[@jessicapham8065]

I got ncvt-2 malfunction also. It’s very dangerous to reply on NCVT-2 in high voltage. Any recall on these models

[@sknight0391]

They've redesigned all of them since the time I made this video. Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@sto2779]

Yea the beeping noise is important, it literally warns the user that hey this wire is live. I don't think the color difference will give greater protection to the user than a annoying beeping noise. You probably had it on silent mode.

[@mikelupino5273]

Great video and info. Just for the hell of it, do you think it went into silent mode by holding the on/off button down to long even though it didn't appear so in the video? No matter what, the 5 seems to have addressed the problem with the screw top. Ty very much again.

[@spelunkerd]

A tool like this should be more simple to emphasize reliability. I think the move to add features like temp sensors and distance measurements is a backward step. You don't want to be flipping through the manual each time to be sure you've accessed the features correctly. One button, one light to verify it is working, a different light to signify voltage, and a tone that can't be accidentally turned off.

[@sknight0391]

Very true. Great observation. Thanks for watching 😎👍 I'm glad that Klein has since redesigned this NCVT. New Redesigned tail cap.

[@free2trudge]

My NCVT-3 is just going haywire. It turns off and on randomly. And it’s completely inconsistent with readings. Im honestly having serious hesitations on trusting a new one at all.

[@sknight0391]

I think there's a newer version out that has the letter "P" after the number 3. I don't have any experience with this particular version of the detector so I can't really offer any recommendations. Good luck and thanks for watching. 😎👍

[@davidhughes4728]

I love your video it’s driving you crazy you were to go buy another one

[@resurgensix]

Good content Shannon. The light on my NCVT-3P is enough for me. But I can understand how comparing the 2 would cause you irritation after to being used to the sound. Avoiding the beeps in hospitals as @GaryHill said, sounds like why Klein changed it.

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@MrMultitool]

I've had the same issue with the dual voltage tester that they came out with first.Other than that, I love it. I also have the version 3 and like it OK. the light is handy. Southwire has a dual voltage tester that looks like the NCVT-2 . Milwaukee also has got in the mix with their version that is rated pretty high. Klein really needs to address this though. Thanks for posting this and raising awareness to the problem.

[@PaulHVAC1]

10:54 you started it up in silent mode. Notice the red light on as it detected the voltage but as its in silent mode=no audible alarm. At 10:54 you held the power button too long which puts it in silent mode. Easy mistake to make.

[@sknight0391]

Yes Paul, I put that in my pin comment above. I realized that later on. But some of the malfunctions during the video where from the instrument. There's just too many problems with this thing, I threw it in the trash.

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@PaulHVAC1]

@@sknight0391 Hi Shannon did Klein help you out in any way such as warranty? So Basically your not advising to buy this model. I was definitely looking at this one but now, not so sure. I was looking then at the NCVT-4IR- Does it work well on low voltage (24volt)? Does it do low voltage automatically or do you manually switch it over? What is your overall opinion on the 4IR as I guess the NCVT-2 you are not recommending. Thanks

[@sknight0391]

@@PaulHVAC1 no Klein hasn't contacted me in any way shape or form concerning this video, and I'm sure they won't. I still love their tools, like I said in the video... it's not to bash Klein at all. I just don't like this particular tool and I do believe it has the potential to be dangerous. The NCVT-5 works just fine on both high and low voltage. Other than the beeper not being very loud it's a good instrument. But I would not recommend purchasing the ncvt-2. Too many other people have had the same problems with that one. I hope that helps 👍

[@sknight0391]

@@PaulHVAC1 No experience with the 4IR

[@davidhughes4728]

But I do like the meter because you can find problems real quick you can troubleshoot really good with this meter

[@stanleyone5222]

Shannon, same problems with my NCVT-2, microprocessor - MIND OF ITS OWN!! Mine had other problems: lose connector in the back cap, this double-trouble combination was unbearable. Next day took the back off and ran a 2" jumper-wire through the cap, soldered it to the board and fed it back in through the cap and connected to the screw. Now have a handy U that will hang on a clip :-/ The bush league fix did solve the AAA battery connection problem, but still have an array of microprocessor problems (same as yours). btw..the two prong clip in the red cap (which shot out of my hand anyway) was very low quality. * Brand new tester, right out of the package

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for your feedback 👍

[@sknight0391]

I was at Home Depot today and guess what? Klein just released a brand new "redesigned" version of the NCVT-2. The NEW NCVT-2P has a screw on style tail cap & new led's to visually indicate which mode the detector is currently in. Design is almost identical to the NCVT-5. 🤔🤔🤔

[@jhanedoe2440]

I have that same one and it beeps constantly when not even being touched can't get it shut off just turnes it's self back on..

[@rubybriard6371]

Thanks, I was going to get the NCVT-5 but I need to be able to hear it. I will have to try a different brand. Any suggestions ?

[@sknight0391]

The NCVT-2 would be the perfect detector,it's good & loud, but they really need to fix the batt. cover issue. Southwire detectors are loud. I do really like the operation of the NCVT-5, i just can't figure out way they would put so much into a detector like that & then drop the ball on the volume level. DO THEY NOT TEST THIS STUFF!? Thanks for watching & your comment 👍 Let me know if you find a really good one that you like.

[@fomoco300k]

Fluke 1-AC has always worked excellently for me. They make fancier models, but I like its simplicity. (I also have some others with a flashlight or IR thermometer 🌡, etc.) The Fluke has served me excellently and reliably for years. It’s simple, visible and loud. It just works.

