Harbor Freight - Cen-Tech Cable Tracker (Item

[@MyLifeThai371]

I bought this tool years ago and it worked great as an alternative to the expensive fox and hound for finding broken wires on my Chevy Silverado. Definitely worth the $23 from harbor freight tools.

[@melangiehayden4167]

Thanks for the video. I worked as a television broadcast engineer and we used this checker often. It helped us trace cables in massive bundles. Also used it to install wireless access point CAT 5 cables in a four storey building. Can't beat the price and it always got the job done.

[@mynameis757]

Thanks for demonstrating this tracker. This product really works, and I would highly recommend it. I used it to trace 14-2 romex receptacle's connection from all the way across our house over stucco, drywall, insulation for around 125 feet. Saved me I estimate 500-to-1000-dollar electrician fees. It ended up being a very weird wiring arrangement which the builder installed as it went through switches, etc. inside and outside of the house, in and under the attic. The single strength was very pronounced.

[@james-ew6wj]

I bought this the other day based on your recommendation and it worked like a champ. Had to trace a wire running thru the attic and down a wall. Great price too. Thanks Buddy!

[@AMetalWorks]

Not a problem at all. Glad it helped you out. Thanks for following up with a comment.

[@curtismay2295]

how much was the tool>

[@chadheadley78]

Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to make this video. You saved me a lot of frustration.

[@AMetalWorks]

You're welcome!

[@ALPHAFTUCK]

Same!!! Ty

[@jessefarias1507]

Just bought this to pin point a break in a wiring harness for a forklift , super excited about using this tomorrow hopefully it’s a major time saver for me 🤞🏽

[@JoeBorrello]

This device works well for tracing wires through walls, but you must hook up the transmitter differently than what is shown here. The red should be hooked to the hot and the black either left loose or hooked to a ground separate from the wire being tested. Then the signal easily penetrates drywall. If you hook up both leads to the wire under test you will get opposing currents in the wires and the signal will cancel, like in twin-lead antenna feed line.

[@dougb8207]

Thanks for that; I found the directions very unclear.

[@jessihawkins9116]

no

[@gamezxtrem3348]

I bought the em415pro version and im so glad it don't make that low droning sound till you hear the signal tone

[@gregkuester8989]

As a master electrician I've bought at some point just about every electrical tester, device to help with various assignments I've owned 3 sets of toners from fluke and can say this raggedy low budget fox and hound is indeed better then those tracers. Argue all you want but try it and compare it when your out there it gives you the best reading have had to go alllll the way back to my truck just to get it because the others couldn't do the job. It's reliable is loud enough to hear and it's definitive.

[@b.a.ward.]

Definitely going to have to give this tool a shot. Thanks brother.

[@MrMarkntime]

Thank you brother, you convinced me to get one, went this morning to get it because I am working on a Mobile Home with a broken "hot" wire in the wall and hoping I can pick up where it is....sure am grateful for you making this, you may have saved me a whole lot of grief !

[@jessihawkins9116]

how did you break the hot wire?

[@elderatthegates6628]

Remember; this is for NON energized circuits. Use something like the Amprobe BT-120 for LIVE electrical circuits. Both have their place.

[@luisitorodriguez2989]

😂😂

[@TopNotchSawRepair]

had my sister run out on Saturday to go get one. I have 5 cars I am working and ones a ford 98 windstar only 109,000 miles but have short in MAFS wire so need to find short. worked great. 11 thumbs up. Thanks so so much. I could have used this back in the days pulling out stereo and cutting plugs and finding the speaker with hook up of wires. LMAO man needed this in 80's. thanks great video from BOB-AKA mr bob the builder sidetrack

[@dougsheets6201]

Thank you for this post. I've got a short on my motorcycle. I've also had a lot of heartburn figuring out how I"m going to fix this. I think this will help.

[@thersten]

were you able to use this tool to find the short on your motorcycle?

[@davidcerino1145]

I have a set of outlets that randomly stop working (GFIs) and while I can generally repair most electrical issues at home, I need to trace the wiring. I’ve been hesitant to spend $100 on the Fluke equivalent for a two time use, if that. I didn’t know Harbor Freight had its own version . . . until now! Many thanks!

