1 Scope

1.1 These requirements apply to outlet circuit testers, including screwdriver and pen-style voltage presence indicators, for use on 15-, 20-, and 30-A, 3-wire, 125-, 250-, 277-, 480-, or 600-V receptacles, ground-fault circuit-interrupter testers and arc-fault circuit-interrupter indicators for use on 15- and 20-A, 3-wire, 125-V receptacles, and similar indicating devices that are:

a)    Intended to be connected to the receptacle for a period of time only as long as is necessary to note the indicated pattern of lights or other similar indicating means; and

b)    Not intended to be a comprehensive instrument or to determine the quality of the grounding circuit.

1.2 These requirements also apply to retention testers and other indicating devices with a retention testing capability (hereafter referred to as retention testers) that are intended to indicate the force exerted on the blade or blades of the tester by the contacts of a receptacle.

1.3 These requirements also apply to permanently-mounted Absence of Voltage Testers (AVT) that are intended to confirm the de-energization of normally energized equipment.

1.4 Testers and indicating devices that additionally measure actual electrical phenomena including specific voltage, current, resistance, or similar values shall additionally comply with the Standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements, UL 61010-1.

1.5 These requirements do not cover products that are only intended to measure electrical phenomena. Such products shall instead comply with the Standard for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements, UL 61010-1.

Summary of Topics

The sixth edition of UL 1436, Outlet Circuit Testers and Similar Indicating Devices, has been issued and includes the following revisions:

• New and revised requirements to address Absence of Voltage Tester (AVT).