an electrical test device for use by an electrician in testing circuits . the device includes a voltage sensor , display , and steady current source . the voltage sensor monitors the type of voltage between the two conductors , and provides a signal to the display which responsively displays the type of voltage and the voltage level . the power supply has a steady current source that is in series with a tactile transducer , so that the test device may measure a broad range of voltages while only a limited amount of current flows through the voltage sensor . consequently , lower cost components may be used in the voltage sensor . in another embodiment , the tester also includes a substantially independent continuity tester . the continuity tester includes its own power supply and alarm to indicate the continuity of a conductor and , thus , may operate even if the voltage sensor and display become inoperable . further , the device may include a phase control for monitoring any alternating voltage sensed by the testing device . the phase control provides an enable signal for only a relatively small segment of the phase of an alternating voltage signal . thus , the phase control enables the voltage sensor to sense voltage only for a relatively short period of every cycle of the voltage applied to the tester . accordingly , a lower cost voltage sensor may be employed within the tester .