[@natefidalgo7625]

Agreed, i have trouble tracking down wires and wire diagrams . I have used rj-45/11 tracking wire locating equipment similar to yours but for computer networks. I realize now i can uses the same technology to trace car unpowered circuits as well as the unpowered electrical circuits of homes. But i still like the circuit breaker tester locator for the energized wires (that you plug into electrical outlets) . Wondering if there is a similar tester for the equivalent energized circuit of a car. Not that its a huge deal you can remove fuse and check if the line has voltage before tracing its just cutting the step out.

[@microfarmers]

Thanks for the info; please allow me to make a correction. Household wiring is as follows "BLACK=HOT...WHITE=NEUTRAL... BARE/GREEN=GROUND"

[@LilDirt12]

Awesome video. Thank you for demonstrating the multiple tests.

[@superiorcarpetpaintllc4351]

You probably should have checked it at the breaker box and tested the neutral at the breaker or anywhere in the building, the break is not going to be in the concrete, it's going to be in an outlet/switch/box or in the breaker box itself, you may want to check outside for any abandoned breaker or fuse boxes...

[@AMetalWorks]

The break is underground. This was 4 years ago. I've abandon that whole circuit.

[@offthablock4473]

Greenlee product is near $200. I used it for finding underground shorted wire. Sprinkler repair. But I've traced thru concrete with it also. We get wire in sleeves under concrete alot.

[@Rextrent]

So this works for tracking valve wire?

[@shelby50411]

Ive got a home elect circuit of 6 outlets that went dead but i dont know which breaker in panel goes to the circuit...with main pwr off could i hook this item up to one of the dead outlets and then go to psnel area to try and find out which main wire/breaker supplies power to the dead circuit

[@northwestrepair]

These things work ONLY IF the end of the wire you are looking for is DISCONNECTED from the circuit. It will act like an antenna in this case, otherwise its will send the signal down and fade away. So to find the end of the wire, i have no clue what to disconnect and from where.

[@HappyHermitt]

I've always wondered if it worked ok. I've been using toners for a years and it's always good to have a backup or second generator

[@coondogtheman]

Might grab one of these. Never owned one but I might find a use for it. I bet if you bring the receiver part near a radio station tower you'll hear music. These seem to pick up a lot of interference.

[@HugDeeznueces]

This still available? If this was labeled by Craftsman, it will be about 90 bucks.

[@twn5858]

I bought one today for $26.

[@HugDeeznueces]

cool! you like it?

[@bcbp14]

Snap on would be $500.00

[@ivettedejesus2035]

Or power probe

[@kingzach5000]

Thank you brother. And just to be sure you only connect the black wire to the one wire that I want to find problem?

[@ogichidaawag3244]

I use one everyday at work. (Fire and intercom technician.) I'm pretty sure the red is the tone lead though, not the black. I've never used the harbor freight one, but for 1/3 of the price.. I think I'll give it a go.

[@robbydockery1272]

I am a spectrum contractor and am seeking advice for a toner that will trace a RG6 coax from say a 5th floor apt. down to the ground floor of a Multi Dwelling Unit. This would be the best time saver for me. I would love for it to be strong enough to find breaks in buried lines about 6 to 8 inches deep. Have you seen anything that sends that strong of a signal?

[@williamschmidt9008]

Green is ground, not neutral. there is a difference. And yes this will work with Coax or any wire that has a return path.

[@inventoseideas3400]

Sorry i can't understand 5:10 where you connect the black wire and the red wire of your tester

[@dhservers]

Thanks, very helpful. I have S10 wit electrical issues and I'm going to get this tool for my buddy who works on i and make him watch your video.

[@jimbola77]

Love it, Brother!!! thank you for sharing!!! it saved me a lot of money I had a short in my ignition wiring in my car took it to a shop they quoted me $280.00 I purchased this @ HBF with my 20% off coupon plus a free gift and found the short within 10 minutes I Definitely recommend this it works!!!!!

[@200shotramhemi4]

jimbola77 awesome info, I Have A Short in my 03 Dodge Ram Right Tail light, Ive Been trying to figure it out but can seem to track the short, the Wiring looks Good across the Chassis, will This Tool Emulate the power probe ect1000?

