How to Trace an Open Circuit Caused by Broken Wires

Klein Tools 80016 Circuit Breaker Finder Tool Kit with Accessories, 2-Piece Set, Includes Cat. No. ET310 and Cat. No. 69411: Amazon: amzn.to/3wOnC1q
Klein Tools ET450 Advanced Circuit Breaker Finder and Wire Tracer Kit for Energized and Non-Energized Breakers, Fuses, and Wires: Amazon: amzn.to/3Jq39Fx
Sparky Channel video:
Klein ET450 Advanced Circuit Tracer: • Klein ET450 Advanced C...
Klein Tools RT250 GFCI Receptacle Tester with LCD Display, for Standard 3-Wire 120V Electrical Outlets: Amazon: amzn.to/3PFT0q1
Case Compatible with Klein Tools ET310 AC Circuit Breaker Finder & 80041 Outlet Repair Tool Kit & RT250 GFCI Receptacle Tester. Electrical Tools Storage Organizer Holder Bag for Accessories (Box Only): Amazon: amzn.to/3lIMSzD
Klein Tools RT310 Receptacle Tester, AFCI and GFCI Outlet and Device Tester for North American AC Electrical Outlet Receptacles: Amazon: amzn.to/3wONRUb
Amazon Prime Free for 6 months for students. Then, enjoy Prime at half the price, just $7.49/month: amzn.to/3NsFy7Q
Audible Plus Free for 1 month + 2 free books: amzn.to/3Do6Qrr
Klein Planar Laser Level 93PLL: Acme Tools: www.acmetools....
Klein Compact Tripod 69345: Acme Tools: www.acmetools....
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Klein Tools VDV501-853 CoaxialCable Tester, Scout Pro 3 with Test-n-Map Remote, Includes Remotes #2 - #6, Tests Voice, Data and Video Cable: Amazon: amzn.to/32XUINb
Klein Tools VDV501-852 Cable Tester with Remote, VDV Scout Pro 3 Test Kit Locates and Tests Voice, Data and Video Cables: Amazon: amzn.to/341dpig
Klein Tools VDV226-005 Compact Pass-Thru Crimper, Modular Crimper for Pass-Thru RJ45 Data Plugs
I received this tool in exchange for making an unbiased video about it.
Klein Tools VDV226-110 Pass-Thru Modular Ratcheting Wire Crimper : Amazon: amzn.to/2BHkxlP
Klein Tools VDV526-100 Network LAN Cable Tester, VDV Tester, LAN Explorer with Remote: Amazon: amzn.to/2LOgL1J
Multi-Cable Cutter Klein-Kurve Klein Tools 63020: Amazon: amzn.to/2rZVwhs
Klein Tools VDV826-729 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Pass Through Connectors 10-Pack: Amazon: amzn.to/2SK9gJF
Klein Tools VDV826-602 Modular Data Plugs RJ45 CAT5e, 50-Pack: Amazon: amzn.to/2LFj2Mp
Klein Tools VDV100-801-SEN Dual-Cartridge Radial Stripper: amzn.to/2O2olnf
Klein Tools Twisted Pair Radial Stripper VDV110-261: Amazon: amzn.to/2uQaMyh
Klein Tools VDV826-703 Pass-Thru Modular Data Plug, RJ45 CAT6, Amazon: amzn.to/30WRN3n
Klein Tools VDV011-852 Coax Installation Kit in Molded Hip Pouch has Crimper, Radial Stripper and Cable Cutter: Amazon: amzn.to/2rYMUaU
Klein Tools Wire Tracer, Coax Cable Pocket Continuity Tester with Remote, Audible Beep and LED VDV512-007: Amazon: amzn.to/2MQqEf7
Klein Tools Coax Tester Tracer Mapper with Remote Kit, Explorer 2 VDV512-101: Amazon: amzn.to/2O2Piae
Klein Tools Radial Cable Stripper, Coaxial Cable Stripper, VDV110-061: Amazon: amzn.to/2Lewjf2
Klein Tools VDV120-005-SEN UTP Radial Stripper Cartridge: Amazon: amzn.to/2NxyYx8
Klein Coax Installation Kit with F Connectors, Cable Cutter, Compression Tool, Stripper, More Klein Tools VDV026-211: Amazon: amzn.to/2KRu1le
Klein Crimper, Extended Reach Coax Compression Connector for F, BNC, and RCA Connectors Klein Tools VDV211-100: Amazon: amzn.to/2KPdg6Y
Pass-Thru Modular Wire Crimper, All-in-One Tool Cuts, Strips, Crimps, Fast and Reliable Klein Tools VDV226-110: Amazon: amzn.to/2KP5tWz
Discount on Amazon Prime: amzn.to/37ZJmLN
Amazon Business Account: amzn.to/31NGgGw
Amazon Kids+ : amzn.to/2J6xFIt
Exclusive benefits on Twitch: amzn.to/2HCWNpN
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial: amzn.to/35IlgC6
Amazon Home Services: amzn.to/3jxIFez
Kindle Membership Plans: amzn.to/31O9Pro
Amazon Prime 30 Day Free Trial: amzn.to/3mqTcdq
Amazon Prime as a Gift: amzn.to/3jxxF0U
Create an Amazon Wedding Registry: amzn.to/3jyHL1m
Audible Gift Membership: amzn.to/31Oxb08
Prime Video Channel Free Trial: amzn.to/3mwgUEW
Prime Student 6 month Trial: amzn.to/2J4txZw
Create an Amazon Baby Registry: amzn.to/35CGa5K
Saramonic UwMic9 96-Channel Omnidirectional UHF Wireless Lavalier Microphone System Two Transmitters and One Receiver for Nikon Canon Sony DSLR Cameras, for Video, Field Recording,Interview, ENG, TV: Amazon: amzn.to/2Kc5qWe
Bill and sparkychannel.com are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

