Forum Discussion

bluwtr49's avatar
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Jun 07, 2014

Circuit Tracer Recommendation

I'm looking for a good circuit tracer that can be used for general troubleshooting in the MH.

I can find lots of them but I don't know which would serve my purposes the best. This will be for the DC stuff mainly cause the wiring really disappears once it leave the electrical pane.

It would be nice if I didn't have to de-energize the wire but that may not be practical.

At least Beaver was nice enough to label every wire with what it does..but still it's tuff to follow them through the looms.

Thanks for any suggestions.
Class A

6 Replies

  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 08, 2014
    Ooohhhhhh.....
    What you need is a telco toner and contact probe monitor that can sense through insulation. I think it's referred to as Fox £ Hound. I've used them allot, but not on a live circuit. They may block DC since they are used in telco service.

    Where's the phone guys around here?
  • MountainAir05's avatar
    MountainAir05
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2014
    I have a Fluke and a Greenlee. They are listed as Tone and probe testers. They are design for networks, but work fine for wiring.

    this is another one but pricey. system can be hot with this one. Not a loaner either.

    Amprobe AT-2004, AT-2005 Advanced Wire Tracers
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2014
    larry cad wrote:
    Unfortunately I don't think they make a "non-contact" DC circuit tracer. I believe that is what you are looking for.


    I am hoping that there is one that will apply a signal without de-energizing but, something like that is not available...just a good one I can use.
  • larry_cad's avatar
    larry_cad
    Explorer II
    Jun 08, 2014
    Unfortunately I don't think they make a "non-contact" DC circuit tracer. I believe that is what you are looking for.
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    Jun 07, 2014
    SCVJeff wrote:
    Don't buy a cheap "circuit tester" with a bulb. Get a real Digital Volt Meter (DVM) and learn to use it. They can be found anywhere: Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Radio Shack, Sears, etc., and do WAY than a silly little light. They start at around $12.00 and go up from there..
    You won't be sorry.


    I have a very good Fluke meter, a Clamp-on amp meter, and etc.

    I am not looking for a "circuit tester" but a circuit tracer...totally different animal.
  • SCVJeff's avatar
    SCVJeff
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2014
    Don't buy a cheap "circuit tester" with a bulb. Get a real Digital Volt Meter (DVM) and learn to use it. They can be found anywhere: Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Radio Shack, Sears, etc., and do WAY than a silly little light. They start at around $12.00 and go up from there..
    You won't be sorry.

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