circuit tracers

capa666 · Mar 4, 2012

Hi people i am new hear and looking for some advice on circuit tracers, theres a few out there and we have a lot of ECRs to be carried out in the near future.

Has any body got one and are they good are rubbish. I am concerned of spending a lot and they not doing as they say !!!

Any advice would be appreciated.

cheers

Richard Burns · Mar 4, 2012

There are various types with various capabilities and reliabilities.

I would suggest you have a read of this recent thread Cable Finder.

capa666 · Mar 4, 2012

Thanks Richard .

londonlec · Mar 5, 2012

Socket and See tester for me.

needasparks · Mar 5, 2012

I was lucky enough to get a try before you buy at my wholesaler on the socket and see one but i did not think it was worth the money and is about as accurate as a light pen. I'm sure it has its uses and takes a while to get used to using but it was not for me.
I just thought i have managed so far without one and it only really saves the customer inconvenience and still could be wrong.

capa666 · Mar 5, 2012

Hi needasparks, I hear what your saying, the issue we are having is we are testing and inspecting at the moment and I was hoping it may save the lads sometime if we got a decent one. There is multiple large DBs with no schedules

I did agree with the client that we would identify what we could, but it is time consuming. I was hoping we could connect something into a particular circuit then go back to the DB and identify the protective device quicker and possibly in some cases when the circuit is energised....

needasparks · Mar 5, 2012

I most prob was using it incorrectly and only had it for the day but it seemed to operate on every circuit on a phase even turning down the signal did not work. perhaps you have to scratch your leg and poke your tongue out when you test for it work. Dunno
not sure if it was the same kit though, this had plug test lead and a pair of fly leads with the hand held probe for about £100. don't know if thats good or bad but seemed expensive for what it was.

D80 · Mar 5, 2012

Had same thing as needasparks on the Socket and See version. Fair while ago that I used it so probably an older bit of kit now but used it in a hospital and couldn't rely on it for locating a circuit.

capa666 · Mar 5, 2012

thanks guys ill give the socket n see a miss i think lol, i admit the 1st product manufacturer i was thinking of was them as well, :sick:.

mogga · Mar 5, 2012

iv used various types,makes At present its socketn see NONE are absolutly acurate and they all take time to get use to and get the operator "tuned in" similar to a CAT device for tracing underground cables its all about getting familiar with the tool you do get some faulse guides BUT after using it for a while you get to know whats what Id NEVER rely on any of them 10% but they ASSIST