Klein ET450 Advanced Circuit Tracer

[@SparkyChannel]

Klein Tools ET450 Advanced Circuit Breaker Finder and Wire Tracer Kit for Energized and Non-Energized Breakers, Fuses, and Wires: Amazon: amzn.to/3wObdt0 Playlist: Tracing Circuits and Wires with Troubleshooting by Sparky Channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUIRYP5HI6T4K9gZA6ihMEjJs Playlist: Electrical Wiring by Sparky Channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUITARtRyFqvVhmqwNm34Ck5k Playlist: EMT Bending by Sparky Channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUIT9C0yzPTkqULBCmJXX_goh Playlist: 2023 NEC Video Playlist by Sparky Channel: kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUISg0qOUMomYe8GH6a_C2xBv

[@joekesler8014]

i have been teaching electricians how to use these types of traceing equipment for 40 years plus . u did a good job of explaning how the manufacturer describes how to use it, but in the real world not so good. its not your fault, its the manufacturers fault and this is true for all of them. i will explain and i have demonstrated this hundreds of times. take note: many times in my younger days i would be called out on other electricians jobs to help them trouble shoot problems ,i would go get my tracer from the truck and instantly the other electrician would say (what u going to do with that, i got one its dont work worth crap so it sits in the truck). thats when i say u are using it wrong and they say (im using just like the intructions say too) and i say back, thats wrong and if you want to get your money out of that device i will show u how. after showing them ,they use it all the time. this particular one i have not used yet put they all work preaty much the same. first using a remote ground , not another circuit in the house , get yourself a long screwdriver or i have a 3 ` copper rod(ground rod) clamp a wire to it(i use a 25` extention cord with plugs cut off) and open a window or door and push into the ground outside(moist dirt better conducting), hook other end to one side of signal generator and one prong to hot,black wire of recept or whatever. reason for this is simple electronics. 2 sines waves on top of each other have a dendency to cancel themselves out. connect one side to earth ground and it sends the whole signal(much stronger)into the wire u are traceing. if u send both signals up the cable u are tracing u will find yourself chasing ghost signals all over (such as grounded water pipes and such in walls

[@danserrano2251]

Amazing explanation. I had feeling I was using it wrong

[@SparkyChannel]

Interesting! I'll have to try that. Your method definitely isn't in the manual, but it does make sense.

[@coletonyanda269]

Thanks for explanation. Can I ask what circuit tracer you use? I just have a toner that doesn’t work on live circuits. Any recommendations?

[@davisvilla16]

My older co-worker (just recently retired) would shove his screwdriver that was about 2 feet long, into the ground and clamp onto it when tracing. I didn’t understand why or how at the time but it worked! With your comment I understand much better now.

[@joekesler8014]

@@davisvilla16 never discount the knowledge of the old guys, when i started working in the shipyard on subs ,the shipyard forced alot of early retirements of the older men, they found out quickly it was a mistake, those guys were not very fast anymore but they new all the old tricks of the trade that the young bucks(me) didn't know.

[@arsenalcanada4180]

i ran about 50 milli penthouse with all automation. couldn’t have done it without this tool. tracing all those lv for 0-10 and troubleshooting would have been impossible without it.

[@Albertcortes66]

Just got kit today 240$. I've done small electric work as a handyman but my job got the kit for me, I'm very grateful but I only use the cheaper one so I'm KZbin University. Great video brother thanks

[@SparkyChannel]

You Tube University!!

[@Albertcortes66]

Went to KZbin to learn about the tool

[@alexcain7579]

scotty kilmer of the electrical world

[@glglmike7177]

He does sound just like him

[@StephenRoss-po1rp]

He sounds just like him

[@handyman0069]

Sound like the man right on

[@igordasilva7073]

Lol he does sound like him!!!

[@orascreencasts]

Thanks for doing this video Bill. Nicely done--great job as always! I have been interested in seeing how this kit works, and whether It is worth adding to my arsenal of tools, even though I am not a working electrician these days. I have wanted to trace out wiring in my daughter's townhouse where previous owners added outlets, lights, fridge, TVs, etc., to see if they have done things correctly. This kit looks like it would help me sort out those circuits easier -- and at a pretty reasonable price -- where it is difficult to determine how the wires go behind walls, between floors, and into outlets used as fairly big junction boxes, without needing to pull so many things apart! It looks like it makes the cut!

