I have six walls in rooms where there are electrical circuits that haven’t been identified as to their path.
How do I trace their path without damaging the wall? I have both ends, I just need to be able to trace the circuit within the wall.
Is there an istrument to do this?
Is there a particular technique with instruments like multi-meter?
Thank you
hrnichol
Replies
greenlee wire finder locater
http://www.greenlee.com/cat_docs/test.pdf
page 32 in case the link doesnt take you there
Skip555 -- thank you very much. I think that you have set me on the right path.
hrnichol
I'm curious about this myself.
This might be a more workable link. Open this page, then click on "Tests and Measurements". This will allow you to go to the Page (32) Skip mentioned:
http://www.greenlee.com/product/index.html
IIRC, these devices are mucho bucks; why do you feel you need to trace the wire?
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Good evening nikkiwood
We are tracing three lights through six walls -- lights that did work but now do not. The bulbs are good, there is current to the switches, but the lights are dead.
To just open the wall to repair a break or replace a cable could be simple, if the routing is known. Otherwise, it could be a very expensive project, these are finished walls.
A stud finder was suggested, it is a great idea that did not work!
The best tool for the job is often dear in price but cheaper than other solutions.
hrnichol
Is there a way you could rig to test the various wires with a plain continuity tester?Years ago, I remember making up a long range continuity test with a lantern battery, a 12v automotive bulb, and a long pice of bell wire. It worked very well, but I can't remember how I did it. Maybe somebody will come along here who knows about these things....********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
thanks for fixing the link , I have problems sometimes with PDF linkstheir really not that expensive , $257.00 here https://www.tselectronic.com/greenlee_prog/508s.html?tse_Session=aec756165b78eda2fc936a2e6c583fb8theres a older one on ebay @ 9.99 WARNING (if you bid ) the old one on ebay cant be used on a energized circuit . Its like the one I used to have , works just fine as long as theres no power .http://cgi.ebay.com/PROGRESSIVE-ELECTRONICS-WIRE-FINDER-MODEL-508E-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ300060821765QQihZ020QQcategoryZ26213QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Edited 12/18/2006 6:37 pm ET by skip555
...." Is there a particular technique with instruments like multi-meter?..."
if you have a multimeter try checking the wiring at the lights for voltage between the black and white wires at each fixture...
I am thinking you have an open neutral , either in a switch box or a nearby recceptacle.
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.Wer ist jetzt der Idiot
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Can you tell me what "open neutral" means?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
(A) an open neutral occurs when the "white " wire on receptacles and lighting fixtures becomes non-continuous or "open " which is either caused by a bad splice or an overload ....you will read 110v (nominal) to ground or the metal box, just not through a complete circuit. (B) an open neutral on a multi-wire circuit can wreak havoc in a very short time...as in seconds..... on equipment that is on or running.
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.Wer ist jetzt der Idiot
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Thanks, that's about what I thought. But you made it very clear.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
A multi meter and a good extention cord works for long distance continuity tester. Turn off power first its hard on meters.