[@travisburt1317]

I disagree the ncvt-5 was causing huge problems. If there was a dead wire that was within 3 inches of a live wire. It would tell me the dead wire was live, but the ncvt-2 would show that there is no live current... Also in a box or panel, the ncvt-2 is the way to go. The ncvt-3 and up can detect live wires further away, so its can be hard to tell which wires are live, as opposed to the ncvt-2 that has to be closer to detect a hot wire... 95% the ncvt-2 would be the better option.

[@sknight0391]

I don't use either one of my Klein non-contact voltage detectors anymore. are you sure the ncvt-5 isn't set to the low voltage setting? Because that does make it much more sensitive and it will alert some distance away from a hot wire. But when mine was on the high voltage only setting I had to be touching the wire for it to alert. Thanks for watching the video and for your feedback Travis 👍

[@billmyers8799]

@@sknight0391 hey Shannon, you say "I don't use either one of my Klein non-contact voltage detectors anymore." So, what are you using now?

[@sknight0391]

@@billmyers8799 Craftsman

[@argekay1960]

I’ve used fluke all my career. Never had one issue.

[@davidhughes4728]

I’m electrician and my brothers electrician he calls these things liars he says he don’t trust it it’s funny because he fuck checked it and he thought there was no power on and he got shocked I laughed

[@davidlyons7954]

I have the ncvt-3 from day 1 when I got it at home depot I haven't used it because the dam thing beeps at everything beeps at my body my clothes plastic metal skin drywall concrete everything I seen another guy who had the same problem even went back to home depot and tried the others there they did the same thing beeps at a glass of water wtf

[@hcc3513]

Mind does the same thing too. It acts up on its own and it will be beeping and turning on by itself. I don't trust that NCV detector at all and I'm having to use the multi-meter after testing with the NCV detector because of trust so I just stop using that Klein NCV detector. In my opinion it's not even with $1. Sorry Klein but just speaking from my experience.

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@LuisAMRU]

I'm experiencing the same problems with the ncvt-2. Want my money back.

[@sknight0391]

Unfortunately we all just have to chalk it up to "live and learn." The NCVT-5 that I show in the video is a good detector. And they've newly redesigned the NCVT-2 and they have apparently taken care of the issues that the older model had.

[@sknight0391]

Sometimes it's just nice to know that you're not the only one experiencing the problems. Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@peterreed1758]

Southwire 40150N Advanced AC Non Contact Voltage Tester Pen, Dual Range 12-1000VAC/100-1000VAC, Non Contact Voltage Detector with LED Flashlight, 6' drop test rated, and IP67 waterproof, NCVT

[@ICSpotz]

My Klein has indicated both live and dead circuits as live. These false positives necessitate using a VOM or other type of tester to verify the circuit is off so I don't use the Klein NCVT.

[@Dog-whisperer7494]

They’re not used to prove a circuit is dead , they are for tracing cables , ie your in a loft loads of cables don’t know what ones are live and what are not . That’s is what the voltage stick is for . It is just a quick check for reference to see if there is a brake in a cable never use it to verify a circuit . If in doubt always do a continuity test , and throw that thing in the trash .

[@ICSpotz]

@@Dog-whisperer7494 Agree with your comment "....throw that thing in the trash." however multiple resources and tutorials state that the tool is used to detect dead circuits...as in this example: "A non-contact voltage tester is the safest way to make sure the power is off without touching any wires. " Cable tracers are separate entities. Also note that Klein has issued recall notices for this device as a potential safety hazard.

[@thepitpatrol]

I have found all ncvt to be unreliable. They are a tool, that is it... I use them for preliminary checks, but I always verify.

[@bluejet39]

Yes its true... i had the ssme issue with that type of tester. Dont buy it cuz it malfunction thru that clip

[@sknight0391]

Thanks for your feedback 👍

[@arborlawns]

You put it into silent mode by hiding the power button too long brotha. It wasn't acting out at all besides the tail cap

[@ptmoy1]

A single button has too many functions in the NCVT-2. Hold button for 1/2 to turn on; hold button for 2 seconds to switch mode; etc etc. Who can remember all that? I feel like I have to break out the instruction every time I use this thing. And, I don't know how many times I accidentally put this in silent mode.

[@sknight0391]

You are exactly right. And then you have the thing turning itself on and off without even touching it. Thanks for watching and for your feedback 👍

[@sknight0391]

Some things can be user error if you're not careful. But others are definitely malfunctions because of the cap/battery connections.

[@ptmoy1]

@@sknight0391 You're right. The battery cap coming loose is irritating too. And I don't even clip it onto my pockets.

[@mahesh732]

45 secs of info in a 16 min video.

[@chrismonteros206]

My klein is not dependable.....ill stick to my dummy light

[@crishunt3366]

Can I see what you have to do

[@chrisac9001]

Millwaukee

[@crishunt3366]

All my client tool does is blank green non stop it

[@arborlawns]

Put a piece of balled up tin foil under the tail cap for battery

[@SF-fb6lv]

Yeah what a PIECE OF **** I JUST found out it doesn't work (bought but never used it).

[@sknight0391]

The newly redesigned version with the screw on tail cap is much better.

[@TheRichardPS3]

You just complained about stupid things. Because the other tester isn't sound to loud, it's not enough with the big red led on the top of the tester? You can't be serious

[@sknight0391]

And you just did the exact same thing in the comments of my video. "Complained about stupid things." Thanks 😎👍

[@mauriciof2605]

??

[@raulvasquez3681]

The tm

[@tyroneparker4920]

Turn off test a car fuse with it.