Milwaukee Tool has expanded their line of electrical test and measurement tools with two new GFCI outlet testers.
These look to be Milwaukee’s first-ever outlet testers.
There are two models, a digital outlet tester with LCD display (2224-20), and a more traditionally-styled tester with LED indicators and on-tool fault ID chart (2223-20).
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The digital GFCI outlet tester, 2224-20, features a large backlit display.
It has clear readings to inform users of common receptacle wiring faults, reversed hot and ground, reversed hot and neutral, open hot, open neutral, and open ground.
The digital outlet tester can also display voltage and GFCI trip time.
Two LED indicators at the bottom allow users to quickly check for correct or fault wiring conditions at a glance.
It’s powered by 2x AAA batteries and has an on/off button and on-screen battery fuel gauge.
Safety Rating: CAT II 135V
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Price: $26.97
ETA: July 2024
The Milwaukee 2223-20 is a more basic outlet tester with visual LED indicators to help identify common wiring issues, and a large GFCI test button.
Safety Rating: CAT II 300V
Price: $16.97
ETA: July 2024
Discussion
Both of Milwaukee’s new outlet testers are overmolded for durability and comfort, and designed to withstand a 6-foot drop.
The digital model displays faults and has a voltage readout, while the more basic model has 3 LED indicators with error codes read from the on-tool legend.
The more basic model has higher CAT II protection. Both are designed for use on residential 110V circuits.
These are Milwaukee’s first outlet testers – at least the first I’ve seen. The company used to release electrical test and measurement tools at a steady pace, but seems to have grown disinterested with the category over time.
GFCI outlet and receptacle testers are a logical expansion for Milwaukee Tool, especially since the brand now occupies around half the electrical tool and equipment space at Home Depot stores.
Milwaukee’s partial takeover of Home Depot’s electrical tool aisle followed in the wake of Klein Tools’ partnership with Lowe’s last year, which broke Klein’s decade-plus exclusivity arrangement with Home Depot.
The Competition
Klein also offers a digital outlet tester, RT250, at a slightly lower price point. You can find it for around $22.
There are many other GFCI test-capable outlet and receptacle testers on the market. Here are a couple:
- Fluke ST120 ($12 | Amazon)
- Klein RT210 ($13 | Amazon)
- Gardner Bender ($8 | Amazon)
- Ideal with Voltage Readout ($24 | Amazon)
Most basic outlet testers are in the $10 to $20 price range. Added features, such as audible beeps or digital displays, drive the price over $20. Some can be found for under $10, although most of the least expensive testers lack GFCI testing capabilities.
Stuart B
So pretty much their version of the Klein RT250 (although Klein may have lifted that from someone else earlier)
Stuart
There are a couple of other digital testers on the market, but I agree about Klein being the closest competitor.
(Thanks! Following your comment, I added a brief “competition” section to the post.)
Ed
Exactly.
I was excited to see red making their own version of what Klein already has had for a while but not impressed since it appears to have all the same functions.
** For the battery operated digiscreen haters:
Screen version can quickly get general volt range + hold result (for outlets in awkward positions) = huge plus over old school noscreens.
If you dont have the light sequence memorized the oldschool type sucks in dark situations.
Screen model shows GFCI test trip time vs oldschool which doesnt.
Electricians have to test a load of outlets frequently and it’s WAY faster than busting out a meter fumbling at every receptacle trying to get the leads to make good contact just to confirm voltage is good between hot& neutral+ground, especially with multiple tamper resistant style receptacles.
Screen version still fits comfortably in most pockets unless you’re a skinny jeans weirdo.
Screen type can be used to check voltage at light sockets using a 3prong adapter.
Batteries take forever to wear out since you’re only using it temporarily and it gives results immediately just about, meters use the same batteries most of us carry as backup anyways.
Although not the safest and most reliable, I’ve used one in a pinch a few times to test voltage on conductors directly to the testers prongs.
Overall: I still carry an old school tester but my Klein rt250 is my everyday carry I make sure I always have on me since the few additional features it has are invaluable to me over the old man version.
Jason M
I have the Ryobi version and while bulky it’s pretty handy. Looks like a good fill in the gap type product.