[@SparkyChannel]

Klein Tools ET450 Advanced Circuit Breaker Finder and Wire Tracer Kit : Amazon: amzn.to/3Jq39Fx Playlist: Tracing Circuits and Wires with Troubleshooting: kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUIRYP5HI6T4K9gZA6ihMEjJs

[@mrindependent1]

My guy sounds so much like Scotty Kilmer

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL!

[@chilliewillie587]

It’s his brother.

[@dustind2487]

The break is usually around 10 am and 2 pm. Lunch at 1130

[@Darydude10]

Working industrial the morning 15 min break starts at 9 ends at 10 am and our 30 min lunch starts at 12 ends at 1- 1 30

[@zachcornelius5535]

Dustin, you got a break when you got hired!

[@MarkBrockman1956]

😂

[@7628739]

Hhaha

[@alexangeles8426]

Jajajajajaja that was a good one 😆😂😂

[@SonicOrbStudios]

This guy sounds kinda like Scotty the car guy

[@LogicalNiko]

The toner works by putting a high frequency ripple on the line (Its basically sending a low power radio signal over the wires). The surge in signal generally occurs before the end because line breaks cause a reflection in high frequency so its "bouncing" off the break and that signal is going to multiple in amplitude for a short distance. When testing live circuits your tester has a lot harder time picking out the signal from the general AC 60Hz noise. Most normal AC lines tends to carry a lot of AM radio and other signals they pickup along the way (any non-grounded line with a load on it is basically an antenna). One thing that can help with energized line is try to make your body a good ground for the tone detector. Holding it in your palm and possibly even touching a nearby ground/conduit/etc will sometime help the detectors probe filter out other noise (a toner is basically the exact opposite rule as a using a non-contact probe).

[@RJ-ej1nr]

Wow, that tracer is looking exceptionally comparable to peers in the $1k+ class. The adjustable sensitivity is critical. Expecting one will be in my inventory before long... Thanks for highlighting it!

