Venlab VD200 Non-Contact Voltage Tester Review: A Simple Solution for Diagnosing Caravan Power Problems
- Caravan Coach
- Dec 6, 2025
- 5 min read
Product Category: Electrical Testing Equipment
Brand: Venlab
Prices Usually Range From: £7 - £12
Best For: Quick diagnosis of power outages on site, checking bollards, EHU cables and caravan electrics
Where to Buy: Available at Amazon UK or major electrical retailers
Non-Contact Voltage Tester - Introduction
There are few things more frustrating than arriving at a caravan site, plugging into the electric hook-up, and finding that nothing works. Is it the bollard? The cable? Or something inside the caravan? Without any testing equipment, you are left guessing, borrowing from neighbours, or waiting for the site warden.
The Venlab VD200 non-contact voltage tester offers a straightforward solution for caravanners who want to quickly identify where the problem lies without any electrical expertise. This pen-style device detects the presence of AC voltage simply by holding it near a wire, socket or cable. No probes to insert, no settings to configure. If there is voltage present, the tester beeps and lights up. If there is no voltage, it stays silent.
At under £10, it represents a sensible addition to any caravan toolkit. While it does not replace a proper socket tester for checking polarity and earth faults, it excels at one specific task: telling you whether power is actually reaching a given point in the circuit.
Key Features
The Venlab VD200 is a pen-shaped device measuring approximately 155mm in length. It operates using two AAA batteries, which are included in the box. The main feature is its non-contact voltage detection capability, which uses an NCV (Non-Contact Voltage) inductive probe at the tip. You simply hold the tip near a suspected live wire, cable, or socket, and the device will indicate whether voltage is present.
The dual-range sensitivity is particularly useful. In high sensitivity mode (12V-1000V), the tester can detect lower voltages and will pick up signals from a greater distance. In low sensitivity mode (48V-1000V), it focuses on standard mains voltage and reduces the chance of false readings from nearby electrical fields. For caravan use, the low sensitivity mode is generally more practical when checking 230V hook-up supplies.
Visual and audible alarms provide clear feedback. When detecting high voltage or a live wire, the tip glows red and emits rapid beeps. Lower voltage or proximity to neutral wires produces an orange light with slower beeps. This graduated response helps you understand not just whether voltage is present, but gives an indication of its intensity or proximity.
A built-in LED torch proves surprisingly handy for inspecting connections in poorly lit areas such as under bunks, inside lockers, or at the caravan inlet socket. The auto power-off feature switches the unit off after three minutes of inactivity, preserving battery life for those occasions when you forget to turn it off.
Pros and Cons
Pros
• Simple operation requires no electrical knowledge
• Dual sensitivity modes suit different testing scenarios
• Clear audio and visual feedback even in bright conditions
• Compact pen design fits easily in a pocket or small toolkit
• Built-in torch useful for inspections in dark spaces
• Safety certified (CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V, CE marked)
• Three-year warranty with lifetime technical support
• Very affordable price point
Cons
• High sensitivity mode may trigger from nearby cables, causing potential confusion
• Build quality is functional rather than premium
Performance
In practical caravan use, the Venlab VD200 performs its primary function reliably. The most common scenario involves arriving at a pitch, connecting the EHU cable, and finding no power inside the caravan. With this tester, you can systematically work through the possible fault locations.
Start at the bollard by holding the tester near the socket contacts. If it beeps and lights up, power is reaching the bollard. Move to your EHU cable connection and test near the plug end, then near the caravan inlet. If the tester stops responding at any point, you have identified where the power stops.
The dual sensitivity modes work as intended. For standard hook-up testing, the low sensitivity (48V-1000V) mode is preferable as it reduces the chance of picking up stray signals from adjacent cables. The high sensitivity mode (12V-1000V) is more suited to tracing wires within the caravan or checking lower voltage circuits.
Response time is essentially instantaneous. The moment the tip approaches a live source, the alarm triggers. The graduated beep frequency helps gauge proximity, becoming more rapid as you get closer to the voltage source. This can be useful when tracing a cable run to locate exactly where a break has occurred.
One consideration is that this type of tester detects the electromagnetic field around live conductors. It will not work through thick metal enclosures and can sometimes be triggered by adjacent live cables in a bundle. Understanding this limitation is important. If testing inside a consumer unit with multiple cables, results can occasionally be ambiguous in high sensitivity mode.
Battery life appears good. The auto power-off feature means that even if forgotten, the batteries are not unnecessarily drained. Several months of occasional use on the original batteries is typical.
Specifications
Voltage Range (High) | 12V - 1000V AC |
Voltage Range (Low) | 48V - 1000V AC |
Safety Rating | CAT III 1000V, CAT IV 600V |
Certifications | CE, IEC61010-1 |
Power Source | 2 x AAA batteries (included) |
Auto Power Off | 3 minutes |
Additional Features | LED torch, wire breakpoint finder, pocket clip |
Warranty | 3 years (with lifetime technical support) |
Why It's Recommended
The Venlab VD200 fills a specific gap in the caravan toolkit. Many caravanners already carry a socket tester to check polarity and earth connections, but these only work once power is actually reaching the caravan sockets. When there is no power at all, a socket tester cannot help identify whether the fault lies with the site supply, your cable, or the caravan's internal wiring.
This is where a non-contact voltage tester proves its worth. It allows you to trace the power supply from source to destination, identifying exactly where voltage stops being present. For non-technical users, this transforms a confusing situation into a simple process of elimination.
The three-year warranty and lifetime technical support from Venlab provide reasonable assurance of durability. While the build quality is not premium, it is adequate for occasional diagnostic use. The pocket clip and compact size mean it travels easily without taking up valuable storage space.
For caravanners who want a simple, affordable way to diagnose power problems without waiting for assistance or borrowing equipment, the Venlab VD200 represents good value. Used alongside a proper socket tester, it provides the diagnostic capability to quickly identify most common electrical hook-up problems.
Rating
Overall Score: 4/5
Score Breakdown
Design: 4/5
Durability: 3.5/5
Ease of Use: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Disclaimer
This review reflects our genuine opinions and experiences. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may receive a small commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Product details, availability, and prices were accurate at the time of writing but may change without notice. Please check with the retailer for the latest information before making a purchase. Caravan Coach cannot be held responsible for differences between this review and the actual product or service you receive.
