When I used to use a radio for that, I had to replace a missing radio and bought a new one. I ran my legs off from outlet to panel several times before I realized the radio would not come back on by itself when power was restored!
I use oscillating tool
Dusty with webs, but I do.
Never saw a 2" or 3" fender washer with a 1/4" hole.
The hole in the fender washer doesn't have to be 1/4", the outer diameter of the fender washer just needs to be larger than the hole saw. This is just a tip, a timesaver so you don't have to keep changing bits or removing the hole saw each time. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can cut multiple holes and never have to worry about your hole saw hanging up on the metal.
Agreed, I know what you mean and I have done it.The hole in the fender washer doesn't have to be 1/4", the outer diameter of the fender washer just needs to be larger than the hole saw. This is just a tip, a timesaver so you don't have to keep changing bits or removing the hole saw each time. You'll be surprised at how quickly you can cut multiple holes and never have to worry about your hole saw hanging up on the metal.
Maybe a stupid question. I have always just tracked the shorts down visually. What are you doing to find them with power on?When troubleshooting a circuit with a direct short circuit to either neutral or ground, it's difficult to find the fault because you can't keep the power on long enough to look, so the only other way to find the offending undesired connection is visually, box by box.
I typically use a rubber socket with a 150-watt bulb screwed into it, and wire it in series with the problem circuit at the panel. I disconnect the circuit's hot wire from the breaker terminal, connect the socket's black wire to the breaker, and wire-nut the circuit's hot wire to the socket's white wire.
With the high-wattage bulb in series with the circuit, the breaker will stay on because the most current that can flow is that of the bulb, so it acts as a current limiter. It also functions as an indicator, steady bright for a direct short, flickering for an arcing fault, etc., with you or a helper watching it.
Often, you can find an intermittent short by wiggling receptacles while you or a helper (or you with a light in an extension cord so you can watch it from the trouble area by wiring in a receptacle instead) watch the light.