[@hipolito853]

Muchas gracias por compartir tu conocimiento. Veo que éste probador lo utilizaste en corriente alterna, mi pregunta es ¿estos cables tienen corriente?, ya que pusiste el cable rojo y el cable negro. De antemano muchas gracias, y deseo lo mejor para ti. Bendiciones.

[@goodsun6874]

hello Mr. alvarez.. it's been two years since you've made this video. wonder how the electrical outlet repairs went?

[@AMetalWorks]

+Good Sun The wires are damaged someplace under my shop. I abandoned the circuit to insure that I don't get any fires.

[@Anticept]

+Alvarez Metal Works You should be able to pull out those wires no problem and pull new ones in. There should not be an inaccessible junction box under the concrete. Use the same size wire, and use a wire lube to make it easy to pull.

[@victorsteerup3111]

I worked at a shop where the underground conduit was all rusty and the wires corroded, same problem as Alvarez.

[@JulesBartow]

if underground conduit all rusty and filled with crud you won't be able to pull new wires. Run new EMT or IMC up walls and across ceiling rather than across roof.

[@AMetalWorks]

Very much so. It took me forever to start working on fuel injected engines because I was scared of the electrical. I knew nothing about it and was worried I'd just make the problem worse.

[@fernandovalencia5282]

I'm afraid of touching a carburetor, I know nothing about them, lol, fuel injection, no problem. 😉

[@kevinsawyer9000]

The tool referenced in this video is located at www.harborfreight.com/cable-tracker-94181.html Its called a Cable Tracker (Cen-Tech - item#94181) sells for $23.99.

[@AMetalWorks]

Thank you. That information is already in the video description.

[@kevinsawyer9000]

Alvarez Metal Works Thanks for the review of this product and recommendation. Going to try to get to the nearest Harbor Freight to pick up one of these this weekend.

[@AMetalWorks]

Not a problem. I try to review ever tool I buy. I know it helps people out. I use youtube to find reviews so I figured I'd return the favor and post some of my own.

[@kevinsawyer9000]

Ok. I bought the tool. It worked just as well as you said it would and probably just as well as the more expensive ones. Saved me from hiring an electrician. Thanks for the review.

[@luisxugar853]

Gracias amigo. Bien claro todo y me motiva a comprar uno.

[@NoferTrunions]

Can it trace a 12v wire from it's end to where it's getting the 12v?

[@lajack5273]

CK the the 1st. outlet where home run comes from the light switch and down to closest outlet

[@semco72057]

That is nice information to know about that tool, and I just ordered one after seeing a video on the tool. I need it to use for my vehicles, and will probably be using it in one house I have as well.

[@AlabanzasyAdoración7]

Does this work on outlet wires? They have no power at all I tested the breakers and they're good.

[@DUMBnEASY]

Whoah! In a 115 volt circuit where you have black, white, green.... the GREEN wire is NOT another neutral! It is the GROUND WIRE! In the main electrical panel, the white wire, or neutral connects to the neutral bus. Then there is a "bonding screw" which is used to connect from the neutral bus to ground. Then there is a ground bar, already connected to the panel's steel box that is the ground. For sub panels to the main panel, the neutral IS NOT bonded to the box and is completely separate. If you connect your green ground wire to the neutral bus at any point, you are asking for trouble. You will also have problems with all of your GFI and Arc Fault breakers. This could be why the receptacles in your shop don't work. Generally, shops have ground fault receptacles OR a GFI breaker. If your ground wire is connected to your neutral bus, that's why it's not working. Find the name of your panel. Then go to the hardware store and buy yourself a ground bus bar for that brand of panel and install it to the metal panel. There may be small knockout holes already in the panel specifically for that bar! Then move all of your green ground wires from your neutral bus, to the ground bus. That may solve your problem! Good Luck! And thanks for the video on the tracker! :D

[@thatcrazywolf]

green is not also neutral it is a safety ground

[@JulesBartow]

Green should be the same voltage as the Neutral. It's technically known as the Equipment Ground Conductor (EGC) and should be wired up in each receptacle and light fixture such that if the black (hot) wire comes loose and touches a piece of grounded equipment, plumbing, or building steel it will cause the fuse to blow, circuit breaker to trip, or for a GFCI to see more current in the black wire going out than coming back in in the white wire (120VAC) and trip.