[@SparkyChannel]

I was surprised at the price. I thought it would have been higher.

[@richardgonzalez6583]

love this tracer I use it at least once a week troubleshooting underground and labeling panels

[@SparkyChannel]

At a good price too!

[@iamdave84]

Could you use this for tracing underground telephone cables?

[@dfigueroa903]

I purchased this, and I absolutely love it

[@SparkyChannel]

Great to hear! I love mine too. I think I have more videos on the ET450 than anyone alive. LOL!

[@breakawaysalmon1968]

This tool will save me so much on screwdrivers

[@selaxlife7621]

Looks very durable and solid.. Cool!!!! Great video Bill!!!

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, thanks!

[@joejoe6949]

Your on top of all the new stuff. Keep the good work.

[@SparkyChannel]

I try. LOL!

[@kennethwellington9547]

I just bought it. I am skeptical as I paid $1000 for the Ideal one years ago and sold it. $210 for this is ridiculously low I hope it works and not a waste of my time and money. We'll see.

[@iamdave84]

How are you liking it? I'm considering getting one for locating underground telephone cables, but I'm not sure how effective it would be

[@mikezimmerman2786]

I need some advice. Older house 1953 main panel is a mess. I plan to install a sub panel to clean up some bad wiring. Is it ok to run a second sub panel off the first sub panel ?? I learned residential wiring over 45 years ago. My work has always passed inspection. I’m not a licensed electrician.

[@joeyg.2953]

You can have 12 more sub panels if you want

[@zanderesp4295]

This would be helpful when mounting heavy objects on a wall!

[@SparkyChannel]

Very true!!!

[@zerosparky9510]

Dont have one, but this would be very good. thanks for posting. just when i am slowing down. oh well.

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, it's very nice!

[@joejoe6949]

A lot cheaper then the ideal one.!!!!

[@SparkyChannel]

@@joejoe6949 True.

[@garyheurich6835]

Can the Klein ET450 ... 1) ... detect dead-end wires? That is, wires to, say, an out-of-service outlet that were cut off in an unknown location behind a wall elsewhere in the building. Or, will it detect only wires that terminate in a breaker or fuse? 2) ... detect through metal plaster mesh, or does that create too much interference?

[@dsnuts9987]

Yes it will detect dead-end wires. You need to connect it to one end of the cut wire, and connect the black to a ground from your breaker box. Any ground will do. Then just trace the wire until you can no longer get a signal. That's where your break in the wire is

[@dsnuts9987]

Also, I'm not 100% sure about the wire mesh, haven't tried that yet. I know it can't trace through metal conduit, but it might trace through mesh, as long as the wire is close

[@garyheurich6835]

@@dsnuts9987 Thanks very much for the reply. Helpful and appreciated.

[@joekesler8014]

make sure to unpug anything pluged into recepts and turn off all light switches to unload the signal generator

[@SparkyChannel]

Good points, thanks!

[@timdyer7692]

Good video! Nice explanation of the tool, accessories and examples.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Tim!

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@SparkyChannel Hi Bill

[@SparkyChannel]

@@jeremynguyen2346 Hi!

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@SparkyChannel how are you

[@jeremynguyen2346]

@@SparkyChannel how are you

[@mikemunyan3674]

That is a nice system I have to get one of those it can make your work a lot safer😊

[@SparkyChannel]

I agree!

[@geoffreystephens4397]

How does this stack up vs the ideal one?

[@SparkyChannel]

I don't know. I'll have to check that out.

[@orascreencasts]

@@SparkyChannel Right, a comparison between those would be very interesting, esp since the Ideal one costs quite a lot more!

[@frankspliff7037]

This is only 199$ ideal 1000$

[@h.a.sparks7203]

I've been using the ideal for 2 years, it's great tool once you get used to it.

[@playnationtoday]

I’ve had the ideal one for a few years now. It works awesome. You can trace wires that are dead or hot. It works on more than 120v. I always have it with me when I’m working on existing structures that are doing remodel or additions etc where you’re trying to figure out existing circuits.

