Power Probe 3 vs 4: Both the Power Probe 3 and the Power Probe 4 are fantastic options to consider in the event that you are looking for electrical system tools. But which of the two options is superior to the other? In this comparative review of the Power Probe 3 and 4, we’ll take a look at both of these devices side by side to see which one offers a superior choice.
Power Probe 3 vs 4 – Quick Comparison Summary
- The year 2013 marked the release of Power Probe 3, while the year 2014 saw the launch of Power Probe 4.
- When compared to the Power Probe 4, the Power Probe 3 is a far more popular electrical system tool on Amazon.
- Power Probe 4 has an AC Min/Max Setting, an Ohmmeter that ranges from 0.1 to 10k ohms, a Frequency (HZ) Scale that goes from 1HZ to 9999HZ/PW, and an injector/driver/ECT Test Mode. While Power Probe 3 does not have these features, Power Probe 2 does.
- The range of the 0 to 70 VDC Power Probe 3 DC voltmeter is significantly lower than that of the 0 to 200 VDC Power Probe 4 DC voltmeter.
- In comparison, the weight of the Power Probe 3 is only 1.36 pounds, whereas the weight of the Power Probe 4 is 2.5 pounds.
- The display type of the Power Probe 3 is an LCD display with only one line, but the display type of the Power Probe 4 is a color multi-line LCD display.
- The Power Probe 3 Dimension has dimensions of 7.75 inches by 2.25 inches by 12 inches. The Power Probe 4 Dimension measures 8 inches by 4 inches by 13 inches.
- While the Power Probe 3 only has two DC settings—Min and Max—the Power Probe 4 can simultaneously use all three DC settings—Avg, Min, and Max.
- Power Probe 3 is less expensive than Power Probe 4.
- The Power Probe 3 circuit breaker requires a reset by hand, while the Power Probe 4 circuit breaker resets itself automatically.
Power Probe 3 | Power Probe 4 | |
FEATURES |  |  |
Brand | Power Probe | Power Probe |
AC Min/Max | Avg, Min, Max Simultaneously | |
Ohmmeter | 0.1 to 10K ohms | |
Frequency (HZ) | 1Hz to 9999Hz/PW | |
Injector/Driver/ECT Test Mode | Yes | |
Voltage Rating | 12-24 VDC | 12-24 VDC |
Display Type | 1 Line LCD Display | Color Multi-Line LCD Display |
Circuit Breaker | Manual Reset | Self-Resetting |
DC Voltmeter | 0 – 70 VDC | 0 – 200 VDC |
DC Min/Max | Min & Max | Avg, Min, Max Simultaneously |
AC Voltmeter | 0.1 to 70.0 VAC (Peak-Peak) | 0.01 to 199.9 VAC (RMS or Peak-Peak) |
Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
Style | Circuit Testers | Circuit Testers |
Colo | Red | Red |
Weight | 1.36 Pounds | 2.5 Pounds |
Dimension | 7.75 x 2.25 x 12 inches | 8 x 4 x 13 inches |
Date First Available | October 24, 2013 | September 19, 2014 |
FAQS :
Do you have the ability to test the motor blowers and plugs?
The answer is yes.
Can it put fuses to the test?
You are able to check whether or not power is passing through the fuse, right? You put it to use, similar to a test light. It will show the red plus sign indicating power, and it will also show you the voltage that is being sent through the fuse.
How long are the cords that connect the battery?
The length of the cable that is hooked to the unit is approximately twenty feet in total. It is more than lengthy enough to reach any location within the automobile. That one is perfect for me. It is simple to operate.
When it comes to powering things, how many volts does it put out?
This component is compatible with both 12- and 24-volt DC systems and will supply the voltage of the system to which it is connected. It also features a resettable 15-amp circuit breaker and a ground lead for testing components; thus, it can supply 12 volts if it is coupled to a 12 volt battery. It's the best tool I've ever purchased, and I've been using it for twenty years!
Is it possible to change the voltage of the output? I.e., if I have it connected to the 12 volts of my vehicle, is it possible to modify the output to 5 volts so that I can do a diagnostic on the car's computer?
There is an adapter that can be purchased from the power probe that will lower the output voltage to 5 volts.
Does the wire that connects the batteries have connections that allow an extension to be attached to it, or is it simply wired directly to the clips?
The battery clips are connected by wires to a brief app, which is the answer. a lead that is 6 feet long and has a plug for extensions.
Does it have the capability to test wires for ohms and identify breakage in the line?
The presence of a colored light that does not change shows that the circuit has not been disrupted. It does not show any information regarding ohms. It is able to display the amount of voltage that is currently present in a circuit.
Does the power probe 4 also retain a voltage reading like the power probe 3?
Yes, and it's even better than number 3.
Does the power probe 4 also come with all of the benefits that came with the power probe 3?
Both of these items are already in my possession, but if I were to pick just one, I would go with the Power Probe IV. It is capable of much more than that. Employ it on an almost daily basis.
The piercing tools and cables used for Power4 and Power3 are the same.
Answer: Although the wires are changed, the probe end remains the same. The cable that I purchased from the snap-on truck set me back $150 for a part that was 20 feet long.
Is there a problem with operating at 27–28 volts with this? When an alternator is operating, the voltage on many 24-volt systems is actually between 27 and 28 volts.
