Find HS Code and trade information for circuit tester

Circuit Tester

A circuit tester is a device used to verify the electrical integrity of circuits. It indicates the presence or absence of a complete electrical path, typically used for troubleshooting and identifying breaks or shorts in wiring.

Material

Circuit testers are constructed from a variety of materials, including:

• Conductive Metals: Typically brass, copper, or steel for probes and internal wiring to ensure efficient current flow.
• Insulating Plastics: Used for the housing and probe handles to prevent electrical shock and provide user safety. Common plastics include ABS or PVC.
• Electronic Components: LEDs, resistors, and sometimes microcontrollers are used in more advanced models to provide visual or audible indication.
• Wire: Flexible insulated wire connects the probes to the indicator mechanism.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a circuit tester is to:

• Continuity Testing: Determine if a complete electrical path exists between two points.
• Short Circuit Detection: Identify unintended connections between wires, causing a low-resistance path.
• Power Presence Verification: Confirm the presence of voltage in a circuit (in some models).
• Grounding Verification: Check the integrity of ground connections.

Function

Circuit testers operate on basic electrical principles:

• Closed Circuit: When a continuous, unbroken path exists between the probe tips, the tester completes the circuit, allowing current to flow. This triggers an indicator (light, sound, or display).
• Open Circuit: If the path is broken, no current flows, and the indicator remains inactive.
• Resistance Measurement (Advanced Models): Some testers include resistance measurement capabilities, providing a quantitative value of the circuit's resistance.
• Voltage Detection (Advanced Models): Higher-end testers can detect the presence and magnitude of AC or DC voltage.

Usage Scenarios

• Automotive Repair: Testing fuses, wiring, bulbs, and ground connections.
• Electrical Maintenance: Troubleshooting wiring in homes, buildings, and appliances.
• Electronics Repair: Verifying connections on circuit boards and components.
• DIY Projects: Checking the functionality of custom wiring and circuits.
• Marine Applications: Testing wiring on boats and other watercraft.

Common Types

• Probe Testers (Most Common): Consist of a power source (battery), an indicator (LED or buzzer), and two conductive probes. These are simple and widely used for basic continuity testing.
• Multimeters: While more versatile, multimeters can also function as circuit testers by using the continuity mode. They provide a digital display of resistance.
• Logic Probes: Used in digital electronics to test logic states (high, low, pulse).
• Voltage Testers (Non-Contact): Detect the presence of AC voltage without direct contact with the wire. These are primarily for safety and do not test continuity.
• Circuit Tracer Kits: More advanced systems that include a tone generator and inductive amplifier to trace wires within a bundle.
• Power Probe: A handheld tool combining voltage, continuity, and ground testing features with a built-in light.

Based on the provided information, a circuit tester falls under the category of instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking electrical quantities. Here are the relevant HS codes:

• 9030310000: Oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and other instruments and apparatus for measuring or checking electrical quantities, excluding meters of heading 9028; instruments and apparatus for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray, cosmic or other ionizing radiations; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments and apparatus, for measuring or checking voltage, current, resistance or power (other than those for measuring or checking semiconductor wafers or devices): Multimeters, without a recording device.

  • 90: Chapter 90 – Instruments and apparatus which measure or check for the physical properties of goods, or which check the quality or condition of goods.
  • 30: Heading 9030 – Instruments and apparatus which measure or check for the physical properties of goods, or which check the quality or condition of goods; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof. Specifically covers instruments for measuring or checking electrical quantities.
  • 310000: Further specifies multimeters without a recording device, falling under the broader category of instruments for measuring voltage, current, resistance, or power.

• 9031808060: Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments, appliances and machines: Other Equipment for testing the characteristics of internal combustion engines: For testing electrical characteristics.

  • 90: Chapter 90 – Instruments and apparatus which measure or check for the physical properties of goods, or which check the quality or condition of goods.
  • 31: Heading 9031 – Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.
  • 80: Subheading 903180 – Other instruments, appliances and machines.
  • 8060: Specifically for equipment used for testing the electrical characteristics of internal combustion engines. If the circuit tester is used for this purpose, this HS code may be applicable.

• 9031808070: Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter; profile projectors; parts and accessories thereof: Other instruments, appliances and machines: Other.

  • 90: Chapter 90 – Instruments and apparatus which measure or check for the physical properties of goods, or which check the quality or condition of goods.
  • 31: Heading 9031 – Measuring or checking instruments, appliances and machines, not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter.
  • 80: Subheading 903180 – Other instruments, appliances and machines.
  • 8070: Covers other instruments, appliances, and machines not specifically categorized elsewhere within this chapter.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'circuit tester' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

Please note that the applicable tariff for these HS codes is as follows:

• 9030310000: Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Tariff after April 2, 2025: 30%, Total tariff: 55.0%.
• 9031808060 & 9031808070: Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Tariff after April 2, 2025: 30%, Total tariff: 30.0%.