[@lockpickingvlad]

Ooh, that’s a fancy one ☝🏻 Thanks for sharing 😎

[@SparkyChannel]

You bet!

[@GamingwithKandA]

A different circuit? All ground wires should be connected together at the breaker panel. How would being on a different circuit make any difference?

[@jaycahow4667]

They mean on a different breaker, not sure what that does though...........

[@GamingwithKandA]

@Jay Cahow well yes, that's the only way to have different circuits...

[@MrSleepProductionsInc]

When you use the neutral and hot of the same outlet the hot and neutral are so close together that the signal can somewhat cancel itself out. If you trace the hot wire of the circuit you want to find and use the neutral or ground of another circuit it makes a much bigger loop and more reliable signal. At least that is how I understand it.

[@chriscaldwellvoiceovers]

Is this what I would use to trace the wiring of buried pathway lights to their respective transformer boxes in my community? They seem to be all over the place here with the wiring. For example,, some neighbors have a transformer on their home, but it's powering the lights at totally different house. I supposed it's to avoid wiring under driveways, etc. Thank you.

[@Jeff-Lawrence]

Hi bill from sparky channel Way to go Another new tool I need I have another Klein circuit tracer but not like this and it doesn’t work on live circuits Your videos seem to often cost me money 😮 Oh well, thanks for another good one

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL! Sorry 'bout that. Thanks Jeff!

[@frankspliff7037]

I’m happy had this for Month it worked fine mostly on engined circuits it does take some time to figure out.

[@SparkyChannel]

Great to hear. Yes, it gives a lot of options.

[@frankspliff7037]

@@SparkyChannel definitely sounds like a good video follow up for you

[@Purifiedinfire]

I am curious if that would work on coaxial behind walls. We use telephone toners on the pin and sheld and can check to find a Outlet at the panel but nothing in between. The signal doesn't radiate out of the cable enough. But we do use something similar In under ground locates for finding cable although the ground is provided through a ground spike or induction from the soil.

[@iamdave84]

I'm looking for a solution to find underground telephone cable or a fibreglass rodder with copper core. Do you know if anything you've tried would be good for that?

[@eosjoe565]

I wish you would have shown more of what this device can do. The demo was a bit confusing. For $200 I'm sure it does more than what you showed.

[@SparkyChannel]

OK, thanks!

[@hilariohernandez340]

Comparable ideal sure trace, which is our industry standard does less for $1500. Look it up if you don't believe me. I've used them for years

[@TheElectricalNut]

"More than what you showed"? 🤷 It has 2 functions and being able to do both of those two things alone is well worth $200 bucks. Go on a bunch of service calls and the you'll understand the value of this tool my friend

[@EdwinSherwood]

@@hilariohernandez340yep Klein awesome. As a commercial electrician my company always has fluke, ideal or greenlee stuff and I find my Klein stuff works just as good often with more features for 1/4 the price. Guess because it’s cheap people don’t take them serious but i swear I prefer Klein on most stuff

[@skyemac8]

Interesting device. I’ve used a stud finder with a live wire detector built in to do the same thing. Not as accurate though. The Ideal circuit tracer looks good too.

[@1960fusion]

very helpful...thanks for sharing!

[@kevinl3703]

Anyway you can demonstrate this kit, working on a underground circuit? Thanks in advance, this kit seems pretty accurate

[@jorgehuizarsr8519]

Another fancy tool 😲 How far down the ground can it trace ? Thanks

[@SparkyChannel]

If there is no concrete and it's in remote ground mode, perhaps 6".

[@tommycho9068]

Great video. Thank you. I was wondering, If I searching for a wire under the concrete foundation then can it be traceable? thanks

[@SparkyChannel]

No, not under a foundation. Under a relatively thin concrete slab is possible.

[@tommycho9068]

@@SparkyChannel thank 🙇

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I have an older home without ground. can this be used to trace cut wires ?

[@christexeira5488]

does the wire have to be hot to trace? I would be interested in tracing buried chime wires in residential

[@SparkyChannel]

It works on de-energized circuits as well, but it's not as powerful.

