HIOKI 3481-20 non-contact voltage detector with LED light and pocket clip

HIOKI 3481-20 Non-Contact Voltage Detector | CAT IV 600V Pen Tester

HIOKI 3481-20 pen-style voltage detector for Australian electricians. Non-contact testing 40-600V AC, CAT IV rated with LED light.

Brochure: CLAMP METER Series

Categories: Hioki, Test Equipment For Electricians, Test Equipment For Solar PV, Voltage Detector Tags: AC Non-Contact Voltage Tester, CAT IV voltage detector, Hioki Brand: Hioki

The Challenge Every Sparkie Faces

Working safely around live electrical systems demands constant vigilance. Before you open a panel, pull a wire, or commence work on any circuit, you need absolute certainty about what’s energised. Traditional contact testers require you to touch conductors directly – creating unnecessary exposure to potential hazards. In dim switchrooms, roof cavities, or under-floor installations, visibility compounds the safety challenge. You need a testing solution that keeps you safe while providing clear, reliable voltage indication in any lighting condition.

Non-Contact Detection That Protects You

The HIOKI 3481-20 transforms how you approach electrical safety testing. This pen-style voltage detector identifies live AC circuits without requiring any metallic contact with conductors. Simply bring the sensor tip near insulated cables, outlet faces, or panel terminals – the detector senses the electric field and immediately alerts you to the presence of voltage through a bright red LED and audio tone.

The non-metallic sensor design eliminates exposed metal components that could create accidental contact paths. You can verify circuit status through cable insulation, making it ideal for checking cables before cutting, confirming isolation before maintenance, or tracing live conductors through walls and ceilings. The adjustable sensitivity (40V to 80V threshold) lets you fine-tune detection based on cable type and insulation thickness, ensuring reliable indication without false triggers from adjacent circuits.

Built for Real-World Australian Electrical Work

CAT IV 600V Safety Rating Certified for use in the harshest electrical environments, from distribution panels to overhead service mains. This CAT IV rating provides the safety margin required for professional electrical work across commercial, industrial, and utility installations throughout Australia.

Integrated LED Work Light The tip incorporates a white LED that illuminates your testing area – invaluable when working in dimly lit switchrooms, roof spaces, or behind equipment. Check wire colours, read terminal markings, and verify connections without needing a separate torch. The light activates when you power on the detector, keeping one hand free for your work.

Dual Alert System Visual and audible indication ensures you won’t miss voltage detection. The red LED lights prominently at the sensor tip where you’re focused, while the buzzer provides audio confirmation even in noisy environments. This redundant alert system aligns with safe work practices that demand positive confirmation before proceeding.

Pen-Style Portability At just 30 grams and 126mm long, the 3481-20 slips into your shirt pocket alongside screwdrivers and markers. The integrated pocket clip prevents drops while working at height. Keep it within reach at all times – instant access means you’ll actually use it for every verification, not just major isolation procedures.

Smart Power Management The battery check function alerts you to low power before it affects performance – the white LED dims when batteries need replacement. Auto power-off after 3 minutes of inactivity preserves battery life, ensuring the detector is ready when you need it. With 5 hours of continuous use from three LR44 button cells, you’ll get weeks of typical site use between battery changes.

Where This Detector Excels

Commercial & Industrial Maintenance Verify circuit isolation before servicing machinery, lighting circuits, or distribution equipment. Check for backfeed from multiple sources before opening panels. Trace active circuits through conduit runs without de-energising entire systems.

Solar & Renewable Energy Installations Confirm DC-to-AC inverter outputs are isolated before servicing. Verify string voltages through junction box covers. Check for induced voltage on grounded conductors near high-voltage DC arrays.

Residential Electrical Work Identify live circuits at switchboards without removing covers. Verify outlets are de-energised before replacement. Trace cable runs through walls when planning modifications. Check for voltage at light switches before removing fixtures.

Emergency & Fault-Finding Rapidly identify energised circuits during power quality investigations. Locate live sections in partially-failed installations. Verify isolation effectiveness after switching operations.

