How to Make AC Line Tester Using 4017 IC

Hii friend,

Today I am going to make AC Tester circuit using 4017 IC. This circuit will show AC current without touching the surface of the wire.

Let's get started,

Step 1: Take All Components As Shown Below

Components required -

(1.) Battery - 9V x1

(2.) Battery clipper x1

(3.) Copper coil (Antenna)

(4.) IC - 4017 x1

(5.) Connecting wires

(6.) Buzzer x1

(7.) LED - 3V x1

Step 2: Circuit Diagram

This picture is the scematic of this project.

Step 3: Short Pins of IC

Firstly we have to connect pins of IC as pin-15, Pin-13 and pin-8 of the IC as you can see in the picture.

Step 4: Connect Buzzer

Next we have to connect Buzzer to the IC.

Solder +ve pin of Buzzer to Pin-9 and -ve to pin-8 of the IC as solder in the picture.

Step 5: Connect LED

Next Solder +ve leg of LED to pin-1 and -ve to pin-8 of the IC as you can see in the picture.

Step 6: Connect Antenna

Next we have to connect Antenna wire to pin-14 of the IC as solder in the picture.

Step 7: Connect Battery Clipper Wire

Now we have to connect wires of the battery clipper.

Solder +ve wire of battery clipper to pin-16 of IC and

Solder -ve wire of battery clipper to pin-8 of the IC as connected in the picture.

Step 8: Connect Battery

Now this is the last step of this project in which we have to check the circuit.

Connect Battery to the Battery clipper and keep circuit around AC current flowing condutor then LED will glow and Buzzer will give sound.

Thank you

Comments

[Phil B]

I found a similar circuit using a 4017 IC elsewhere and built it. It is powered by a 3 volt 2032 battery and has only an LED to indicate AC current, no buzzer. The 4017 can operate on a range of voltages from 3 to 16 volts.

An NCVT using this circuit is very sensitive, even with an antenna only a couple of inches long. I used plastic covered #14 solid copper wire for my antenna. I wanted something that does not bend easily. I also wanted something that would not conduct a high voltage if the tester came in contact with a lug in a household circuit breaker panel. I also covered the end of the antenna with a ball of hot glue for further protection.

This NCVT seems to alert on lower voltages, like the charging cord for my iPad. I am anxious to try it for troubleshooting Christmas tree light strings. Commercial NCVTs often do not work with lower voltages found in tree lights.

I built mine on perf board. If I were to do it again, I would try to encase it in 1/2 inch PVC pipe to make it more rugged, although I might switch to AAA batteries for power. I placed a short piece of brass tube over the LED to make a shield so I can see if it is lit better under bright conditions. The brass tube is held in place with hot glue and does not touch the LED leads.

I never had an NCVT until a few years ago. I like them very much, and am aware of their limitations from possible false readings. I am assembling a tool kit in my car because people we might visit sometimes ask me to look at something that is not working. An NCVT like this circuit could be handy when called upon for an unexpected repair.

[Gadgets_and_Gear]

what do you think you need a 4017 for???

[Phil B]

I built a similar circuit using a 4017 counter. The explanation with that circuit said the 4017 counts ten peaks of the sine wave from the AC current and flashes the LED once every ten cycles.