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, 8 levels of sensitivity is exceptional.

[@SparkyChannel]

Tomorrow I'll have a video about searching for only a broken neutral wire. (In this video the hot, neutral and grounds were cut). Tomorrow the hot and ground will be good, just a broken neutral.

[@jamessmoth8683]

That is nice when you know where the wires are, but what do you do when the wires are INSIDE a wall of a finished home and you don't know what direction they are running from the receptical box?

[@bbeede2]

This will trace wires in walls, floors, ceilings, underground, in concrete, etc.

[@user-Jab1000]

@@bbeede2 Does it also trace dead wires? I have an outdoor lamp post (photocell) that is not working and not sure where the wire is underground or where it may be faulty. It could also be that the wire wasn't connected properly at the panel.

[@bbeede2]

@@user-Jab1000 , it'll trace energized or de-energized circuits so I'd expect it to be able to help you with that.

[@user-Jab1000]

@@bbeede2 Great. Thank you for the reply!

[@bbeede2]

@@user-Jab1000 ... absolutely my pleasure. I hope it helps.

[@wannako81]

Rev up your engines!

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL! Scotty says 'Hi".

[@djkaneck1]

Drywall ?

[@MsMook24]

He sounds like Marty

[@eosjoe565]

I've been using a tone generator / signal tracer kit for the past 30 years. You use it with de-energized circuits. It can find breaks in wires for anything... electrical, telephone, network, alarm wiring, etc. You can plug directly into a RJ11, power receptacle or use alligator clips. It uses a worbler tone so no need to physical look at the receiver probe. It costs about 1/4 the price of the Klein unit you are showing.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent tools!

[@Jay11111989]

I've been stumped by a dead outlet on an unknown circuit in a townhouse for weeks. This sounds like the tool I need. I can't plug in to a live outlet in the circuit because the whole problem is I don't know where the wires are going! Can u offer a link for that unit?

[@alexl53]

@@Jay11111989 Harbor Freight Cen-Tech Cable Tracker $27. Worked for me. Other stores/Amazon have it as well, sometimes by a similar but different name.

[@ianclifford31]

Bill I literally have this going on right now. A customers house with a Rat problem:-(. I don’t wanna do it but maybe I’ll buy this and tackle the job.

[@SparkyChannel]

Wow! I had to fix a dishwasher where a rat had chewed through the discharge tube. Water was going everywhere! Tomorrow I'll have a video about searching for only a broken neutral wire. (In this video the hot, neutral and grounds were cut). Tomorrow the hot and ground will be good, just a broken neutral.

[@ianclifford31]

@@SparkyChannel very cool. In my case it’s a multi wire branch circuit. Red conductor must have been chewed through. No voltage between red and the grounded conductor. 3 family old plaster walls. The break could be anywhere. Dishwasher drain line was chewed in this house too. I really want to turn the job down, the house is a mess (I mean rats on the third floor mess).

[@RainToday1]

What about when it's inside a wall, u done

[@SparkyChannel]

You can trace wires inside a wall with this tracer.

[@WorldOfJones]

I had a client that had two gfci that didn’t work on the outside of their house, no power at all on my volt meter but all other outlets worked including the gfci in the garage (I suspect a break in the line somewhere) will these be good for tracing the wires outside of the house and inside?

[@mouratjamoukhanov945]

Unfortunately they don't work too well when you have metal conduit

[@netraft_4435]

You can de energize (hopefully) and use the conduit itself as the conductor. You'll have to do a lot more confirmations by adjusting sensitivity since usually conduit is bunched up and touching but it'll help you dead reckon a lot easier

[@chrisf9607]

Will it find open or loose neutrals?

[@SparkyChannel]

Good question. That will be tomorrow's video.

[@joegenova2077]

I don't believe this unit will work on tracing wires in EMT or other metallic tubing due to shielding. Other then that...not too bad.

[@SparkyChannel]

That is correct. Thanks!