Compliance & Safety Inspections Confirm equipment isolation as part of pre-work safety procedures. Verify lockout-tagout effectiveness. Document circuit status during safety audits and AS/NZS 3000 compliance verification.

Specifications

Basic specifications

Measurement function	Voltage detection
Operating voltage range	40 V to 600 V AC (When brought into contact with a 2 mm^2 insulated cable equivalent to 600 V polyvinyl chloride insulated wire) Maximum sensitivity variable range 40 V to 80 V AC (80 V at the time of shipment)
Operating frequency	50 Hz/ 60 Hz
Pilot light	Red LED lights up and the buzzer sounds when the wire is live
Battery check	White LED is dim or out when the batteries are low.
Auto power off	The power will be turned off automatically if the instrument remains idle for 3 minutes after the power is turned on.
Power supply	LR44 button alkaline batteries ×3, Continuous use: 5 hr (Power ON standby state)
Dimensions and mass	20 mm (0.79 in)W× 126 mm (4.96 in)H× 15 mm (0.59 in)D (excluding projections), 30 g (1.1 oz) (including LR44 button alkaline batteries)
Included accessories	Instruction manual ×1, LR44 button alkaline batteries ×3 (for trial purposes only)

FAQ

Q: Will this detector work through thick cable insulation or conduit? The 3481-20 detects voltage through standard insulated cables (tested with 2mm² 600V PVC insulation). Detection through conduit depends on the conductor proximity and conduit material – it works reliably on surface-mounted metal conduit where cables are close to the wall. For cables deep in thick-walled PVC conduit, you may need to access the cable directly. The adjustable sensitivity helps optimise detection for your specific installation types.

Q: Can I use this detector to verify complete isolation for live work? The 3481-20 is a voltage presence indicator, not a replacement for proper test equipment during isolation procedures. Use it as a first-line safety check to identify potentially live circuits, but always follow AS/NZS 3000 requirements and your company’s safe work procedures. For formal isolation verification before live work, use a calibrated multimeter or approved voltage tester that provides positive circuit connection confirmation. Think of this detector as your “check before you touch” safety tool – essential, but part of a complete safety process.

Q: What’s the battery life in typical site use? With the auto power-off function, you’ll get weeks of normal use from one set of LR44 batteries. The 5-hour continuous rating assumes you leave it powered on constantly – in reality, you’ll switch it on for a few seconds during each test, then it automatically powers off after 3 minutes. Most users report several months between battery changes with regular daily use. The battery check function gives you advance warning before power runs low.

Q: Does this detector work on DC voltage (solar PV systems)? No, the 3481-20 detects AC voltage only (50Hz/60Hz). It won’t respond to DC voltage from solar panels, battery systems, or DC circuits. For solar installation work, you’ll still need a proper DC multimeter to verify string voltages. However, the 3481-20 is excellent for checking the AC output side of solar inverters and verifying grid-tie circuit status.

Q: How do I adjust the sensitivity setting? There’s a sensitivity adjustment control that sets the minimum voltage detection threshold between 40V and 80V AC. Ships set to 80V for general use – this prevents false triggers from induced voltage in cables near live circuits. Reduce sensitivity toward 40V when testing lower-voltage circuits or through thicker insulation. Increase toward 80V in high-EMI environments where you want to ignore stray fields. The instruction manual includes specific guidance for different applications.

Q: Is this detector suitable for three-phase installations? Absolutely. The 600V rating and CAT IV classification make it appropriate for all Australian low-voltage installations, including 415V three-phase systems. It detects voltage presence on any phase conductor, making it valuable for verifying phase balance, identifying active phases in motor installations, or checking supply status at three-phase distribution boards.

Q: What’s covered under warranty? HIOKI provides manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. As an authorised HIOKI partner, we facilitate all warranty service directly. The detector is built to industrial standards – HIOKI’s reputation is built on reliability. That said, battery-powered indicators should be verified regularly as part of your tool maintenance routine to ensure they’re functioning correctly when you need them.