Wire Tracers / Circuit Breaker Tracers
Wire tracers and Circuit Breaker Tracers come in many varieties. The most basic wire tracers cost less than $40; the “toner” tool injects a traceable signal into a wire, which is picked up by the “tracer” tool. These basic tracers can also perform continuity tests.
Wire Tracers
Basic Wire Tracers
Basic wire tracers are simple, relatively inexpensive tools. They are designed to trace a wire using an injected traceable signal. The drawback to basic tracers is that they require that at least one terminal end of a cable be exposed for the wire to be traced. This is because the traceable tone can only be injected via direct contact. More advanced wire tracers do not need any exposed terminations to trace wires because many can inject a traceable signal via induction.
More advanced wire tracers can trace
- Energized, de-energized and open (broken) wires behind walls
- Locate and trace wires underground
- Locate breakers
Many advanced tracers also feature
- Adjustable sensitivity modes
- Clamp-on attachments that can inject a traceable signal without contact via induction
Underground Wire Tracers
Underground wire tracers are the most advanced and generally most expensive types of wire tracers; they are designed to pinpoint the exact location of a buried cable up to a certain depth. These units can have multiple tracing frequencies, multiple testing modes, depth measurement function, gain control, and sensitivity control. Underground wire tracers also feature the ability to inject a traceable signal via induction or conduction. Amprobe is known for its wire tracers because the company invented the technology; it offers an underground cable locator that has all of these unique functions with measurement ability up to a depth 20 feet.
Circuit Identifiers
Circuit identifiers make it quick and easy to locate and verify the presence of power. They are used by professionals to locate, verify, and troubleshoot circuits. There are two main types: analog and digital. Modern versions are extremely accurate and easy to use.
Circuit Identifier Applications
- Breaker and fuse identification
- Verify presence of power
- Troubleshooting
- Locate AC circuits
- Verify proper wiring
- Trace wires behind walls
Key Features of Circuit Identifiers to Consider
- Automatically indicates the right breaker for quick & easy breaker identification
- Non-contact voltage sensor included
- Includes GFCI receptacle tester
- Can be used on de-energized/energized circuits
This video demonstrates the Extech RT30 / RT32 Wireless AC Circuit Identifier. It is just one of the circuit identifiers/wire tracer available.
Circuit Breaker Locators
These types of wire tracers are designed to locate the specific circuit breaker that controls a specific electrical circuit without the need for flipping breakers. These units include a tracer tool and a toner tool that connects to a standard electrical socket. Some circuit breaker locators have the ability to locate breakers at many voltages and feature sensitivity adjustment for breaker locating with pinpoint accuracy.