How to find wires inside walls: Wire tracing tool- how to

[@PilotJon]

Here is a link to the one I have. amzn.to/38xXgor As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@caidenkhari5756]

I guess im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I stupidly forgot my login password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@novarobert7057]

@Caiden Khari Instablaster =)

[@caidenkhari5756]

@Nova Robert Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and im in the hacking process atm. Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@caidenkhari5756]

@Nova Robert it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much, you saved my account !

[@novarobert7057]

@Caiden Khari You are welcome :D

[@mrnotnomis]

Very helpful! A retired electrician gave me some of his tools, and this is among them. I need to tap into a porch light supply so that I can run power to an outdoor ceiling fan, so this will help me tell where those wires are.

[@PilotJon]

it will!

[@williamveeeh8571]

Just arrived in the mail. So stocked to deal with a lot of wiring issues I've wanting to take care of. Thx...certainly a shortage of good tracer vids available. Bought it solely based on this video.

[@PilotJon]

Thank you for the huge compliment!!! Let me know how your adventures go! I just pulled mine out again today for a small project! Thanks for watching! Hope you subscribed 🤘🏼

[@TheSpatulaCity]

Thank you for demoing this. I'm doing a remodel and have a switch box that has numerous Romex cables to which I have no idea what they are for. This tool will be super helpful.

[@PilotJon]

Glad I could help

[@jamessanders6788]

Great demo. Don't forget to cut power on all breakers first! May not be obvious to newbs.

[@PilotJon]

Thanks James! good point on the breakers

[@jamessanders6788]

@@PilotJon Thanks. Your video was very useful. I have always use toners in low voltage environments, but never in high voltage applications. Thanks to your video, I was happy to know I could a use the toner tester without making a huge flash bang or worse. I had to see someone do it first though! There are instructional videos or discussions out there, but not much demo.

[@alldreams13]

Nice cordless hole punch!

[@PilotJon]

Thank you!😂

[@jaimedpcaus1]

Very good. O don't know why my outlet is dead. I changed it but it still doesn't work. Now I need to trace the wires and this is exactly what I was looking for. 👍

[@PilotJon]

Awesome! Glad it helped! I hope you subscribed 🤘🏼

[@DIY-product_unboxing-reviews]

Quick question... the wires that you are testing in your video, are these live wires that are carrying current or did you first turn off the power from the circuit braker?

[@PilotJon]

They have to be cold. So flip the breaker and verify with a plug in device or a voltage meter. If you do this with live wires the tool will get ruined 👍🏼

[@dwoodog]

Thanks for the video. I'm gonna have to look in to one of these. Trying to hang some LED lights in my garage, and the last guy was a wiring genius......more like a mad scientist. LOL!!!

[@MN-ko3gb]

Great instruction, very details. Thank you for making this video instruction!

[@PilotJon]

Glad it was helpful! I hope you subscribed ;)

[@jlewis2951]

Great video have to pick a tracer up. Have a dead outlet and don't know where it's being fed from. And God Bless America and the 2nd.

[@PilotJon]

Its a handy tool and absolutely God Bless America and the 2nd!!! Good man! Thanks for sharing!

[@a.m.blackfig638]

Amen

[@MrTr3D]

I had the same problem with my sister's house. 6 outlets don't have power. First, the 3 outlets (are connected to each other) from front door -> window -> corner of the house. However, from the corner outlet, I don't know where the wires go next. The wall adjacent to the corner outlet, there's an outlet behind the piano and that outlet doesn't work. This outlet is not connected to the corner outlet. So I don't know where the corner outlet is connected. I did more troubleshooting and found out that the piano outlet is connected to the right outlet behind the tv. Behind the tv, there are 2 outlets (left side, and right side). The left side duplex outlets work, but not the right duplex. I found out that the right duplex is connected to the piano outlet. The outlet behind the water bottle has no power. I can't find out where this outlet is connected to. Will this device help me to find it? I need help. I'll buy this device and hopefully I can find where the line goes.

[@PilotJon]

Sorry for the late reply! yes it will... make sure all your breakers are off, connect it to your mystery wire and trace it with the tone... hope it helps!

[@notsoaveragejoe2JZ]

Good demo, I also keep a Glock nearby when I'm doing anything 😎👍

[@PilotJon]

Right on! hahahaha Yeah I thought that was kinda funny! Just picked it up that day- Its the 43X I love that for a carry gun.

