Best Outlet Tester For Homeowners Taking On Electrical Projects

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Links To Testers Used In Video Klein Tools RT390 - geni.us/uS7AA Klein Tools ET 270 - geni.us/oKGy Klein Tools RT250 - geni.us/rS4mlwJ Klein Tools RT210 - geni.us/kdBAJ 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.

[@bbol745]

As someone who works on RVs I think I might buy an RT 390. I like the load test features. I frequently come across people who are living in a stationary RV that is on either their own land or a family members property and is far from the power source, sometimes by 75FT or more. You might be in a dedicated 20 or 30 amp circuit but if your 100FT away on a 12 AWG cord from harbor freight it may cause problems with voltage drop and compressors on ACs and refrigerators/ freezers not starting. This can give me real numbers instantly rather than having to turn on high draw items, like a heater or microwave, then measure the voltage, a real time saver. I also like that I can use a longer cord to plug into awkwardly placed outlets and sit or stand in a comfortable position to see the screen.

[@SRCardow1]

This RT390 tester should help with those circuits with voltage drops. Recommend they get higher gauge wire especially at or over 100'. Cheers

[@scotto3826]

I have the RT250. I bought it just because I thought it would be cool to have and it's not expensive. Plus, I already have two multimeters. Within a month I used it to diagnose an issue at both my sister's house and my daughter's house. Then one day I walked through my house for no reason and tested every outlet. Two outlets came up "missing ground". I pulled the outlets out and sure enough, the ground wire had come unattached from the screw terminal on both outlets. I'm guessing it happened several years ago when I did a remodel and replaced all the outlets. Probably fell off when I pushed the outlet into the box. Which kind of scares me that I was that inattentive to something that important.

[@Ariccio123]

If you use a torque screwdriver the wire will never come loose.

[@radondar9230]

I bought a RT250 a long time ago and it changed my life. Beyond what’s stated the other benefit is that in places where you’re short on space or if plugs are upside down, then when you unplug it stays as it was for memory.

[@BeeWhere]

When I got my house I discovered my breaker pannel was only partially labled. Got the Klein Et310 so I could map out which plugs on each breaker. Super helpful

[@richinoregon]

I have the RT250, and the nice thing about it, is the results remain on the display for about 30 seconds after it is removed from the outlet, so if the outlet is in a confined space or upside down you can still read the results.

[@donrpemberton6102]

great job Professional. I'd recommend the RT390. for both professionals and homeowners.

[@bw1235]

Just bought a 390 a couple weeks ago! Glad I did before this video creates a run on them. I’m a EE and homeowner who does most of my own projects.

[@salembeeman370]

This guy always has the best information. I hope he is making money for all the b great content he puts out.😊

[@salembeeman370]

At my age it's hard to justify spending more money as I have a multimeter, outlet tester and breaker identifier. However, I do like the last one as it shows more info.

[@ut4321]

I received the RT250 as a gift and use it a lot around the house. One thing to note: if you are using it to find which breaker covers an outlet and you’ve got your son or daughter watching the RT250 while you flip breakers, there is a delay on loss of current before the LED will flash then extinguish. Great test device, but watch it work together before splitting up to play “find the breaker”…

[@scottkolaya2110]

I use a hair dryer and my regular multimeter for load testing. Saves $142. That tool is great for a person who uses it on a daily basis.

[@allenjones4397]

The RT250 saved my bacon. I have three outdoor outlets on which I wanted to upgrade the weatherproof covers. I tripped the GFCI with the RT250, and it shut off the circuits as expected. Fortunately, I tested them to verify they were off. Out of the three, two were, while one was still hot. Tried to trip the GFCI on the hot one, but no go, the display still read 119 VAC. Woops! Builder and inspector error! Since that circuit gets used a lot in damp environments, I am fortunate no electrocution ever occurred. Needless to say, that oversight got fixed really fast, and the RT250 was instrumental in recognizing the problem.