I am sorry, but I do not know the answer. Because I was trying to get around a difficulty, I accidentally touched the end of it with some metal, which caused it to burn out. If you don't do stupid things when using it, it will be wonderful and easy to use.
Which of these two tools would you choose to keep in your toolbox if you were forced to make a choice between them, the hook or this one, and why?
In spite of the fact that this is a challenging topic, I'm going to have to state that both of those things are required for a box because of the unique ways in which they might be utilized. If I had to choose one, it would be the 4 because of how easy it is to use and how much I need it on a daily basis. It would be a hook if I had to choose only one tool to use for practically all of the tests I need to perform.
Is the size of the probe 4 greater than that of the probe 3? It seems like it would be difficult to grip due to the design; is it more or less comfy than the 3 in confined spaces?
Although the PP4 is slightly bigger than the PP3, I have not encountered any situations in which its dimensions have been a challenge for me. Holding it does not cause any discomfort. It is important to keep in mind that the tip can be easily snapped off and that it may be replaced with a conventional banana clip-style DVOM lead. This provides access to regions that the PP3 is unable to reach. The gold series lead kit is a wonderful complement to the PP4 and is highly recommended.
My current occupation is that of an RV technician in training. What "kit" of power probes would you suggest purchasing?
Answer: I believe that the Power Probe 4, combined with a high-quality digital multimeter (DMM) and a terminal and backprobe kit that has been carefully assembled, will serve your needs for a considerable amount of time. I have three Fluke meters, the oldest of which is a Fluke 77 that I purchased in 1989 and that is in good working order. However, you are aware. The importance of a complete backprobing and terminal kit cannot be overstated. Everything was purchased from Amazon, and Wakeon is known for producing quality kits.
Amazon.com Description: Power Probe 3 vs 4
About this item – Power Probe III Circuit Tester – PP3CS in Red – Voltmeter
- The PP3 is a voltage and continuity tester that features both audible and visual indicators, as well as two LED spotlights to illuminate the area in which you are working.
- Additionally, the battery voltage or ground is supplied by this circuit tester so that components can be activated. The housing is streamlined and very comfortable to hold in your hand. Every level of technician can benefit from the use of this effective instrument that saves time.
- Diagnose the car’s electrical systems rapidly and without difficulty.
- Make contact with a positive circuit using the probe tip while the PP3 is operating in Power Probe Mode. The LCD display will show the current voltage reading that the circuit is taking, and the red LED that represents the positive sign “+” will light up. If the audio feature is activated, there will be a tone that has a very high pitch.
- Component testing is made easier with features such as a digital voltmeter, a min/max function, audible circuit monitoring, a 4mm standard banana jack, and an auxiliary ground. Compatible with systems ranging from 12 to 24 VDC.
- Power Probe 3 The Power Probe 3 is equipped with a 20-foot cable that is able to connect to the battery of the car. This gives the user the ability to conduct an electrical test anywhere in or around the vehicle.
- In the package, you will find one Power Probe III handheld tool complete with a 20-foot cord, one set of battery hookup clips, and one instructional DVD.
- At Power Probe, we think that everything should be kept in its simplest form. For this reason, we develop tools that will make even the most complicated automobile technology understandable to a modern auto technician. As the technology used in automobiles continues to advance, Power Probe will continue to offer creative solutions in the areas of technology, energy, and knowledge to both automotive technicians and average people.
- Black, blue, red, flame pattern, camo pattern, carbon fiber pattern, and more patterns are the available colors for the voltmeter.
The Power Probe III Circuit Tester is intended to be an electrical circuit tester that can perform a variety of functions.
About this item – Power Probe IV
- The provision of electricity and ground for the testing of functional components.
- tester for the fuel injectors.
- This tool makes testing fuse boxes much simpler, as well as checking the proper working of motors, lights, relays, sensors, cables, and communications circuits. It also validates computer driver functionality.
- A circuit tester with multiple uses and built-in diagnostic power is what you get with the Power Probe 4.
- When you select this mode, the display will change into an AC voltage meter. It will display the tip voltage in the middle of the display and the minimum and maximum voltage readings at the bottom. The voltage that is being presented is the entire voltage potential that can be perceived on the AC signal that is being monitored, and it ranges from the lowest voltage to the greatest voltage.
- For assessing the signal, AC-RMS, AC peak-to-peak, frequency, and pulse width are measured.
- In comparison to the Power Probe 3 series, the larger LCD color display makes it much easier to examine live test information and pick the appropriate mode in any lighting condition, including bright sunlight and total darkness. The following new functions have been added: ohmmeter, frequency, injector, driver, and ECT transmitter demo version.
- a digital voltmeter and an ohmmeter for use in testing circuits.
- P-P mode can be utilized on any AC voltage signal in which it is necessary to measure the voltage from peak to peak using the P-P notation. Peak-to-peak is an abbreviation for alternating current voltage.
- P-P does not average the measurement but instead displays the entire voltage difference between the lowest and highest voltage extremes on an AC signal. This contrasts with AC RMS, which displays an averaged AC voltage.
- large LCD display with color.
- Operations Regarding the Testing and Measuring of Things Measurement of AC Voltage (from P to P)