[@notsoaveragejoe2JZ]

@@PilotJon the 43x is a nice shooter! My Lady carries one but I stick with the G26 for my EDC 🤙

[@ForeverYoung007]

What would be the best method to see if you have wiring for lighting fixtures in the wall? For example, I have a room with no indication that it's wired for a lighting fixture. Is that commonly branched out from existing receptacles or do they typically run on their own dedicated breaker?

[@PilotJon]

Typically on the breaker for the room. If there is wiring for any light it will have a fixture on it already- Sometimes in older homes they will have a switch run an outlet that you can plug a lamp into. I think thats what you're referring to?

[@ForeverYoung007]

@@PilotJon Yeah, it probably doesn't have wiring already ran for a fixture. It does have a switch tied to an outlet, might just use that with a lamp. Thanks.

[@PilotJon]

ForeverYoung sure thing! Yeah it may just be one outlet on the double outlet (top or bottom) let me know how it goes for you!

[@buffydog21]

Do electrical power have to be turned off to those outlets, to check them first? I want to replace the rest knob and tube electric wire in my house, with Romex. I'll abandon the knob and tube and replace it with new Romex. The electrical box isn't that well labeled.

[@PilotJon]

Great question- yes the power must be shut off for these to work properly. Sorry for the late reply

[@WeatherNut27]

@2:21 looks like the wire goes downstairs?? Makes no noise in the wall (like the other wire did) but it made noise near the baseboard then goes to that outlet. Maybe looped with a plug downstairs or just across low on the wall

[@PilotJon]

Excellent point. This house is a single story on a slab with 8” block exterior walls- that point you hi lighted is where the wiring goes into the block wall is what I think- because it just didn’t sense like it did on the 2x4 walls. Great point though! Thanks for watching and your input!

[@fulesmackofule]

Is there something for one specific wire (not cable) tracking and with continues beep as you go?

[@beto5577]

thanks for the example also glad your 2A man.

[@Geekydrones]

Thanks this will help so much.

[@PilotJon]

Glad to hear!

[@tylerd9925]

Good demo, however everyone should know to shut off the breaker(s) and test the outlets with a tester to ensure there is no hot wires or current on the outlet(s) your working on. Not only for safety, but the wires have to be cold for toner to function properly... unless its low voltage like data wires, these can remain on.

[@fulesmackofule]

I'm tired of those videos always mentioning the whole safety chapter of the manual. Yes, we know we cannot put a cat in the microwave to dry it. Those who don't, will have to read the manual.

[@PilotJon]

😂❤️ same…

[@opticspace1868]

word to the wise when the batteries get below about 50% the tone gets too quiet to hear through most walls so i would recommend putting rechargeable batteries in them if you use them a lot

[@beaner_fromyuma812]

Does this have a range or as long as the tester is connected or the tone tool will always beep if it sees the signal in the wire

[@PilotJon]

as long as it is connected to a wire it will work. no range basically

[@alimoini4718]

Do I need the power off or can be on ? Thanks for your helps.

[@PilotJon]

Good question- the power must be off using the tool I used.

[@alimoini4718]

thanks for very for the quick response video

[@worms2401]

Can someone tell me what the cont buttons does?

[@landybonet7527]

Question, does that tool works with wires without power.? I have an outlet that idk where it comes from

[@PilotJon]

Yes, this tool you must work on wires without power. Any power coming through the lines will ruin the tool.

[@tinabraxton4906]

My walls are concrete covered with plaster. Wiring is 220-230. I need to know where the wires are, so I can drill into the walls and hang pictures. Will this tool work for me? Is there one I can buy and use in Europe? A lot of electrical issues are different here. I have not found any local information on how to determine where my wires are.

[@PilotJon]

you sure can! I didnt explain that my walls are block wall covered with drywall (plaster)

[@aarontm507]

What if I hear no sound coming from the toner?

[@PcDoc5897]

nice gun you have on the desk. Is it CZ-75?

[@PilotJon]

the new one is a Glock 43x (I LOVE that one!) the other is a Glock 17

[@attMP021]

People you will meet.. Just nice

[@PilotJon]

🤘🇺🇸

[@mioangel1227]

I have a locked room with a 6 bulbs ceiling lamp ON and I can't go inside to turn off. The breaker for this light is also connected to the kitchen and bathroom lights which I need it, so I can't turn the breaker off. If I find the location of the switch in the opposite side, is possible to disconnect the electric wire from the wall outside of the room? Thanks!

