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).
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
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.
