AFCI Tester: How to Pick the Right Model
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Details
An AFCI tester checks arc-fault circuit interrupter protection, so the first thing to confirm is that the listing says it tests AFCI. Only three of the six products below do. The other three are GFCI or socket testers, and this guide marks them that way so you do not buy one expecting AFCI testing.
Testing protection devices involves live circuits. Follow the manual and leave panel or service work to a licensed electrician.
Quick answer
If you need AFCI and GFCI testing in one receptacle tester, the Klein Tools RT310 is the clear fit. The Triplett ET550 also states AFCI and GFCI testing, with lights for six wiring faults. The circuit analyzer adds load testing and voltage drop readings. The Fluke BK120, Southwire 40032S and Ideal 61-517 do not state AFCI testing in the details quoted.
Comparison table
| Product | AFCI stated? | GFCI stated? | Power source | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klein Tools RT310 | Yes | Yes | Battery Powered | Simulates arc and ground faults; 8.5 ounces |
| Circuit analyzer | Yes | Yes | Battery Powered | 5-in-1, load testing, display; 1.1 pounds |
| Triplett ET550 | Yes | Yes | Corded Electric | Lights display six wiring faults; 8.5 ounces |
| Fluke BK120 | Not stated | Not stated | Battery Powered | Breaker finder, NCV detector, socket tester, flashlight |
| Southwire 40032S | No | Yes | Outlet | Backlit LCD; 3.68 ounces |
| Ideal 61-517 | Not stated | Yes | Battery Powered | Voltage readout for 120V; CAT II 150 Volt |
Specs were checked on 2026-10-11.
The six products in detail
Klein Tools RT310 Outlet Tester, AFCI and GFCI
What it is: A battery-powered standard receptacle tester for North American AC outlets, weighing 8.5 ounces. The listing says it simulates arc fault conditions to test AFCI devices and ground fault conditions to test GFCI devices, and detects common wiring faults.
Who it suits: Someone who needs AFCI and GFCI testing in one receptacle tester.
- Pros: States both arc fault and ground fault testing.
- Cons: Measurement type is listed as Voltmeter even though it is a receptacle tester.
Skip if: You need load testing or voltage drop readings.
Klein Tools RT310 on Amazon (affiliate link)
Circuit Analyzer with GFCI AFCI Tester
What it is: A black, battery-powered 5-in-1 outlet tester with a display, model NXCT01. It covers wiring fault detection, AFCI, GFCI, RCD and load testing, and supports 12A, 15A and 20A load testing and voltage drop display. It shows six outlet wiring conditions and voltage readings. Item dimensions are 2.5 x 0.98 x 6.3 inches and weight is 1.1 pounds.
Who it suits: Someone who also wants load testing and voltage drop readings.
- Pros: AFCI/GFCI/RCD trip testing with trip time, plus load testing and a display.
- Cons: At 1.1 pounds it is heavier than the plain testers, so check the fit at your outlet.
Skip if: You only need a basic outlet check.
Circuit analyzer on Amazon (affiliate link)
Triplett ET550 AFCI/GFCI Receptacle Tester
What it is: A corded-electric receptacle tester weighing 8.5 ounces. The listing says it verifies outlet wiring, tests GFCI and AFCI devices, and diagnoses faulty wiring in 3-wire receptacles with lights for six wiring faults.
Who it suits: Someone who wants AFCI and GFCI testing with wiring-fault lights.
- Pros: States AFCI and GFCI testing; six wiring fault lights.
- Cons: Style and color are both listed only as ET550.
Skip if: A required rating, size or accessory is not stated.
Triplett ET550 on Amazon (affiliate link)
Fluke BK120 SmartTrace Breaker Finder and Socket Tester
What it is: A yellow, battery-powered 4-in-1 tool: breaker finder, NCV detector, socket tester and LED flashlight. It has audible and visual alerts and a dual-sensitivity NCV mode. Item dimensions are 11 x 6 x 2.25 inches.
Who it suits: Someone who needs a breaker finder that doubles as a socket tester. It is not an AFCI tester as far as the quoted details show.
- Pros: Four tools in one; audible and visual alerts for locating a breaker.
- Cons: The listing details quoted here do not describe AFCI testing.
Skip if: You need stated AFCI testing.
Fluke BK120 on Amazon (affiliate link)
Southwire 40032S GFCI Receptacle Tester with LCD
What it is: A black plug-in tester for standard 3-prong outlets, weighing 3.68 ounces. A backlit LCD shows voltage and identifies wiring conditions, and an integrated GFCI tester checks the trip function. The listing says it identifies one of seven wiring conditions.
Who it suits: Someone who wants an LCD readout for standard 3-prong outlets.
- Pros: Backlit LCD; GFCI trip test; light at 3.68 ounces.
- Cons: The listing describes GFCI testing but no AFCI testing.
Skip if: You need AFCI testing.
Southwire 40032S on Amazon (affiliate link)
Ideal Electrical 61-517 Receptacle Tester with GFCI and Voltage Readout
What it is: A compact, battery-powered tester in green and red for 120V. The listing says the test trips GFCI outlets, gives a voltage readout and has selectable audio on or off. It lists CAT II 150 Volt. Item dimensions are given as 10 x 8 x 12 inches.
Who it suits: Someone who wants a GFCI tester with a voltage readout and switchable audio.
- Pros: Voltage readout; audio can be switched off; stated CAT II 150 Volt.
- Cons: The 10 x 8 x 12 inch dimensions look large for this kind of tool, so check the size on the product page.
Skip if: You need stated AFCI testing.
Ideal 61-517 on Amazon (affiliate link)
Buying checklist
- Confirm that the listing says it tests AFCI. Do not assume it from a GFCI label.
- Decide whether you also want GFCI testing, load testing or a voltage readout.
- Check the size and weight against the room around your outlet, since a plug-in tester sticks out from the wall.
- Check the power source: battery, corded, or outlet powered.
- Read the manual before testing, because these testers work on live circuits.
- Leave panel work to a licensed electrician.
Related guides on this site: Klein Tools RT310 AFCI/GFCI outlet tester, outlet and GFCI tester guide and Klein Tools RT250 GFCI receptacle tester.
FAQ
Which of these state AFCI testing?
The Klein Tools RT310, the circuit analyzer and the Triplett ET550. The Southwire 40032S and Ideal 61-517 describe GFCI testing only, and the Fluke BK120 details quoted do not mention it.
Is a GFCI tester the same as an AFCI tester?
No. A GFCI tester simulates ground faults, while an AFCI tester simulates arc faults. The Klein Tools RT310 listing says it does both.
What does the circuit analyzer add?
The listing mentions load testing at 12A, 15A and 20A and a voltage drop percentage display, along with trip time measurement.
Why is the Fluke BK120 on this list?
It is a breaker finder and socket tester that could help alongside an AFCI tester. The quoted details do not describe AFCI testing, so it is not a replacement for one.
Should I test a circuit myself?
Follow the manual, and leave panel or service work to a licensed electrician. These testers work on live circuits.
Closing note
For AFCI testing, look for the word AFCI in the listing before anything else. Choose the RT310 or ET550 for a straightforward receptacle test, the circuit analyzer if you want load testing too, and treat the other three as GFCI or breaker-finding tools.