[@julyc2603]

great video, thank you

[@PilotJon]

Glad it helped! hope you subscribed

[@richthevirtuoso]

Nice gun and clips on the desk! Hope you aren't a postal worker!!

[@PilotJon]

HAHAHAHAHA nah But I'm always armed properly ;)

[@richthevirtuoso]

@@PilotJon lmao, camera just casually scrolls past a significant weapon stash as if totally pertinent to the video haha

[@stanshieh]

I found two unconnected wires in my electric box then can I use this tool to find the other ends of these wires in my house?

[@PilotJon]

absolutely. thats a perfect use for it

[@raymondmabhens3038]

Hie what do you call that tracing wire tools

[@jeradhillis9348]

I have a break in the wiring in my house, would this help me find the break?

[@PilotJon]

Absolutely! sorry for the late reply... the toner would stop making tone at the break.

[@chaplainand1]

Thank you.

[@PilotJon]

Glad it helped!

[@Nsane211]

thanks, great vid

[@PilotJon]

Glad you liked it! hope you subscribed!

[@charlie_schneider93]

Would this work to find out what switches power different devices? I have a couple light switches in my house that I am not sure where they go to and would like to find out. Basically could I hook this up to the wires on the switch and go to different outlets/lights to see which ones the switch powers? Thanks!

[@PilotJon]

Absolutely! Just make sure there is no power to the wires when using this tool 👍🏼 let me know how it works for you!

[@charlie_schneider93]

I appreciate the response! It’s between either trying this or just having an electrician come over and doing it!

[@PilotJon]

@@charlie_schneider93 the tool should be cheaper ;)

[@RajPatel-Realtor]

Hi Ron, great video. am rehabbing a house and There are few switches doesn't do anything. How do I figure out where that wire is going? or what is that switch is controlling? Thanks

[@PilotJon]

Great question. You can use a wire tracer like this but first you must make sure there is no power coming through the wires you connect to. You can verify this with a simple voltmeter or outlet tester.. Then follow the wires with the tone tracer!

[@michaelluzader8014]

Do you have to hook both wires for it to work

[@jimbotamboer3769]

If I have electrical wire in conduit encased in concrete, will this find the wire? Thanks.

[@codetutor6593]

Does the gun come with the package or is it extra?

[@PilotJon]

They were extra unfortunately 😂😂

[@dozerlamaquinadestructora6708]

Will it work on wires that have no power? I have some wires that aren't getting any power so I need to trace them to see where they go without tearing up the wall and ceiling.

[@PilotJon]

Absolutely. In fact for this tool, the power must be off

[@stanshieh]

I just bought this tool and I want to know how much distanc the receiver can pick up signals sent by the toner?

[@PilotJon]

it will work with any length wire really...

[@xcmskim4]

Do you know if this tone tracer works with armored/BX cable?

[@PilotJon]

I don’t know for sure. But if you can connect the 2 alligator clips to the 2 separate wires- it will work! Let me know how it goes??

[@gfriedman99]

I have same question. I think the bx armor will shield the signal. But i am thinking about clipping a tone injector to the armor itself. The only problem is that its a common ground so all the cables in the house will buzz but i might be able to still trace what i need

[@gfriedman99]

Pilot Jon can you trace a single wire or do both clips have to be attached

[@danielhearnden3776]

Power and lighting on same circuit very rare in the uk

[@PilotJon]

Its old style here in the US as well... but sometimes we just roll with it...

[@Unplugged704]

Great demo! Question. I just moved into a house with a patch panel in the first floor closet. There are 5 ethernet cables from the panel, I see a ethernet jack in my office and master BR (upstairs). There are 3 ethernet cables left. But the 3 other BRs do not have the ethernet jacks and I cannot find jacks elsewhere. Is this tool good for finding where the ethernet cables may be?

[@HunterKleinTheHuntzman]

They make a version of this tool for ethernet. It is called a "toner".

[@jimtalbott9535]

@@HunterKleinTheHuntzman I will add to this: they made different adapters for the tone generator called a “banjo” - some for RJ-11, and some for RJ-45.

[@PilotJon]

this one comes with multiple adapters- Ethernet was one of them

[@blazayblazay8888]

Can I do that while the wires are live?

[@PilotJon]

no- the power must be off

[@AdeBerry]

Is there a reason you have a gun on top of the cabinet in plain sight? Should it not be in a locked cabinet somewhere?