[@redwireless]

As it turns out, my (very) old Radio Shack mmeter is in its last days. As a diyer with a strict budget, the 3rd option (I believe its the 270) with the added receptacle plug/feature is def the right choice at the right time! Having done receptacles' inspections lots of time safely, I always get anxious about prongs in outlets - no more with this one, PLUS you get the basic and most used voltmeter, continuity etc feats all into one. Getting this one asap! Thanks for the vid and review! 🔴

[@bobhall5893]

Hi Scott, love your channel. I am not a licensed electrician, but have done work under a licensed pro in the telecom industry. I also have taught a grounding class in the past. Totally a DIYer these days and recently purchased the Klein ET310 tester, it comes with a detachable RT210 that is also a transmitter that you use with the hand held receiver to identity which AC breaker controls that circuit. You simply scan the receiver down the circuit breakers one by one until you hear the sound change. Very cool tool!

[@dalerimkunas8189]

nice extra feature, that's worthy of mentioning.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Super handy 💯, thanks for the feedback 👍

[@BeeWhere]

Great tool I love mine.

[@RadioRich100]

just use a radio you dont need that crap. Hes just selling them.

[@BeeWhere]

@@RadioRich100 That is 100% true if you have a buddy, but when you are DIY, you tend to be doing it all by yourself.

[@GPG0000]

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

[@wogfun]

For me, the first one is what I keep in the electric bag. It's cheap, not worried about it walking off on the job. Doesn't require batteries, nothing worse than having to hunt down a 9V when I'm just trying to get something done. And it does everything the other two do except test response time.

[@SimonBarsinister]

Keep a spare 9v in your bag, perhaps 😉

[@wogfun]

@@SimonBarsinister Wow, that's a great idea... Unless you need to know the GFI trip time, the two devices that need a battery do nothing the first can't. So I can either add one more thing that I need to remember, and if I forget to replace it I'm fucked, or I can take literally a fraction of a second to glance at the 3 lights and figure out what they refer to on the chart. It's not even a decision. It is plainly obvious which tool a professional in the field prefers.

[@chrisllang8055]

I have the RT-210 and the RT-250, as I upgraded to have more definitive information available to me. Both seem to work well but I definitely have a preference for the RT-250.

[@jwhite4]

I have the RT250. As someone who came from an RT210-type device, it took a while to get used to turning it on! I'd plug it into an outlet, and nothing! Then realized I needed to hit the power switch! It's a shame they couldn't have modified their circuity to use the presence of voltage as the on switch (with the existing switch as a manual on/off switch). Two observations: - For the RT250, it (I believe) displayed the GFCI trip time as 0.01 sec, ie. 10msec. But the more advanced meters measured it as 53msec. That seems like a big difference. The 0.01 reading would infer that it can read accurately down to tenths of msec. - For the load test, for the 20A test, it measured over the 5% alert threshold? Was that because it was on a 15A circuit? Initially i thought for all new wiring and receptacle (for the test setup), it should test clean. Then I wondered about 20A vs 15A. Or, if maybe it was the rest of your wiring that may not be in ideal conditions.

[@ElectroAtletico]

DIY here (ex-Electrical Apprentice, Electronic hobbyist). I have the basic GFCI Outlet tester (Commercial Electric), and was looking to purchase, for the hell of it, an outlet tester with LCD. Only $20, so I may just pull the trigger on it. Nevertheless, I always back everything up with my highly reliable Fluke 115 (and that includes battery testing).

[@bobwhat7629]

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

[@vladpeterman5682]

Thank you so much, your channel is always so useful and practical, I find something in every video

[@hassanbazzi3545]

I use the first rt210. Very informative material. Thanks for sharing

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@danielherman9483]

RT250 is the sweet spot - that's what I have. The ET390 is nice, but it's hard to justify 100$ more for a pretty interface and load testing capability. It's also a bit large - I like that I can shove the RT250 in my pocket. Rather spend that money on another useful tool - the ET450. That came in clutch when I was re-wiring my house to help figure out where a bunch of buried junction boxes were, how the original wires were run, etc. It was even useful for doing things like fixing squeaks in my subfloor actually. Find the bad spot and put the transmitter there, go down in the basement and turn the sensitivity almost all the way up on the receiver - it'll start going off right where you need to put a shim or screw to tighten things up.

[@csimet]

I currently have the RT250, as it is handy to test for voltage drops along a long circuit without the need to fumble with my multimeter and its leads. I'll probably look at the RT390 down the road, as I like its ability to voltage load test.

[@sloanNYC]

The RT250 is cheap enough that I get these for friends and family, especially my parents who would balk at a multimeter. That RT390 is really useful I'm sure for pros.