[@markpeterson5479]

I have successfully used a "200EP High Accuracy Cable Toner" (available at eBay) to trace and find a broken wire that was inside conduct that was inside a concrete block wall. The tracing worked even though I did not know the route of the conduct. I turned the power off and clipped one of the sender leads to the white wire and let the other sender lead just hang down. It turned out that the white wire probably was kinked when pulled and after many years it just burned open.

[@garydudgeon]

Good demonstration Sparky. Thanks for the great videos.

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, thanks Gary!

[@LordVoltRod2c]

It would be very concerning for a wire to the be in that type of condition. If the conducting material of the wire is broken and the two halves are the right distance apart, you will get arcing and sparking as the electricity tries to jump to the other half. You could compare it to a bad or lose connection. When you get high amperage draw as with appliances like space heaters that's where you have a serious fire hazard. Be sides the open break in the wire the instrument also picked up what appears to be a resistive path for current flow and that is how fires start in walls. Wires can become damaged when people try to yank and twist them to their destination. Luck would have that a damaged circuit path is open instead of half open. Thanks for the demonstration! I just got one of those tracer kits because I really want to know where everything is going. 🐍 I also want to know the condition of the wire as far as ability to carry current goes too. As my motto goes "I axolotl questions." It's a cool saying look it up! 😀 Have a nice day! Thanks!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@NURsMec]

I thought he was scotty kilmer

[@SparkyChannel]

No, its just me. :)

[@robertmerrill4326]

Thanks Very interesting. I'm assuming it won't work with emt, also you didn't travel far to find the break is there a distance limit. Will it work through drywall or plaster. I live in a senior park where there are a lot of shorts from the fork style push connect. Thanks a more thorough follow up would be nice.

[@SparkyChannel]

Correct, it can't trace through EMT. I have a link in the video description where I was tracing cable behind a plaster wall if you're interested.

[@looly66]

Can this work behind dry wall?

[@mrfrankbosh]

Wow the poor comments. I enjoyed your video, well done and appreciated.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Frank!

[@timdyer7692]

Very good demo! I was nice to hear your description as you were showing how to use the tester to find the fault.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Tim! It like a play-by-play. LOL! Tomorrow I'll have a video about searching for only a broken neutral wire. (In this video the hot, neutral and grounds were cut). Tomorrow the hot and ground will be good, just a broken neutral.

[@BigmoRivera]

Nicely Done 😉👍🏽⚡️

[@mattmclaughlin7338]

CAN YOU DO A VIDEO OF TRACING THROUGH CONCRETE , AND UNDER GROUND ? I want to know if it's legit what they advertised or just a fancy do nothing toy that I'll never use . 😊 thanks

[@SparkyChannel]

I might just do that. I'm with you, I don't know if it will work or if it's just hype. Also, rebar might throw it off. Tomorrow I'll have a video about searching for only a broken neutral wire. (In this video the hot, neutral and grounds were cut). Tomorrow the hot and ground will be good, just a broken neutral.

[@mattmclaughlin7338]

@@SparkyChannel your the man SPARKY ! Keep on keeping the greatness on 👍

[@idmhead0160]

@@SparkyChannel What about broken ground? I have some outlets that have an open ground and I would like to figure out where the break is.

[@ericbuyna1428]

What about 3 phase 480 as a break in one of the legs

[@SparkyChannel]

You trace one leg at a time.

[@SRCardow1]

Have you tested the Circuit Analyzer? I used the Extech CT30 liked using it to show voltage drop on circuit.

[@benzaguru4548]

Can u trace behind wall ?

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes for a drywall wall.

[@PC-vx6ko]

Yes, with the proper signal strength you can trace behind a wall with a few limitations and a little luck.

[@kennethcarroll5420]

Is there a tracer for wiring ran behind walls?