[@PilotJon]

I ran out of room in the safe. I keep this one warm under my pillow typically

[@xpsmx]

Does this work on low voltage wires, say for continuity, I think I heard him say it, but want to be sure, Thanks!

[@PilotJon]

Great question- yes it does, thanks for watching!

[@chispomartinez5199]

Quick question what type of gun is that.

[@PilotJon]

Glock 43X it’s an excellent carry gun

[@simplysaying9294]

Can it trace a single wire, please reply

[@Chris.Rhodes]

I know this is an old video, but can this trace a single wire? Like a 3 way switch? I'm trying to figure out which wires are my travelers and I'm not an electrician. I'm trying to trace my red wires, because I have 3 switches to go to one light, and they all work independently, but not together and it's annoying.

[@PilotJon]

Hi Chris, with this one it has to have dual wires. You could use a continuity tester for your situation. I’ll buy one and make another video because that is a common issue

[@Chris.Rhodes]

@@PilotJon I could use continuity to check that? I'm a service tech, I'm still learning with electricity, like say for instance, how do I know one red wire at the bottom of the steps is the right wire at the top of the steps? Thanks for the quick reply man!

[@God_is_my_savior-316]

Does this work only when the power is on?

[@PilotJon]

Power must be off

[@pyapilivaishnavi452]

Can the wire fault be detected behind the wall

[@PilotJon]

Yes

[@raytry69]

There are some instant drilling tools on the desk.

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@deniseheinke1773]

Great vid handyman :) Quick question unrelated to this ....a friend of mine is at my house right now asking why some AZ washers struggle to produce cold water? She had cold water come thru at one residence and the place she's at now has no cold water. Any info would be appreciated!

[@PilotJon]

Good question! Theres many factors for sure. one is the time of year. the ground temperature will warm the pipes and water. the depth of the pipes will affect the temperature also. and finally the type of dirt the pipes are buried in affects it. clay like material will conduct a temperature and maintain it better than a gravel type. Take an apartment for example- a second or third floor will probably not have a cool "cold" water because the pipes stay warm in the wall all the way up..

[@deniseheinke1773]

@@PilotJon thank you! Great information. I never would have considered the type of dirt! As a homeowner, this helps a lot. I will let her know. Thank you for taking time out to respond. P.s. when can I buy some eggs???

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Well done. Oh and 2A to ya.

[@MrGizmoto]

Hi, did you power off at the breaker before hooking up the toner source?

[@PilotJon]

Great question! Yes with this model (probably all types) the power source must be removed.

[@mykylc]

I wasted so much time on thinking I had bad network cables with this model. The #8 led was burned out straight out of the box.

[@PilotJon]

Oh man! sorry to hear! That is really a bummer! To test the LED's you just connect all leads with no wires between them... I should have made that clear in the video... I have another project, maybe I'll do another video and show that.. Thanks for your input!

[@mykylc]

@@PilotJon my comment wasn't meant as any type of a complaint towards you. I was just irritated on the LED light. I think the next one I'm going to get has an LCD display.

[@PilotJon]

@@mykylc nooo I didn’t take it as offense I promise. It’s just a bummer the tool failed you

[@mykylc]

@@PilotJon its life. It was a freaking murphys law job. Lol

[@zi11cr7]

Does this work with mc cable?

[@PilotJon]

it does come with multiple cable attachments

[@philc9305]

Can this be used on live wires?

[@PilotJon]

Great question- this model no. I’d say most if not all will need depowered.

[@achicknsuit]

I assume these aren't live wires, correct?

[@PilotJon]

JASON ELLIOTT that’s correct- you need to make sure via all circuit breakers off or something. A live wire would fry the tester..

[@Nate_Sanity]

@@PilotJon good to know

[@donkeykong516]

Did know you need a gun nearby to trace wires…lol

[@PilotJon]

😂😂

[@bigsun4212]

I have a (maybe a dumb) question: does the power at the testing outlet has to be off before using this equipment, or the tester can be used on a live circuit???

[@PilotJon]

Valid question! Sorry for the late reply. yes power must be off or the unit will be ruined.