[@Sparky-ww5re]

I have the Klein RT310, and the Ideal 61-502 receptacle tester and my Ideal gets the most use. The Klein actually produces an arc inside the tester to verify proper AFCI operation, while the 30mA button tests for proper operation of GFPE, not to be confused with class A GFCI which must trip when leakage current exceeds 6mA. My only complaint for the Klein tester is that it is rated CAT III 135VAC MAX. This assumes of course that a NEMA 5-15 or 5-20R is not accidentally or intentionally placed on a 240V circuit, a 3 light tester will survive a short time exposure to 240V, all three lights will be lit brighter than normal. The ideal sure test circuit analyzer is the gold standard for receptacle testers because it can detect bootleg grounds and has a max voltage rating of 250VAC as a buffer in case the receptacle is connected to 240V.

[@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.

[@aayotechnology]

Have you found a similar analyzer that works on CAFCIs?

[@Paine137]

I recently installed several dual QO breakers and they all trip when tested with this tool. Maybe your breakers have an issue, which if anything would illustrate the tool’s efficacy.

[@RadioRich100]

You dont need that thing, just plug in a radio and turn up the volume, when you hear it stop you flipped the right breaker.

[@Vladimir-JT]

as a home inspector i have alway used the rt250 but i thinkim going to upgrade to a 390

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah the RT250 is solid and I do like the load testing on the RT390. Pretty handy and a nice extra test to run.

[@EmJhay-b2w]

I’ll definitely buy the newest ones you showed

[@jsr-uz3oj]

I'm going with the ET270. Retired maintenance man and my meters are 30 years old. I think I need a new one.

[@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.

[@johng.]

I've always used an RT210-like tester on my home projects. I could consider buying something like an RT250, but not inclined to go higher in features or price. The RT250 would likely give me enough info to talk with an electrician with a bit of intelligence on my part.

[@realfloridaredneck1988]

I have a regular GFI tester that is attached to my breaker finder that I use for hot checking, I also have the RT250, but I don't use it. The reason I don't use it is because one time I forgot to turn it on when I was testing for power, and wasted about 45min trying to figure out why the receptacle wasn't getting any power. I like the basic GFI testers, because I don't need to remember to press the power button every time I plug it in.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Good point and thanks for the feedback on the RT250.

[@commentsonthetube14]

I prefer the circuit breaker finder one from Klein for DIY use. It’s nice being able to use it to find breakers. And I don’t need to actually test outlet wiring that often. If I need to measure voltage, I can just stick the multimeter in. That analyzer is cool though, but I dunno how I’d use it.

[@gibblespascack1418]

ET310 included the 210 and the circuit tracing tool. Very handy for a home owner. Going to the RT250 would eliminate another tool that i own called Kill-a-Watt. Together the ET310 tool and kill-a-watt meet my needs

[@JohnDemolition]

I like how the 30V on the RT250 was not mentioned at all. For those wondering, some GFCIs generate noise that messes that tester up. Connecting a short extension at the end will make it go away.

[@TheKingOfInappropriateComments]

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

[@robertarguello1115]

Hm? … Well Scott, in response to your inquiry, I am now considering the third option (the ET-270) to have in my set of electrical tools. Thanks for making this video!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet, thanks for the feedback 👊

[@dylanmoore5138]

If you don't have any electrical tools there's a solid kit with the RT250, noncontact voltage tester and multimeter for $50

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hard to beat 💯

[@alfredbondurant2244]

Using RT-250 Will get the ET-270

[@engineerncook6138]

RT-210 (or equivalent) is plenty for my occasional uses. I already have a basic Fluke multimeter.

[@OzMan9989]

Fantastic overview!

[@gregben]

The Klein RT210 and other similar testers usually have NEON lamps, not LED lamps.

[@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.

[@jamesreizner2673]

An idea for a new show for you - something I have not seen done by others. Using the RT390 (which I have and enjoy). Voltage drop on a cable - WAGO vs. wire nuts. Could do wire nuts pre-twisted and not pre-twisted. Since the typical home Romex run is maybe 35 to 50 feet, use that length of Romex. Then put maybe three or so connectors in the line. RT390 at the end of the line, other end connected directly to a breaker. Maybe do both with 14 gauge on 15 amp breaker, 12 gauge on 20 amp breaker. Or you may want to use something else for the power supply end. I have used WAGO's extensively for many years and love them, especially the newer design. But I have had a sneaking suspicion, based on what I have seen, that they may contribute to higher line voltage drops than wire nuts. I could test my suspicion but then only I would see the results. With you, a large group would see them. Thanks!