[@SparkyChannel]

This is supposed to trace behind walls, but I'll have to test it out. Tomorrow I'll have a video about searching for only a broken neutral wire. (In this video the hot, neutral and grounds were cut). Tomorrow the hot and ground will be good, just a broken neutral.

[@kennethcarroll5420]

@@SparkyChannel thank you for all you do

[@arturoangelsanchez]

Well I have a switch out the door and no power. Everything else has power. I will use this for tracing the brokerage

[@jefffujioka8609]

Can you show troubleshooting on a live circuit on a 347 volt lighting system to locate what breaker it belongs to...

[@PC-vx6ko]

Thanks for sharing. Where did you get the hanging strap? Mine didn’t come with one.

[@jonathancall9967]

Can you find a shorted wire with this circuit tracer?

[@SparkyChannel]

A shorted wire should trip the breaker right away. What it is good at is finding a break in a wire, or where a wire has come loose from a fitting.

[@raymencaldwell3854]

@@SparkyChannelnot in my case, circuit ohmd one phase to neutral, didn’t trip breaker just burnt my plug to power, I’m guessing the short will be at the termination anyways because that’s most common

[@Motorrad41]

my rt390 did not show energized= but my ET450 did show "energized". you know why . that happened on one outlet only.

[@SparkyChannel]

No, I don't know what happened. Perhaps the rt390 needs a battery change?

[@joshuam3704]

I like how your up to date on everything. I Do commercial/residential. I’ve done both but mostly a remodel crawl space dog lol. Blow in insulation…, old Napa Valley.. Remodeling 3 old buildings downtown with history right now. Back to Mc and emt. They had all romex and zinsco panels. Just bought thi tool. Hope it helps in need for troubleshoots. My boss has the ideal one I’ll keep everyone updated on the comparison

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Joshua. Yes, please do keep us updated. I own both the Ideal and this one and I'm fascinated by them. Stay tuned, I'll be going to NECA this year and I'll be finding out about lots of new devices and testing equipment.

[@laziali99]

Nicely done sir....thx for the explanation

[@Jeff-Lawrence]

Hi bill from sparky channel Awesome! Loving this little tool You could probably make a dozen videos of what this thing can do Love the show

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi! I might too. I'm fascinated by it.

[@warmonger9124]

Are there any other circuit tester Compact? Thanks!

[@McmM-cv9sb]

Thanks for the video Sparky I just received my Klein ET450 I'll be watching the Sparky to learn more about the unit.👍

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent!

[@dakotabu]

What about short circuit ? If wire is short circuit by nail or screw. Can Klein tools ET450 trace it ?

[@LordVoltRod2c]

If you are just tracing along the wall, it won't detect it. But if you access the ends of the hot and neutral and have the instrument, send electricity, say through the hot wire and use the tracer to listen for the instruments electrical signal and get strong readings on both wires I would suspect this might be a way to find a short. Some of the electricity would be escaping from the hot to the neutral.

[@donaldlee6760]

Would your test have worked if using metal conduit instead of PVC?

[@SparkyChannel]

No, the metal from the EMT blocks the signal.

[@mikemunyan3674]

Sparky you do a wonderful job thanks for everything I want to buy one of those tracing myself thanks for the info ,

[@SparkyChannel]

I can see why. Tomorrow I'll have a video about searching for only a broken neutral wire. (In this video the hot, neutral and grounds were cut). Tomorrow the hot and ground will be good, just a broken neutral.

[@JeanPierreWhite]

Nice tool and demonstration. How well does it work with a break in wire behind drywall where you have no idea where the wires are running?

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks! It works quite well for that.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Well done

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@alfriedar5970]

Thank you … I use another one and its not as good so this might help me do more of these

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tommycho9068]

Great demonstration always. Thanks.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Tommy!

[@ananamas]

If there's a break in the wire, why does it keep beeping after the break???

[@A6Legit]

I don't think it did in the video. He stopped at 0. But, I would assume it would keep beeping because not every cable is broken so signal would keep running through the wires that aren't broke.

