Need A Cheap Wire Tracer

 
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Old 03-11-2009, 12:00 AM   #1
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Need A Cheap Wire Tracer


I've got a string of porchlights to locate a loose or broken hot lead in. I've got continuity in the neutral and ground and don't want to open every fixture if I don't have to. Can anyone recommend a cheap tracer like one of these? (I doubt I'll use it for much more than this repair, so cheap and effective is what I need). http://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bender...6743510&sr=1-2
http://www.amazon.com/Toner-Tracer-T...6743510&sr=1-3

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Old 03-11-2009, 12:13 AM   #2
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Re: Need A Cheap Wire Tracer


Hmm, I'm no electrician but, if they are on a string, wouldn't they work up to the break in continuity? Anyway, I made a continuity tester from an old smoke detector and some sprinkler wire. So loud I can hear it from the back yard to the front yard, no problem.
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Old 03-11-2009, 12:20 AM   #3
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Re: Need A Cheap Wire Tracer


Quote:
Originally Posted by olyteddy View Post
I've got continuity in the neutral and ground and don't want to open every fixture if I don't have to.

You do realize there IS a N-G connection back at the main panel....
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Old 03-11-2009, 05:41 AM   #4
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Re: Need A Cheap Wire Tracer


I have a unit close to the Tone Tracer. Works good on DE-ENERGIZED ckts so turn off the breaker before use or it will be a paperweight! I picked up a screw in type receptacle from Lowes, unscrew light bulb, screw in receptacle and hang a short section of line cord off of it. Use clips off tone generator to feed tone via line cord.
This unit works well on phone/cat5-6 also.
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Old 03-11-2009, 09:22 AM   #5
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Re: Need A Cheap Wire Tracer


Quote:
Originally Posted by Celtic View Post
You do realize there IS a N-G connection back at the main panel....
Yes. That's why I believe it's a broken black wire and not a severed cable.
Quote:
if they are on a string, wouldn't they work up to the break in continuity?
They should, That's why I need to trace it to which fixture it is. There are two leads out of the timer and the 'logical' choice (the one next door) is an end of the line.

Last edited by olyteddy; 03-11-2009 at 09:27 AM.
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Old 03-11-2009, 10:13 AM   #6
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Re: Need A Cheap Wire Tracer


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