[@fsj197811]

The last one with the load testing is a nice feature but other than that I'll stick with the most basic one that doesn't require batteries.

[@Aepek]

4:36 would be nice for backlit display on this all the time, like prior model

[@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.

[@Android_Warrior]

Funny, I got the two one´s in the middle!.

[@trace4125]

As a professional i always have an rt250 on my belt. I m interested in getting the rt390 circuit analyzer. I think ill get my dad the et270 for Christmas.

[@gd.ritter]

Kobalt makes an outlet tester that is similar to the RT210 with the basic lights but also shows a voltage display without needing batteries inside.

[@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.

[@mikegrimaldi5844]

I’m in the market for new multimeter so I think Il I’ll buy the fluke you showed. I have the other units and was not aware how the load check worked and I can see how it could be quite useful. One correction I’d like to make you said check wire nuts “downstream” of outlet tested. I think you meant “upstream” towards the source of power.

[@Mithranos]

Thanks for a great video.

[@PeterGeorgievPetrov]

RT 250 its great.I have one

[@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.

[@glynnetolar4423]

I haven't looked at my unit. But often it is neon but it is possible to design one that uses LEDs and I've seen a few on Amazon.

[@gregpochet4812]

DIYer. ET270 is probably what I would buy.

[@tjs6558]

I have the rt259 now I want the 390

[@Aepek]

6:20 the display for this better, but do wish it auto turned on when plugged into outlet, as would remove a step and auto off…..like it does if not mistaken (professional)

[@Hunter-vl6ft]

With the battery test, Harbor Freight has the 5 dollar meter that also checks milliamps. While volts may show 1.5 the milliamp will truly let you know if its still good.

[@johndernberger1961]

Just a homeowner. Have the basic outlet tester and a multi/amp meter.

[@graphguy]

What a great and useful video - thanks! What about tools to find out where a switch controls? I have a mud room switch on entry from the garage that has 3 switches, 2 I know what they do, but for the world of me I can't determine what the third controls. Klein Tools ET310 AC Circuit Breaker Finder, Electric Tester and Voltage Tester with Integrated GFCI Outlet Tester???

[@arod7404]

Please do a vid on the best circuit tracer used for labeling breaker panels

[@trevorgreene5059]

The only Klein Tools I own is a ET310 because I am constantly having to find the correct breaker to turn off when working on outlet or light switches. I think I like the RT270 to have a dual function of testing circuit and the multimeter feature, but I do not plan on purchasing that as I already have a General Electric Digital Multimeter, GE2524.

[@Werdna12345]

I used your link 🔗 but ended up getting the Klein RT310 (tests for correct wiring, gfci and afci for $35). Hope that you got credit for the Amazon affiliate link 🔗 🤞

[@zekenzy6486]

Great video. Thank you for sharing

[@damkhan5151]

very good video thank you

[@VSLComputers]

Great video! Aren't you supposed to test the 9v by putting your tongue over the terminals 😜

[@glynnetolar4423]

A kill-a-watt meter is also handy. The fancy one, I'm surprised it didn't have frequency. Wish someone made a reasonably priced tester for ground quality and noise level. As someone who deals with sound, video equipment they can be fussy about power quality and so many electricians don't deal with this.

[@smeado3533]

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

[@gregfisher216]

Great products Scott ! Has Klein upgraded their circuit finder ?

[@Do-U-Know-me00]

I am so GLAD I subbed to this channel. I know very little about these things, but I sure am learning a lot. Still don't know as much, but I'll be a better consumer, anyway. Thanks. These videos are really very interesting.

[@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

[@armandol1826]

The ideal suretest is the best. You can’t fool it with a bootleg ground like Kleins

[@JavaManRules]

Klein Tools RT390 I am DYI.... My Home is 19-year-old to test the home... and I am about to build a 12 X 16 Shead and plane on get electricity in it and a Mini split AC possible with solar option

[@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.

[@billkunkle1880]

I am a homeowner. I have an issue with a wall light I wired with 2 switches (3 way). Both switches work the correct way but the LED bulb lights dimly all the time, no matter the switch position. Can you offer advice or an analyzer that would help? Good video

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Hmmm, I would start by checking voltages at the fixture and switches to see if I am considerably under 120V. 3 way circuits can have a number of different failure modes but with a multimeter and testing the different combinations of switch positions you usually can narrow things down.

