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This is a wonderful device! A single adjustable unit can play the role of multiple fixed non-contact detectors and more, if used properly. Here are some interesting applications I've already put the GT16 to work on most of which cannot be done with a fixed detector.
Early detection of electric fields
Unlike fixed models that work best at a set distance, you can use adjustable detectors to find potentially dangerous conductors behind covers such as plastic, rugs, thin walls, dry wall etc., it depends on the thickness and if the wiring isn't shielded by protective conduit. If the unit doesn't ring at its maximum sensitivity, then there is probably enough distance or insulation between those sources and you to reduce risk of an electric shock. The extra sensitivity thus, gives you a larger margin of safety by keeping you farther from those AC sources. Even if the field detected is not coming from mains AC, a field strength of a magnitude enough to turn on the GT16 has a potential for injury, so you are already alerted to proceed with added caution.
Feel a wire underneath a rug, not sure what it does? Before you even pull the rug open you have an idea what's there. You see exposed wires or extension cords all over at a job site, a basement or a backyard, that disappear into 'no where' or hanging all over the place, are they live or not? You can tell even without touching your detector to any wire, I've already tested the GT16 to alarm as far as 3' from an extension cord and 1' away when covered by 2 layers of rugs.
Isolating an unknown electric field
Using the GT16, sweep an area in arcs like with a metal detector, when the GT16 beeps, reduce the sensitivity slightly, move forward and sweep until it beeps again, keep repeating the sequence, you'll finally hit the AC source.
Estimating distance of a field using dial positions
Set at its lowest sensitivity setting, the GT16 detect mains voltage only when the nose is inserted into a known live and proper electrical socket. The GT16 alarms continuously inserted into the HOT or shortest socket, not when at the NEUTRAL or long socket or the GROUND or round socket.
With the lowest sensitivity now known, test the GT16 on an extension cord plugged into the socket. The GT16 detects the hot and neutral lines of the cord just like a fixed voltage detector: you need to touch that part of the cable with the nose of the GT16 for it to alarm.
Slowly pull away from the cord until the GT16 ceases to alarm, then adjust the sensitivity up until the alarm restarts. Note the distances and number of turns; I use my hand and finger widths as a ruler. For available cords I have around, I consistently get about 1-3'.
You now have an estimate of how far you are from the mains source of the AC field based on the dial settings.
Estimating lower voltages than mains voltage
Assuming the insulation of the wire or cord is similar, set the GT16 to lowest sensitivity and touch the nose to a cord or wire that outputs potential low VAC such as an old style HVAC thermostat. If the thermostat uses 120V or more, it should alarm at close contact similar to when you did calibration. If not, adjust sensitivity up until the alarm starts; the more sensitivity you need, the more likely the output AC is far lower than 120V. Since HVAC thermostats use much smaller wires and insulation, it even reflects more than the voltage is far below mains.
Estimating higher voltages than mains voltage
Assuming the insulation of the wire or cord is similar, set the GT16 to lowest sensitivity and touch the nose to a cord that could output higher VAC such as a 240V dryer. If the GT16 alarms at a distance farther than direct contact with the wire, the field strength is far greater and thus the output AC is above 120V. Often 240V and higher devices also use heavier and thicker insulation, which clues you that the voltage on that line is actually far greater than 120V.
Cons
The alarm should be louder
The LED should be brighter and more an intense RED or Orange. Greenlee should use a translucent yellow or white cover for the sensor as a diffuser for the LED, the transparent plastic has no practical use.
A recessed power button would be better to prevent accidental turn on
The dial should have markings from 1-9, so one can associate the numbers with the calibration
Its more likely to give false positive readings, that is telling users a dangerous voltage exists when there isn't [ note, this could be a Pro, better safe than sorry!]
Pros, beyond the functionality described
Single AAA battery; easy to replace, economical to run, compared to units using 2 AAA or 2 AA or watch battery types. Power consumption: 98mA with LED and beep, 2mA quiet. Battery works down to 1V. On 1.5V AAA Duracell 1000mAH alkaline this is ~ 10 hours of continuous use.
UNDOCUMENTED FEATURE: the GT16 makes a solid continuous beep when on and the battery power is too weak to power the device. Excellent!
Lightweight
High quality plastic polymer, thick, hefty
How durable the unit will last and survive drops remains unknown, however the unit has been in the Greenlee catalog since 2008 and is warranted for life, limited by Greenlee's terms.
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Bought one of these to replace an old Greenlee I had for years. One of the really nice small round yellow ones. I loved the old one so I bought a new Greenlee. Had it for a week, and one day I tested a set of 3 wires for 480v. Checked the wires and read nothing. Checked a 110v outlet and it read voltage. Checked the 480, nothing. Looked at the bus bar and saw the disconnect was turned on. I should read voltage. Try again, and nothing. Put on the wires, and put directly on the screw terminals. Nothing. Tried the 110v, it read voltage. Didn't touch the dial at any time. Tried the 480, nothing. Checked the 480 with a meter, and had 280 on each line! DO NOT TRUST THIS TESTER! I would recommend everyone stay away from this tester.
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