[@johnwalker890]

ET phone home, haha just kidding.

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL! Good one!

[@matthewjeromin5929]

What about a dc application

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

That's a great price if it works well.

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, I agree.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Afternoon Bill 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Ted!

[@danserrano2251]

Jus bought this tester kit. I'm not very impressed with it. Maybe I'm using it the wrong way. I also own the Fox and Hound Tester and of course the Ole Tempo Toner.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@RJ-ej1nr]

Interesting, thanks for the info, I'd love to hear more. What are you finding? Low sensitivity, erroneous readings, compared to other tracers? Other issues?

[@danserrano2251]

@@RJ-ej1nr I see to be getting false readings. Especially when wires are bundled. This kit lacks a probe tip in my opinion.

[@Jason_Canada]

Great trouble shooting 😁

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@AaronVillatoroLuna]

Great video Bill!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Aaron!

[@EK-po6zj]

I do commercial building maintenance. Can you find the wires and corresponding circuits with the tool when they are de- energized in walls with steel studs and metal conduit and electric panels that are 100 feet away? With a lot of buildings I go to, I cannot turn off the main breaker or many breakers, and many panels are not labeled or mislabeled. Using a tone generator would make sense if I was able to shut the power off for the whole building, but I can't. And all the buildings I do work in have data rooms and many electric panels. Opening ceiling tiles up can lead to a maze of obstacles too.

[@SparkyChannel]

No, I don't think so.

[@EK-po6zj]

@@SparkyChannel Thanks Sparky for your response, you make a great deal of very good informative electrical related videos!

[@Darydude10]

The mc or bx won't allow the signal to send through the jacket of the wire but if you have a rough idea where it goes you can open j boxes and then you'll be able to put it right on the wire. Only works on dead circuits bc it uses induction to test wires.

[@EK-po6zj]

@@Darydude10 Thanks for the advice with how to trace wires using that tracer while working with mc cable .

[@waytospergtherebro]

You do commercial building maintenance because you couldn't pass high school physics and don't understand how electricity works.

[@FixthisCD]

was this a break in the neutral or hot or both?

[@SparkyChannel]

Both.

[@jordanfontes7269]

Was going to ask the same question about EMT. Guess everything has a limitation. ⚡

[@Eddy63]

Nice demo ... Thx ...

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Eddy!

[@John-zz5gt]

Thank you sir

[@SparkyChannel]

Welcome!

[@joebono6175]

Will this work for underground service.

[@bbeede2]

Yes, it absolutely will.

[@jonnyz5758]

What would be the appropriate way to fix this issue? Wirenutting the broken wires together?

[@albert69Einstein]

unfortunately no. however, if your wire "run" can allow another receptacle(according to your local code), then you could do that. No code jurisdiction will allow a broken wire wire nutted together inside a wall or even conduit.

[@pauldrew1130]

Thanks!!!

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem!

[@theoisaac9948]

👍

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Theo!

[@Rancanfish]

I'm just a rookie but...if the second outlet doesn't work I would pull it apart and test for voltage. If I didn't have any I'd run a new set of wires since you will have to anyway right? I just saved myself from buying a $199 tool and it cost me about $10.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@sprainedankle8547]

I think depending on the run, you could splice using junction box.

[@derrickgamble3371]

Hey rookie what if it's 750 ?

[@SRCardow1]

I have older tracers for many broken wires and found experience with the tool helps. This test was done on an energized circuit so beeping might continue after the break because the signal is also on the neutral side. Could confirm with a de-energized setup, but the idea is to troubleshoot without shutting other circuits off in a work environment. Underground maynot work as well you get what you pay for. But at this price you can get more of them in the toolbox.

[@danielreynolds178]

He killed the circuit before the actual test. He showed it was reading 120 volts but then unplugged it when he performed the actual test. I had to rewind and caught He said so in the second time watching.

[@danielreynolds178]

Great video....appreciate the help

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, thanks 👍