[@AaronVillatoroLuna]

Cool video Bill!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Aaron!

[@HoosierRallyMaster]

How do you use the "red blade only" lead on a tamper resistant receptacle? Do they make a lead with a dummy black blade paired with a red blade?

[@SparkyChannel]

It would be a bit difficult. No, they don't make a dummy black blade. You bring up a good point!

[@ITIRICI]

If I'm using logic. This would be used more in older houses as newer houses really should be marked correctly in a panel schedule. Granted, an older house could have updated their devices, but it's just one option they gave you.

[@arthurconrad686]

​@@SparkyChannel Could you use the direct plug adapter and just not use the black wire connector on the transmitter and use the remove wire?

[@glasshalffull2930]

@@ITIRICI LOL! I’ve been to many “newer” houses where all the circuits (except for major appliances) are marked lights. Newer or older, I would be using this to find out if the circuit goes into the attic or in the crawl space, etc. Great for finding a circuit to tap into to add a receptacle or extra light. Beats cutting into the wall to find out you have no wire there.

[@jefersonsanchezjerez4450]

What is the maximum distance the receiver can be from the transmitter and detect adequately?

[@SparkyChannel]

It depends on the material. Concrete seems to be 4" or so, drywall perhaps 5", metal such as emt 0".

[@jefersonsanchezjerez4450]

@@SparkyChannel Thank you for responding, but I wasn't referring to the maximum depth of roughness; rather, I was referring to distance (the distance between transmitter and receiver), meaning if I have a receptacle 150 ft away from the panel, does the emitted signal reach that receptacle?

[@igordasilva7073]

@@jefersonsanchezjerez4450 I'm also curious about this

[@Echo__Whiskey]

Can you still locate the breaker if the circuit is de-energized or does it work like the other ones where the circuit has to be energized to find the breaker?

[@SparkyChannel]

It works on de-energized circuits as well, but it's not as powerful.

[@tedmcdonald3377]

Thanks Bill 😎🛠️😎🛠️😎

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, thanks!

[@vincentmeza1485]

You can also use your prongs on your Kline meters too !

[@SparkyChannel]

Interesting. Thanks!

[@tomjungmeyer352]

Will this locate where a neutral wire is shared with another circuit? Upgraded from 60 amp fuse panel to 200 amp service with afci breakers and have 2 circuits with neutrals shared somewhere causing breakers to trip instantly. Simplest solution at the time was to splice the separate circuits into one but I would like to get this corrected.

[@arthurconrad686]

Can the ET420 identify other inter connected devises on a circuit, either from a devise or the source?

[@pacoperez16]

Do you have consulting services??? Let’s say per hour live on line training?? Thanks

[@chrisl9763]

Does this work on circuits with shared neutrals?

[@k20909]

Yes it does

[@Marc-mp6lf]

Can the transmitter be connected to the line side of a 3 phase sub panel to locate where it is connected to the main panel?

[@SparkyChannel]

I'm not sure, but I don't see why not.

[@sparky0288]

Looks like a new tool in my future...

[@SparkyChannel]

I hear that. The more I learn about it, the better I like it.

[@dfigueroa903]

Hey sparky Does this trace 12 and 24 volt ac circuits ……. I work on residential electrical-Hvac -furnace and appliances… is it capable of tracing 12 and 24 V circuits … I want to make sure because my tools are like my investment for the jobs…..

[@dsnuts9987]

Yes it can trace them. It can trace up to 480v. Or you can trace it unenergized. The transmitter will auto sense and adjust accordingly

[@pagefour6498]

I wonder why it's not available right now. (9/13/22) Are they putting a new version out already or something?

[@robertotr]

After vírus-19 all factored products had problems with supply. The cars, for example, if you buy, you have to wait about 1 year to get it. That is why lot of tools disappeared from the bays. And everything is expensive. Well, Biden is contributing for it by the way.

[@shshshs2]

I hope someone will invent a tool that can help find ground fault on fire alarm system someday

[@MyScenarios]

I need this but for wires, not receptacles

[@tony-be3ty]

Will work for receptacles as well

[@jeffchan9176]

Can you do this without the ground. A single wire?