[@teekay1785]

@@JulesBartow right and in service box all grounds on same bar and all neutrals on different ground bar neutrals have unbalance loads conducted through them grounds do not

[@moparkid440]

@@teekay1785 Yeah youre Definitely right: they're on different bars in the panel but they are connected by a screw so essentially they're connected (unless it's in a sub panel)

[@kathylewis7543]

You said connect the black to the black but you have it connected to the red did you just missed speak ??? Thank you need all the help I can get!

[@sk8emilio00]

Honestly you really dont need to put it on the colors it just sends a signal to the wires

[@italianostalian0]

I cant ever see needing this for anything residential unless something was real old. This doesnt give shorts location. If you plan on using these outlets at all the wiring has to be the right size to handle shop equipment. If its not your learning what fish tapes are all about. Your tracer can help you there too.

[@carlyletom301]

In house AC wiring, the Ground is NOT the same as the Neutral. And should not be connected. I only use it when testing. Should never if used interchangeably.

[@IceePrettyWings]

so this will work on a wire that's possibly broken inside the wire casing. I'm needing to see about my wire connected to the alternator and starter.

[@bamaphoenix9873]

Nice job with your video. I'v been using this type of tester for about 2 years now. Harbor Freight still sells them. Best $20 - $30 I've spent. Sorry it tooks so long to find/view this. I hope you're doing well.

[@richbarbarino4779]

It really works good ?

[@ashfaqjuna]

also try using a battery powered AM/MW radio as a receiver. it will be very sensitive as a receiver

[@ozcorr909]

great video very informative and to the point thank you

[@edgartomizaki4360]

Hello Mr. Alvarez I bought an EM415pro and I still have not found out if it is possible to find a short circuit with this device using the beep. Problems with short circuit only work by the led indicator or I am not know to use?

[@DR1BLESS]

had a friend tell me you can amplify the tone by connecting to something else so just being close to the line you will know

[@geminye79]

Did the pathfinder ever get put back together?

[@AMetalWorks]

The gold one in the video was scrapped. The one I've had forever is definitely back together.

[@kazutokirigaya4621]

Thanks for the advice and where did you build the website

[@AMetalWorks]

My website? It's a WordPress blog template that I personally modified the code to suit my needs.

[@ahoo5753]

Son bought a truck brought it home I noticed the box tilted to the cab rusted frame. Guess what brand it was

[@mcozpda3392]

me imagino que me servira para encontrar un corto en mi moto .. servira ???

[@panzerwaffen2873]

Seguro

[@ramdanelimam7620]

hi, if i have a wire (i can't connect the red and black pence from the sources, so i just plug in the black, will it work?

[@80ajflores]

Perfect for my application. Thanks

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the thoughts you have shared here.

[@Lencho7]

So this would work I’m residential home wiring?

[@benconeuniforms]

I have a wire shorting to ground, I have traced the circuit, but still cant pinpoint where it is grounding. I think it might be grounding to another wire inside the harness. Would this tool help me locate a short to ground?

[@dougb8207]

I doubt it. You probably need to disconnect things along the path until the short is gone. I found a trick by accident, flipped a breaker and heard a pop/saw a flash out of the corner of my eye. An outlet in the corner of my garage had a bit of smell and puff of smoke, a nicked wire was making contact with a box connector.

[@bernalgaston4180]

Hey bro would this thing actually point out the exact wire or just will signal when it's "very close"? I plan to use it on automotive to track down the exact wire from the crank sensor to the car computer. Would it just start beeping when the cable I'm tracing is somewhere among those 30 wires on the back of the pcm? Just wanted an opinion.

[@AMetalWorks]

It's not that sensitive but it should get you close. If you need something to pin point the exact wire this may not be as sensitive as you are looking for.

[@bernalgaston4180]

Alvarez Metal Works Thanks for the great help ese. Also, is the RED wire from the device connected to anything or is it for an optional second wire being traced? I need to trace SINGLE wires only.

