Circuit tester recommendation for new construction unlabeled panel

[Skullmesaranch]

Can anyone recommend a circuit tester that doesn't require live power? I'm ready to start identifying the new construction panel wire bundle that the electrician left unlabeled. There are five 15a pairs and eleven 20a pairs.

 

[ptonsparky]

An ohm meter. Continuity tester and some time.
One time job or are you looking for a new toy er ah tool?

 

[ModbusMan]

If nothing's been connected at the panel, a traditional tone generator and inductive wand will work.

 

[GMc]

Amazon.com: Qudinip Wire Tracer Kit, Cable Toner Detector for Telephone Data Security Wires, with Audible Visual Signal LED Indicator, ABS Material : Industrial & Scientific

Buy Qudinip Wire Tracer Kit, Cable Toner Detector for Telephone Data Security Wires, with Audible Visual Signal LED Indicator, ABS Material: Network & Cable Testers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Skullmesaranch]

Amazon.com: Qudinip Wire Tracer Kit, Cable Toner Detector for Telephone Data Security Wires, with Audible Visual Signal LED Indicator, ABS Material : Industrial & Scientific

Buy Qudinip Wire Tracer Kit, Cable Toner Detector for Telephone Data Security Wires, with Audible Visual Signal LED Indicator, ABS Material: Network & Cable Testers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

how is this different from the klein ET310?

 

[Skullmesaranch]

If nothing's been connected at the panel, a traditional tone generator and inductive wand will work

So a tone can be sent down a wire that's an open circuit?

 

[Skullmesaranch]

So a tone can be sent down a wire that's an open circuit?

a quick search says yes, it's not current flowing through a wire, it generates a mechanical vibration that's sent down the wire and sensed by the receiver.

 

[hillbilly1]

The problem with dead tracers, is the tone can bleed to other circuits, and give false positives.

 

[Skullmesaranch]

The problem with dead tracers, is the tone can bleed to other circuits, and give false positives.

My neighbor lent me a tone generator. There was no ambiguity in tests. All circuits were identified.

 

[hillbilly1]

My neighbor lent me a tone generator. There was no ambiguity in tests. All circuits were identified.

residential is a little easier because the wires are all in seperate cables. When they are close, like in conduit, they don’t work as well.

 

[GMc]

The problem with dead tracers, is the tone can bleed to other circuits, and give false positives.

Not any different than the powered circuit tracers

 

[hillbilly1]

Not any different than the powered circuit tracers

Yes very different. You do not know how power only circuit tracers such as Amprobe work. Power/non powered tracers are just toners, where power only circuit tracers uses a current pulse.

 

[GMc]

Yes very different. You do not know how power only circuit tracers such as Amprobe work. Power/non powered tracers are just toners, where power only circuit tracers uses a current pulse.

I know exactly how they work. I agree Amprobe is one of the best I've used when tracing powered circuits but just like toners, they are not all equal.

 

[hillbilly1]

I know exactly how they work. I agree Amprobe is one of the best I've used when tracing powered circuits but just like toners, they are not all equal.

The ideal and Greenlee live/dead tracers are just toners.

 

[GMc]

My neighbor lent me a tone generator. There was no ambiguity in tests. All circuits were identified.

Great to hear mission accomplished!