The 5 Best Digital Fault Finders [Ranked]
A digital fault finder, or electric fence tester, are essential maintenance tools if you are working with electric fences.
An electric fence requires periodic repairs to keep it in solid operating condition.
A digital fault finder will help you to seamlessly identify faults along a fence line, slowing to easily test, locate and correct even the most minor faults.
One of the more popular options is the Speedrite digital fault finder that includes a display that will show you current and voltage information, includes a current indicator that is audible and a replaceable 9 V battery.
Our Top Pick: The Speedrite Fault Finder
- The display presents current, voltage and current direction simultaneously and also can display previous current readings to compare values
One satisfied user of this particular digital fault finder applied it to ensure that his electric fence that guarded his chickens from predators was in proper working condition and that the voltage was at the correct level.
Speedrite Video Overview
While a little expensive, users have said that it certainly beats using a screwdriver with a plastic handle, enabling you to quickly understand how current is moving throughout your electric fence.
Let's take a look at five of the best-selling digital fault finders on the market today and see how they stack up.
Contents
Comparing Digital Fault Finders
| Digital Fault Finders | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Speedrite Digital Fault Finder | 4.4 | $$$ |
 | The Zareba Electric Fence Tester | 4.8 | $$ |
| The Dare Enforcer Fault Finder | 4.3 | $$ |
Locating & Repairing Electric Fence Faults With The Speedrite
The 5 Best Digital Fault Finders
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The insulated and rugged Speedrite Digital Fault Finder also features a convenient belt clip. The display is able to present voltage, current, and current direction together.
Users love how it enables them to compare current readings with the previous ones. However, keep in mind that the sound of the device doesn’t change with the intensity of the voltage. It has an audible current indicator that makes it quite efficient. The casing is also water-resistant.
Its lightweight design also enables it to be very easy to carry around and use. The Digital Speedrite Fault Finder is an affordable tool to have around the house to find faulty voltages.
Users of the Speedrite Fault Finder have reached a positive consensus regarding the device. One user of this fault finder said that she has an electric fence to protect her chickens, and she uses the tester in order to ensure that the fence is working properly to keep the predators away.
Another user of the Speedrite Fault Finder shared his experience about easy it was for him to use the device, and how it was able to locate the minutest of voltage faults. Another user of the Digital Fault Finder expressed his joy with how easy he was able to use the device and how quickly it worked to find faults around the house.
Video Overview
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast and accurate voltage reading
- Easy to carry around
Cons
- The tone of the device does not vary with the intensity of the voltage
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The current and short voltage-testing Zareba Fence Digital Tester also features a large, and easy to read display. It also shows the direction of the short voltage. Its users like it for being easy to hold, and light in weight. Keep in mind that the instructions might not be detailed enough for some users. The 9 volt battery required for it is also included.
The case is durable and effectively protects from accidental falls. The Zareba Tester and Fault Finder FD1 is a good item to go for in order to find short voltages in an efficient manner.
Buyers who have used this fence tester have reached a general consensus that is quite positive. One user of the Fault Finder Doctor shared his experience that he found the unit to be near indestructible with normal use. He also went on to say that the documentation provided by the unit is pretty self-explanatory.
Another user of the Fault Finder Tester said that it saved him a lot of time when checking the electrical fence around his farm. A user of the Fault Finder FD1 said it was the best tester he has ever used. One user of the Zareba FD1 said that while he liked the unit, the documentation could’ve been more detailed. For him, the unit should be able to tell the likely cause for abnormal readings.
Pros
- Easy to carry around
- Battery Included
- No ground probe required
- Durable case
Cons
- Documentation could do with more explanation
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The volt and current-measuring Gallagher G50905 Fence Volt Tester also acts as a short voltage finder. It has large arrows that point towards the direction of the short. Users like it for being compact in size, and easy to use. Keep note that you might have to ground with a probe to get more accurate readings. It also has an automatic on and off feature whenever it detects a fence pulse. It also has a low battery indication.
The Gallagher Current Meter Fault Finder is a very handy unit to have around the house in order to check for short voltage.
Users of the Fence Volt Fault Finder G50905 have reached a very positive consensus. One user of the G50905 Fault Finder said that it helped her get readings from a polywire. Her husband thought that she had paid too much for such a unit but was glad to know how affordable it really was.
Another user of the Fence Volt/Fault Finder G50905 said that it has helped save him a lot of time trying to track down the faults in fences. A user of the Fault Finder Gallagher G50905 said that the unit helped him know about the precise location where the fence was down, and that saved him a lot of time compared to walking along the whole fence to find the problem.
Video Overview
Pros
- It has a compact size
- Is light weight
- Precise Readings
Cons
- Might have to use a ground probe for better readings in some cases
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The cordless Dare Enforcer electric fence meter also acts as a current meter. It has a large LCD display that shows readings related to voltage, amps, as well as the direction of the fault. It is liked by its users for being light weight, and having a stylish yet simple design. However, keep in mind that using it might be a bit tough if the manual isn’t read properly. It also features a low battery warning system.
The Dare Enforcer Fault Finder is a handy unit to have around if you want to quickly locate volt shorts.
The Fault Finder Enforcer can also be used with any brand of pulse energizer. As mentioned, the cordless design offers more easy maneuverability when using the unit. The case featured in the Enforcer Fault Finder is also tough and durable enough to withstand accidental falls. The LCD screen also remains protected, and you don’t have to worry about it cracking. The unit only weighs 10.1 ounces which makes it very easy to carry.
The dimensions are 11 x 7 x 8 inches. This makes it the perfect size to hold in one hand without it feeling uncomfortable. The LCD display of the Dare Fault Finder is clear enough for the user to easily read the amp, voltage, or the direction of the fault.
Pros
- Stylish design
- The dimensions of the product make it easy to hold
- Precise readings
- Large LCD Display
Cons
- Using the unit can be a bit tough if you haven't reviewed the instructions
Effectiveness
Price
Ease of Use
The Gallagher G50900 SmartFix Tester also has the capability of being used as a current reader. It has a very unique design compared to similar units. Its users like it for being very easy to use, and providing them with accurate readings. Keep in mind that it doesn’t give precise readings on polywire. It features a large LCD display for proper reading of the documentation. It also features a retractable voltage probe that is perfect for reading voltages in places that might be a bit tough to reach.
The G50900 Gallagher Fence Tester is an effective unit to have around in order to save time when searching for a short voltage.
Users of the SmartFix Fence Tester have reached a positive consensus regarding the unit. One user of the Gallagher Fence Tester said that it was a very reliable and multifunctional meter for properly maintaining electrical fences. He shared his experience about how the unit was able to show the health of the voltage as well as detect current distribution, and short circuits.
Another user of the Gallagher SmartFix said that it allowed him to save a lot of time when trying to find a fault in his fence. One user of the Fence Tester G50900 said that the unit didn’t work for him as well as he wished- and he had to return it. .
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Retractable probe for hard to reach places
- Large LCD Display
- Easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t give precise readings when used on polywire
Final thoughts
Digital fault finders will quickly earn their keep on particularly large properties where maintaining an electric fence can become a significant hassle.
When you detect a fault, it could have occurred because of a broken wire that is touching the ground, insulators that have become worn out over time, or there could be something amiss with your underground wiring.
Assessing shorts is a lot more difficult without the use of a digital fault finder- so many people have opted to use them without regretting the purchase because it saves them a lot of time and aggravation when working with their electric fences.