[@GALLAMORE14141]

Yes I’ve done it, it explains how in the instruction manual. You just ground the black wire to any ground and use the red wire to clamp onto the wire your tracing

[@michaelhinchey]

Ever make a video with how to trouble shoot fire alarm / security wire ? There is a toner and probe that has a closed loop etc that makes different sounds. Would love to learn about this type of toner and wand.

[@mikep8861]

Why would it not have the common 277v setting? Does this work on 277v?

[@dsnuts9987]

Yes it works with 277

[@vrva3138]

Is this good enough to trace wires for a circuit that was double-tapped. I mean there is only one circuit but it is connected to two separate breakers somehow. I am guessing someone connected two different phase wires together in some junction box. idk. I know the ideal sure trace has an option to find it but it's way too expensive. will this work?

[@edwingaldamez2870]

Can I put an adapter to trace a 220 line back to the breaker?

[@SparkyChannel]

You could test 120V twice. That is, one side at a time.

[@garysmith5741]

Any idea how deep it will detect a 240v direct buried line?

[@SparkyChannel]

6-8 inches would be my guess.

[@vpconroy]

Trying to purchase one of these ET450s and Amazon says "Product is no longer available" and no one else I've tried seems to have one. I reached out to Klein directly but they have not replied yet. Anyone able to find one recently?

[@Delta-el8fd]

I'm also looking for this, still not available. Have they replied already?

[@diegogallegos2344]

I’ve been looking for one too. Crawford electric supply says they have 200 in total throughout their stores. Gonna call tomorrow and confirm.

[@vpconroy]

@@diegogallegos2344 any luck?

[@chrisfyfe1476]

Looks useful !

[@SparkyChannel]

I'm impressed so far....

[@chrisfyfe9212]

@@SparkyChannel Good enuff for me ! I’m always doing retrofits in occupied spaces , knowing what’s behind drywall is very important ! Off Topic , but do you know of anything that can reliably detect Pex ? ATM , I’m using a Bosch wall scammer , backed up by judicious use of a Boreascope !

[@garydudgeon]

Interesting analyzer Sparky.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Gary!

[@fatheremmons85]

I'm assuming this wont give you a depth on underground?

[@SparkyChannel]

No, not depth.

[@danielc4361]

Super.

[@Xuba52]

Does it work on 277 volt?

[@BannedOnMain]

Yes it works up to 480v

[@johnwalker890]

Impressive.🙂

[@SparkyChannel]

I agree!

[@bravo3541]

Power on or off to use this tool?

[@BannedOnMain]

Yes it works on unenergized circuits

[@dsnuts9987]

It works on both. Power on it will work with up to 480v, or you can use it with power off. Power on makes it easier to find the signal

[@jefffree6990]

Metal clad / armored cable?

[@SparkyChannel]

Metal clad or EMT is going to make tracing much more difficult. However, PVC does not present a problem at all.

[@iamdave84]

I'd expect you'd get the best results by putting the tone on the shield itself rather than on the shielded conductors

[@chriscaldwellvoiceovers]

When would you use the remote ground method?

[@SparkyChannel]

When testing a circuit controlled by GFCI.

[@alvilla701]

How far below ground level can go?

[@SparkyChannel]

Depends on the surface type but perhaps 4-5 inches.

[@iamdave84]

I need to find cables buried around 300mm to 450mm...

[@johnkulpowich5260]

$200 range not bad Amprobe. $1200. And up

[@SparkyChannel]

It's amazing. I'm still learning about it.

[@Garsha321]

Damn it...crack open your wallet sparkys, you know you want it.

[@71organicmusic9]

Lego my wago

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL!

[@fblox5]

As

[@TacoDaddy-mr8ig]

Normally u make some great videos but, this one was not helpful... u should of made this video less confusing and show all its capabilities

[@tanketouch9521]

Actually i understood very clearly what he was trying to show

[@chadw6448]

Can this be clipped to both legs of a 208/230 circuit

[@autryjr.mcgowens3782]

Yes it can all the way up to 480 volts

[@dillonle4034]

will this works on outlet that doesn't have power on?

[@kaperevets6372]

Yes