Thought Milwaukee had pretty much given up on T&M a decade ago when they opened and quickly closed the Seattle office. https://www.supplyht.com/articles/93321-milwaukee-tool-launches-new-test-and-measurement-category
My assumption at the time was too many of the big guys owned too much of the intellectual property to make it worthwhile (high end thermal, multi tools, wall scanners etc).
Stuart
They kept at it for a couple of years. I think the main obstacle at the time was brand preference and market share.
Milwaukee upset the balance since then, with many electricians now preferring Milwaukee as their first choice in a growing number of categories.
On top of the growing preference for Milwaukee products, they now have electrical tool shelf space at Home Depot.
At the least, this might call for a large order to stock display pegs. At best, it gives Milwaukee greater opportunities for promotional bundle sets, not unlike the many different introductory tool and test kit bundles I’ve seen from Klein over the years.
Saulac
Interesting. I wonder why Seattle? To be close to Fluke?
Stuart
I asked the same question years ago, and was given the impression that there was a group of local talent.
BK
Makes sense. For the Engineering work I do, where I’m located on the east coat, was the mecca for decades. Then as south east Asia became more of a competitor, engineering centers opened up in the west coast, due to easier importing, rather than the east coast where I am. We taught south east asia the tech and UL was present to inspect UL rated products we had to manufacture there. It was all due to the telecom boom. We had to start manufacturing in south east Asia , basically dictated, to be a “world class manufacturer” and compete for the contracts.
As I watched the Big Red T&M stuff come and go, as much as a I am a Red fan boy, guess more of a convert from team Yellow to Red, I couldn’t justify buying Red T&M.
I have Fluke, that out performs for a few more bux.
Stuff that is as mediocre / the same for a lot less (for my uses).
And all sorts of stuff in between.
As far as outlet testers, have a draw of them, and sort of wanted something new, bought a Klein set with newer tracer 6 months ago.
But can’t resist these dongles from Team Red.
yea, sooo, uhm,,, I have a set on back order… lol.
It all really started with Ridgid for me, remember , they started their 12V family of tools that sort of stalled (nearly same 12 battery configuration as Milwaukee 12V). I bought a drill / driver, still have it, but at the time the rest of the family didn’t kick off, it stalled, went team yellow 12v, all sorts of chuck problems, went team yellow 18V, still chuck problems, team yellow 20V, still chuck problems, chucked team yellow, went to team Red. No more chuck problems. Than the Red cordless impact to replace my air impacts… no more hoses working on my back under my trucks/jeeps ! heaven.. team Red every since, all my Yellow are in a few yellow/black bags in the basement in a corner some where.
The only team yellow I wont give up, is their early brushed 12V reciprocating saw, with the rotating handle, great for PVC pipe, in the ground, sprinkler work ! Team Red needs something small w/ that huge wart hanging off of the tool. It sits in a sea of Red in my tool box in the garage.
Jim Felt
John Fluke et al was just north of Seattle. Too many owners since IMO.
BigTimeTommy
I’ve yet to see anyone with one of these obnoxiously huge GFI testers with the unnecessary screen.
Jared
I don’t see a downside. Not a significant one anyway.
Reading an LCD screen seems easier than correlating illuminated leds with a trouble code on the device (not that that’s hard).
I suppose having it be larger than necessary and battery-powered could be a hassle.
BigTimeTommy
The fact it’s too big to comfortably leave in a pocket paired with the fact there’s nothing gained by having the LCD screen. I just skimmed the article and didn’t notice it required batteries until you mentioned it, even sillier. I’m sure plenty of people will see it and think “Nice a new tool I can buy from my favorite brand” so, whatever.
Stuart
On the other hand, it also has voltage readout and GFCI trip time, which could help reduce the tool count needed for troubleshooting.
Maybe the LCD is quicker or easier to read than 3-light trouble codes, but I think that’s more about preference.
For electricians that work in different settings, being able to see a green light for good and red light for fault might also be a time-saver.
Wayne R.
I saw a YouTube video of the Klein tester, and the guy was PO’ed that plugging it into a live receptacle didn’t trigger the thing to turn on – he had to still push a button.
