Which Circuit tracer/fuse finder is best?

[sparkymalarky]

Gents for years I have persisted in carrying out periodic inspections without the aid of a fuse finder or circuit tracer but I am starting to think it would be to my advantage if I just went ahead and bought one. I have used the Socket and See version and also the Kewtech range. Just wondering if any of you could recommend any others etc.

cheers in advance!

 

[Richard Burns]

Have a look at the "similar threads" list below these posts there are several threads on this issue.
Socket and see seem popular also the Martindale ones, I have a newlec one (cos it is cheap!)

 

[sparkymalarky]

Funny I had just noticed that as I got read your reply! Think I'm going to go for the martindale one below, always feel as if I'm taking a risk with these kind of products though!

Cheers!

Martindale FD650 Elite Fuse Finder Kit

 

[MarkieSparkie]

From my testing of circuit tracers/fuse finders the Fluke 2042 cable locator is premier league champion by a long way, but you'll need a wod of dosh as it's also got a premium price tag.
The Martindale FD650 probably offers the most 'bang for you buck' of all the budget kits.

Martindale FD650 Elite Fuse Finder Kit
Fluke 2042

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[grantr37]

Fluke one is quite good, and has a nifty carry case.......

 

[wildgoose]

Got a Sockett&See circuit finder. Used it once in an office block when I needed to make sure I wasn't switching off the whinging secretarys PC's - their on line shopping was too important to interrupt!

I'll sell you mine cheap if you want - almost as new and with a great set of leads!

 

[sparkymalarky]

I'm listening...lol

could you maybe tell me what model it is you have and I could check it out online? how much would you be asking for?

Cheers

 

[ExArmy]

whats wrong with just turning on one breaker at a time and going round with a plug in neon tester and a non contact voltage detector?

 

[sparkymalarky]

I will be working in a highly sensitive Comms and network centre where certain circuits just can't afford to be isolated and it would unreasonable to trace cables. As for non-contact voltage indicators, I just don't use them.

 

[stevethesparks]

The Martindale is superb. I find it best to use it on auto, after scanning mcb's it will then show the highest value against the actual mcb. Mine has worked 100% each time so far.

Edit: just noticed how old this thread is

 

[Robert Turnbull]

Do All the Fuse finders work on Live Circuits??

Doing a EICR on a factory today and I was wishing i had one, all the office socket unlabelled and staff moaning!! Usual stuff.

Think I might invest In one for next time, I have a toner but obviously you need to turn the supply off and to be honest have never used it

 

[stevethesparks]

The Martindale "digital" model is very good. The analogue is not so selective.
By the way, yes it works on a live circuit. If you isolate the correct mcb then the tone stops on the receiver.

 

[7029 dave]

I have the Martindale.

 

[Robert Turnbull]

The martindale looks good, i like the fluke but the cost is loads more. Might have to invest