[@mnbsay9548]

Good video Thank you

[@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.

[@bsoneill3]

It would have been helpful if you said/showed what happens if press GFCI and AFCI on a circuit not protected with those features with each meter.

[@CaptM44]

Do you recommend any circuit tracers, preferably one that works with data comms as well as line voltage

[@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.

[@armandol1826]

Ideal suretest. Bill the sparky did a video on it

[@stillthakoolest]

Your explanation on the Load setting of the RT390 is not correct. Its not about a "loose connection", its all about voltage drop. Even with a perfectly functioning circuit, the length of the circuit from the source of supply, the type and gauge of conductor, as well as the amount of load all impact the voltage you will see at that point. Hence why the NEC recommends no more than 3% voltage drop for branch circuits and feeders, and increasing the size of the conductors to stay below this limit

[@sandmastermaster]

Exactly

[@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.

[@glynnetolar4423]

I'm sure it uses a calibrated load that it can estimate the result of an actual load. Otherwise the service would be huge and need a fan to do a real 15 or 20 amp load.

[@AIJenkins]

I have the ET310. I need a tool for 120v, similar to a tone tester, to find a break in a 120v circuit. The circuit breaker locator doesn’t work, because there’s no power on the outlet. House was wired in 1924, has been upgraded, but don’t have accurate wiring diagrams. Any ideas? Or should I try a tone tester after I disable the mains, sub-panels and local breakers? Prior to this, I didn’t experience electrical issues. Thank you!

[@donhgr]

Using a fluke VOM and a plug tester. Any new meter for me would have to have an breaker locator on it for tagging

[@donlibes]

Can you suggest a tester of some kind that can place a load on the battery settings? I occasionally encounter batteries that show good voltage until a load is placed on them.

[@randycarter2001]

Will any of these detect a cheat ground? A disreputable 'electrician' will tie the ground to the neutral at the outlet which will cause testers like the RT210 to show good.

[@janellgorski7189]

Also called a bootleg ground. I don't believe any of these testers will. I was wanting to see if he compared with any testers that can detect a bootleg ground. Those testers are pretty expensive.

[@WilliamSwartzendruber]

Klein has a new AFCI tester? Shut up and take my money!

[@Wash-g6u]

I have my fire/co alarms hard wired (battery backup) and connected together (red wire). How do I know 1) which breaker they are wired to and 2) are they wired correctly even though the wire colors match up.

[@mugen2002]

I received a RT390 as a dud. It keeps saying open neutral on all outlets and doesn't turn on for a wire swapped outlet. My other outlet tester and multimeter are accurate. Hopefully my replacement is OK.

[@gd.ritter]

the pigtail on the ET270 looks legit frightening if someone plugs stuff in the wrong order.

[@12799MaDeuce]

0.01 is one hundredth of a second, not one tenth

[@robsmith4884]

You just saved my life. Thank you.

[@robertwilkes8275]

I have the RT 210 a lot of the time I cannot get it to turn on. I have to bang it on the palm of my hand or on a table or someplace I think there is a loose connection in it but I cannot figure it out. It only seems to work when I don't really need it

[@jeffb5798]

Hi Scott, great video. I have a request for you: I have a switch in my house which doesn't appear to control anything, and it would be great to see a video on how to investigate and troubleshoot a switch which doesn't seem to control anything (no light or outlets).

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That room might now or in the past had switchable outlets. Remove one of the outlets and look to see if you have e a separate black and red hot wire running to different screw terminals. Might need to remove the tab between the 2 terminals to let each side work independently.

[@gregpochet4812]

Does a device exist where I can plug into a 240v outlet(30 or 50 amp) to test it?

[@Evan_Adams]

Something that doesnbattery trsting shouldnhave a setting to out a load for small coin batteries

[@jasonshi5558]

Q: How do you test 240V outlet using these?

[@todd2456]

Has anyone else run across this -- the standard RT210 or similar ones won't plug into the tamper resistant GFCI outlets. So frustrating.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

I haven’t had that issue. TR outlets can be a pain in general making sure both the hot and neutral prongs are making contact at the same time.

[@todd2456]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs My tester won't go in at all. Maybe I'll try a different brand.