[@dougb8207]

When you're in the ballpark, you can test for continuity, if you don't have too many wires to check ... would have to physically contact them one at a time somehow back to your continuity tester, or perhaps short them to the wire that goes back to the transmitter (set to the continuity position). You can verify first if your transmitter is working, just set to continuity and short the leads ... if the LED lights, you have continuity.

[@jadd6810]

Will it detect a wire through drywall? The previous owner wired a breaker box and some outlets in the garage and I have 2 breakers that I have no idea what they control.

[@JulesBartow]

It detects wires through drywall. You have to be within a couple inches.

[@rick31869]

the black is hot in ac ,the red is hot in dc . black to red in ac current ,white , or green =ground to black in dc !!! pretty simple right lol ,enjoy your vids bro !

[@johncantrell614]

These things are also used to trace telephone wires, that's why you see the little phone plug end on it. Looks like the only real modification is the little flexible wand on the end of it, while mine has a short rubber tip on it. But, they are pretty useful for tracing wires if you have a bunch of wires with the same color, and you want to make sure you have the right wire on the other end if there is no wire marker on it. The sending unit can be used both for sending a signal down a wire, or, if you have it set on the cont setting, lets the sender be used as a continuity tester for anything like fuses or light bulbs that you can clip between the senders gator clips, or for testing switches. The little red light will come on if these items are good. So he is right, a low cost little tool that is well worth what you pay for it, and might save you hours of guesswork tracing wires down.

[@stickelips6901]

When I turn my key on i get a burning smell and smoke comes out of the dash. How do I find which wire(s) are shorted?

[@dougb8207]

You can't see where the wires are melted?

[@coondogtheman]

If I turned one of these on in the room I'm in now I will start hearing music coming out of it. I live near a radio tower.

[@flatdog691]

That happens to me at the Xbox in town I pick up 920 AM radio lol

[@coondogtheman]

@@flatdog691 It will pick up the strongest station that's nearest to you. I was at a house that had a radio tower even closer to it and if I turned on this little First Act mini amp I have and with my Frankenstein headphones plugged into it I can clearly pick up the signal from the tower on the amp. More than enough to listen to.

[@stanleyrinker6180]

I tried that burns out quick I use an amp what's the best I can go up to 300 feet and find the end of the NHVC

[@pepino735]

good advice bro .keep up the good work

[@metatechnologist]

Did you have any music in your video? There is no audio on this video I can not hear anything.

[@AMetalWorks]

something is wrong on your end. I have audio and this is one of my biggest videos. You're the only one who has said that.

[@HollisTibbetts]

this was really useful for me - thanks!

[@Jandejongjong]

Nice working place!

[@Xx_nobody_xX]

Im not seeing where you tell if its shorted

[@daveoverbey2032]

Ok if it has a short in the line, this is meaning the circuit is not completed. with the signal being delivered at one end as so when you trace the line it will make that noise w/the receiver' & when the noise weakens & or stops, this is most likely where your location needs be checked for trouble If so your current to the receiver stops flowing at this point of breakage in the wire & or it just won't pass thru enough current on account the opposite end is diverted from giving a strong enough signal. It's kinda like when trying to pick up a girl playing hard to get! L.O.L No but seriously it's when the current stops or weakens is where most likely it is shorted! It's a grate tool.

[@edwardlara1011]

A cable tracker is not designed for tracing shorts, it only works to track open circuits.

[@edwardlara1011]

@@daveoverbey2032 You don't know what you are talking about. You are just misleading and confusing people that don't know shit from shynola like you.

[@blakehendrix641]

I have a ceiling fan that needs to be replaced but I can't find the breaker to disconnect it... can l use this to find the right one? Thanks

[@edwardlara1011]

Shut each breaker one at a time checking for no power at ceiling fan each time. When you get no power at ceiling fan, that is the breaker that controls it. You don't need anything except a voltmeter.

[@dougb8207]

Use a voltmeter or a (convenient) Fluke tick tracer.

[@davidram1974]

Can it scan through sheet rock? Thanks bro

[@JoeBorrello]

Yes, it works quite well, but not if hooked up as shown in the video. Attach the red lead to one wire and the black lead to a ground separate from the wire being traced. You can use a water pipe or an extension cord plugged into a different circuit.

[@thomasflynn6307]

Very helpful got one coming on Monday now I know how to use it already

[@rudydaberry122]

How far can it track?