Don’t know if that’s still the case, but I’d agree. Time for a head-to-head test of these things. Project Farm?
Kenneth
I thought the same when I first bought the Klein version. I was diagnosing problems with an outlet and I saw the reading way below 120v. The tiny ones without a screen wouldn’t have told me that and probably would’ve read correct.
Mark+S
I second that. I bought the Klein 250 when it came out. I thought it would be great. It’s OK. Yes, the voltage readout is nice, but as an electrician, I should ( and usually do) go right for a probe or other tester.
The downside to this is that you have to push the power button to use the damn thing. I can’t stand that! A normal, basic plug tester is quick and automatic. Pushing the button seems mundane, but it really bothers me for some reason, and enough that its my backup, backup plug tester. My 2nd choice is the Kobalt ET-19L, which is similar, but way smaller and automatic. And also cheaper.
I’m sure I’ll try out one or both of these red ones though….why not?!
BigTimeTommy
Exactly. There’s no reason an electrician would have an outlet tester and not their meter when they show up to troubleshoot something. The first time I saw the Klein I had a kneejerk “I should get that” reaction. Then I thought about it and realized I should spend that $20 on a pizza.
Aside from that it’s just a tool that should be a simple as possible. Don’t see the two lights? Oops I installed it wrong, let’s see how I goofed so I can fix it.
Just seems like companies like Klein and Milwaukee started slapping their name on as many cheap white label widgets as possible.
Al
I’m not an electrician. I use the LCD voltage readouts on my UPS systems to tell me input/output voltages.
I think a tool like this is a good replacement for the 3-light GFCI testers I have at home (or my parents). I don’t want dear old dad digging out his 1970s Radio Shack meter.
This would have helped me figure out a phase problem at home where 1 leg was only 65VAC due to loose utility. I used my meter. But I ciuld only imagine my mother screaming at my dad as the lights are dimming and UPSs are beeping…and he’s trying to push a probe into the outlet.
Yeah, this tool would be good to save dads some hassle and figure out they need to stop flipping breakers and call a real electrician.
indigo
These are available in mass on Amazon. For such a low margin item, I doubt the guts on Milwaukee’s are going to be much different.
Some of the Amazon ones have color displays which are nice.
indigo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLLDMP7V
Jeffo
If they can include waveform analysis, pass through ammeter, and a data recorder with USB/ Bluetooth, at this price, I’m totally game.
Stuart
Maybe when we have auto-piloted flying cars?
Plain+grainy
They have been talking about hovercraft type cars for awhile. Sure would save on tires!
Mark M.
It’s funny to me that anyone would want an outlet tester that requires batteries. Just one more thing to corrode, maintain, go dead when you need it. And yeah, I get that a meter takes batteries but that’s a different animal. Sometimes simple is best…plug that sucker in, check the lights and move on down the road.
Nathan
I love my LCD version. Having the voltage shown which conditions tells me right off if there is an over or under volt situation. Without plugging in one tester and then coming back to probe it
Super useful not always but it was very handy figuring out an upstairs wiring issue
I’m sure there might be other instances but I agree it’s minimal.
Jamanjeval
What innovation did Milwaukee bring to this product? If they did, they should promote it more. IMHO “me too” products whose only feature is to be color coordinated with your other tools reflects poorly on the brand.
Stuart
To me, this seems like an answer to “why don’t you make [tool] – I’d buy one” types of requests.
It’s also possible their biggest retail partner – Home Depot – requested outlet testers.
Milwaukee has long sought a head-to-toes type of approach for trades tools and solutions. If there’s an opportunity to get a Milwaukee-branded tool in your hand, they’re going to take it, starting with the highest demand and most disruptive products.
Nathan
I would agree these and the new ncvt is a home Depot ask of gee we kicked Klein to the curb here’s the homes in your line up…
Mr. X
Useful tool for an AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction, or Inspector) to check electrical work on the final inspection. A more comprehensive receptacle outlet tester would include AFCI as well as GFCI testing. The plug-type design also makes it easier to test tamper-resistant receptacles than a probe type tester. For the reasonable cost of these devices, there is no reason not to have one in your tool kit.