[@skibum415]

5:15 Is this guy using his laptop as a coaster?😂

[@PilotJon]

Yessir 😂

[@MundiTaurus]

Great. :-p One of those people that screws up wiring where an electrician, and or purchaser of the home does not know what's running where, and or too much is on one circuit. Or, it was already screwed up, and you made it worse, instead of fixing it? Depending on your existing panel, circuits, wiring, have one circuit for each room. Also, depending, that may be in relation to what is, or needs to be, connected/wired to each room, such as, possibly, 1 or more 15 amp, 120v mini splits or window AC's. Of course, there can be, for instance, if having an older panel with not enough wiring/breakers/circuits, two bedrooms next to each other on the same circuit, but wired correctly, individually, to a proper breaker, and labeled. ETC! I completely understand many may want to DYI. It seems to me most people think of hiring a pro, _or_ DYI. But, they don't think about both. Plan out what is wanted to be done, put the plan on paper, hire a pro to eval. Sure, you will have to spend some extra money, but that is still a lot less expensive than also hiring the pro to do the work. That can save you a ton of hurt!* *The wiring you put in the wall for the TV, is it properly terminated? I.E., does it need to be in a junction box according to your local code? (Often, local code is stricter than the NEC.) If by some chance it causes a fire, when the insurance finds out, and you can bet they will, they will deny any claim. So, since it was not clear, or I missed it, are the wires still hooked to the outlet? If so, disconnect them. Loose wire/s in the wall connected to nothing will harm nothing. But still, you can wire nut them and put electrical tape on, at least, the junction box side. Or, pull the wire out. TID BIT: Never leave an open splice, anywhere. In the attic, protect the wiring from damage, such as just accidentally walking over them and damaging the insulation. Check codes, such as for stapling, also. A homeowner can usually run loose wiring in a wall, as long it is permanent, but the attic may be a whole other story.

[@baddoggie101]

The title is wrong. As you said it is a continuity tester and that can be done with much simpler equipment. You can't find wires in the wall with this.

[@PilotJon]

Sorry yours didn’t work out, mine clearly traced the wires inside the walls

[@donx03]

Nice

[@jolynneraymond1108]

Way above my pay grade; I’m calling in an electrician

[@PilotJon]

HAHAHAHAHA I would have but I'm too determined and I think the word is cheap? hahaha its fun for me (I keep telling myself)

[@donx03]

@@PilotJon It's not cheap, you end up buying a fancy tool and you learn a new skill in the process. I just picked up the newer version of Klein Tools from Home Depot. Electrician would charge over two times just to show up.

[@HygroHybrid]

@2:28 he has 2 Glocks, 19 and 43 I presume? lol Thanks for the video 👍

[@PilotJon]

one was my daily carry- the other is my new daily carry, can never have too many!

[@anthony2823]

2:52 A toy on the table

[@PilotJon]

I love my toys! 🤘🏼

[@thaddeuscorea]

because one Glock wasn't enough? LOL (excellent vid btw)

[@PilotJon]

Thank you! yes you can never have too many.... the others are in the safe...

[@danbiko2468]

Nice guns 💪

[@PilotJon]

Thanks Dan! I'd show the collection but....... most were lost in a boating accident.

[@JOHNTOPG]

Nice gun 🤣

[@ryancarriveau87]

Seen that too huh 🤣

[@PilotJon]

Always ready my friend.... hahaha Thats the glock 43x.

[@maxrobinson6452]

(a) Are you in your own home? (b) Is there anyone else there? (c) Why isn't your sidearm secured?

[@PilotJon]

Excellent point in the sidearm. I live alone and just picked it up that day. And for the work- yes it’s on my own home.

[@krich106]

Could of just did that with a multi meter. Tone setting.

[@blakchyny]

Have you ever tried tracing through concrete walls?

[@dubiousfella]

Best watched at 1.5x or 2x speed 🙂

[@luisramos8602]

Love our 2nd amendment 💯

[@legalize420]

I love guns. Not some fake ass gov permission slip to use guns. Fyi that useless constitution isn't protecting shit. You look like a dog that likes to hold it's own leash. Just take the leash off bro.

[@CARPENTERZENO]

Cool story

[@Steve_mos8541]

You mean RECEPTACLE rite? 😛

[@jareva10]

My Glock is always by my side Glock 17,Glock 26 ❤2A

[@PilotJon]

2024! 🤘🇺🇸

[@pablocolon5349]

R

[@normanhill4028]

video has 6 minutes of talking. only seeing actual usage of tool for 5 seconds. Blah blah blah about your bathroom and your TV above the tub. Dont care about your lifestyle. Want to see if it picks up a wire behind the drywall. Show me that ! JFC.