[@sneuberg157230]

Will it find a break in a dog fence

[@sanctealphonse4510]

Yes, it will tell you where your dog is at too.

[@JulesBartow]

If you leave it beeping, your wife will bitch at you to turn off the annoying noise. This tool caused five of my eleven divorces.

[@boxbreakracing]

This thing sucks. I hooked it up but no matter where I point it it beeps. the sender box is just sending out a sphere of signals and it’s impossible to trace the wire... I literally hooked it to the fuel pump. Stepped out the car and pointed into the sky and it still was beeping....

[@566156611]

you get it online?

[@thedude2475]

Great video i will definitely be investing in one.

[@jscursions]

Great information. Thanks for sharing. 👍❤️

[@Villa125]

How high amperage can it go ? Would 30 amps be safe ?

[@senseisecurityschool9337]

Zero amps. You need to disconnect power before using it.

[@dougb8207]

30 amps your tester will go * poof *, no more tester! lol

[@Poochie43124312]

Why not actually use it to trace a wire thru the auto harness that's just sitting there? .

[@israelmontenegro4478]

Will it work on coax cable?

[@AMetalWorks]

Honestly I don't know.

[@KinGIIRomE]

I used it for coax cable all the time. As a cable installer this 25 dollar tool is one of my favorite. Saves me hours.

[@kpdvw]

Green is not Neutral it is Ground , Green and White are @ the same (ground) potential

[@charlesdowns1691]

true. that sorta threw me off when I heard it first.

[@shanegillenwater5089]

how can I use this on a car for shorted wires

[@llewlem888]

shane gillenwater thoughtfully

[@victorsteerup3111]

I have used a DIFFERENT tool for shorts. Basically, it is a mechanical meter, with a needle, that is sensitive to magnetic fields. The key is a 5-amp circuit breaker, hooked up to power, that keeps closing and opening, causing a varying magnetic field through the wire it is hooked up to, all the way to where the wire is SHORTED to the chassis. Move the meter along the wire from where the breaker is hooked up, it will wiggle until it passes where the short is.

[@benconeuniforms]

@@victorsteerup3111 Where could I find a meter like you describe?

[@adelinamarshall6294]

Loud signal it's mean good? Low signal it's mean bad?

[@topflight2358]

can we go play in your shop !!

[@KM-os4be]

Mine did not work, both turn on, but will not do what it shows a 2:12. Does not seems to be sending signal out. How frustrating.. wasted my time on this junk tool.

[@restotech9445]

Question, why tear apart a pathfinder

[@NhiNguyen-yd3zb]

try ideal suretrace 61-954. it has powerfull signal and can trace through wall and some floor

[@billsmith2212]

That is now replaced by 61-955 . It is OVER $ 800.00 ! The HF is about $ 30.00 . There is no comparison . But , unless you NEED that expensive unit , it's an expensive tool to only be used by a DIY .

[@jemmyyaunker2586]

thanks for the info was helpfull and will give it a shot

[@Penfold8]

How much was this as Harbor Freight?

[@AMetalWorks]

Not sure what they are charging for it now. The link is in the video description. I'd use one of the 20% off coupons on it if you can find one.

[@JulesBartow]

Horror Fraught. Half the stuff I buy there breaks. Lot of wasted time driving back to store for a refund then having to go find something quality to get the job done. You'll have the same luck as direct from China on fleaBay or Amazon.

[@edwardlara1011]

@@JulesBartow That's because they are produced with the cheapest quality parts and materials available, they don't last worth a shit. All Chinese electronic and electrical products suck. You get what you pay for, cheap junk that you end up trashing in a short period of time.

[@nappybiscuit]

Great video, thanks for posting.

[@AMetalWorks]

Yeah I don't see how you can go wrong with it.

[@branthonkanen8681]

And the price is right!

[@ramcity05]

Amazing 🤩

[@drinn11]

Nice! Thanks it did help me a lot.

[@curtismay2295]

give me a price for the tool

[@curtismay2295]

how much was this tool?

[@31acruz]

Would it have killed you to just hover the wand next to one of the outlets that beeped to show us if it detects it "through the wall"? use your head dude!