The BEST Way To Trace Wires Hidden Inside Your Walls! DIY How To For Beginners!

ITEMS I USED ON THIS VIDEO:
- Klein Tools Cable Tracer & Probe Tone - amzn.to/3jFMiBS
ALTERNATE CABLE TRACER OPTION:
- Electric Circuit Tracer - amzn.to/3jE29R9
SHOP MY ONLINE AMAZON STORE AND CHECK OUT ALL THE TOOLS I USE! www.amazon.com...
On this episode I'm going to show you one of THE BEST way to trace wires hidden inside your walls! This DIY how to is best for DIYers and Beginners! Sometimes you come across wires and cables that you just don't know where they lead to and maybe you forget where an outlet or switch was hooked onto. This method I'm going to show you is the perfect solution! Stay tuned!
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DISCLAIMER:
This video is meant for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only! To better your knowledge on the concepts of electricity, electrical circuitry, entertainment component circuitry and all other wiring methods. Electrical codes in my area may be different from yours so always make sure you follow and stay current with your local code. With different codes around the world constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulation for a project. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WIRING OF ANY KIND if you lack the knowledge and understanding required. Otherwise, personal injury and/or death as well as property damage or loss could occur. Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. If you are a younger person or are inexperienced with electrical devices, ask for help from a parent, teacher or a licensed professional.
WARNING- Electricity is dangerous and can cause personal injury or DEATH as well as other property loss or damage if not used or constructed properly. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing do-it-yourself electrical work, PLEASE do the smart thing and hire a qualified and licensed electrician to perform the work for you.NEVER WORK WITH LIVE VOLTAGE. Always disconnect the power source before working with electrical circuits.When performing electrical work, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES. Always follow your local electrical code and requirements which are specific to local areas.By utilizing this video and the information given, YOU are expressly holding "FIX THIS HOUSE" HARMLESS FOR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH, OR ANY OTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM YOUR ACTIONS. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Fix This House cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Fix This House and all parties associated with it ARE NOT responsible for the use and results of this information by any party, especially those lacking sufficient skill or knowledge to perform these steps safely and ANY HAZARD CREATED IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.
#Wiretrace #electricalwire #wiringDIY

[@Sparkeycarp]

Great job of explaining how to use this tool. I have been an electrician for 22 plus years. I Have used many much more expensive tracers (Ideal Sure Trace) that are like at least 10-20 times the cost of this one. I just bought one of these Kleins for my self.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Thank you for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊

[@Sparkeycarp]

@Paul L Keep looking around for other Electricians. Try one that will do it hourly for diagnosis.

[@ralph5450]

@Paul L Check to see if there is a gfci outlet somewhere that's tripped. Have found this many times. Was trouble shooting a bathroom circuit and found a tripped gfci outlet near the floor behind d a shelving unit.

[@megdahlin1118]

This video is so on topic for me right now. I own a 1954 house and I'm at the point of tracing older wires behind the walls. This tool looks to be what I need to easily get the job done so I just purchased one. Thank you.

[@jasonzheng3096]

It’s just brand name. Nothing special for these overpriced American shit. I can use the $30 made in China thing to finish what you paid for $1000 for IDEAL bullshit

[@rc7499]

You are an EXCELLENT instructor. Your lesson was very well laid out with a coherent logic flow and perfect video/audio quality. I'm a visual learner, so I really enjoyed you jumping right in with a sort of theory & lab combined approach; very efficient and you don't lose those with short attention span. You DID NOT start using over the top fancy jargon to make yourself more important then the topic. Too many today conceal their 'secrets' and do not share their skills I guess the feeling is job security? Let the science flow.... You could EASILY become and instructor or work in L&D [learning and development] for many trades [electric, security, CATV, Telco etc] Great job.ty

[@williampiergiovanni5227]

I just purchased the same tracer. You have created a fantastic teaching tool with the wiring behind the drywall. What you are doing is time consuming but for the viewers its a true learning experience. Thank you for your willingness to teach….

[@kimchee94112]

Let me see if I understand this device. You need to open the circuit at the other end for this to work. So if you know where the other end is, why do you need to trace it? If you guess where the other end is, might it be easy to blow this thing up when probing in a live 120V circuit? It might be useful to find where the open circuit inside a sheetrock wall but don't think it would work for lath and plaster or plaster and steel mesh walls. So am I wrong?

[@SandiLalonde]

I have used a Fluke Circuit Tracer all of my life with the phone company and have found it invaluable. This becomes a challenge when you are working in older homes with plaster and metal mesh, this tend to shunt out the signal. The continuity feature allows you to troubleshoot short circuits within the wire run as well. Good job of explaining the tone out feature.

[@lindajazzzman]

Because of this video, I am ready for the test. Thank you, teacher.

[@stanleyhape8427]

I have this tool, and it has paid for itself many times over. I own rentals and am able to quickly and accurately trace wires .👍

[@howtodoitdude1662]

If you don’t have that tool, you can use a multimeter set on continuity. Connect one set of wires together and then use your continuity tester on the other end. It works the same as that Klein tool.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for sharing! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

Will work, but you may need awful long test leads or extension wires.

[@TJ-kv3fv]

@@MaMa-qh4dy You can short two ends and check the remote ends.

[@manny7886]

@@MaMa-qh4dy - By connecting one set of wires together, you created a loopback. Hence, just test the other set of wires in front of you (you don't need extension test leads).

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

@@TJ-kv3fv yep. That will work. Thanks

[@martybaggenmusic]

I appreciate you giving me the benefit of the doubt when it comes to "forgetting" to label the wiring.... truth be told, I typically tell myself "oh heck, it's only a few wires.... I'll remember which ones go where". How does THAT work? Well..... I'm here watching your video.

[@rdmercer2451]

Great video! Mock-up is very realistic and demo is easy to understand for the non professional homeowner or diy’er

[@cassimyusufadam4766]

Great tool Have you tried to short the 2 legs at the far end By doing this the tone will disappear That will be a sure way to establish the correct cable as well Your probe does have a light indicator and this will avoid the insertion of those legs into the probe Interested to know if this will work as suggested Was used on large Cu Telkom cables

[@miguelrouxloff2486]

Excellent video presentation. Thanks for sharing the approach and best practices to use the tool to discover the routing of conductors behind the wall. I purchased this tool a few weeks ago but you have shown me how to use it. Cheers.

[@StewieGriffin505]

Very educational. Thanks for all the time you put into this.

[@ElTayi1992]

I recently bought a home & literally was lookin for a video for this & god bless you for making this video saved me so much money

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊 Congrats on the new house! 🏡😊👍🏽

[@NoneFB]

Capital G

[@rpetty]

Thank you. This was a lot of work to setup this video.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊 these videos take a lot of work, just you finding value is all worth it! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊

[@rty1955]

This tool has been around for decades and was in use by telephone worker to identify wire pairs in a multiplier cable. It was much faster and easier to use than a continuity meter

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏽😊

[@rhroney1]

You instruct like a teacher. Well done

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊

[@ritooraj]

Salute to you akd your idea of the mock up! (I am not an electrician but an IT system admin). I am about to replace my 15 year old switch panel, so I am doing some reasearch to find out information about electrical basics. What you ave done is what we do in our home labs - setup dummy computer instances and or networks to test and learn and then explain. Nice of you to make this video.

[@larrybui]

I give you a thumbs up. This is a good demonstration and practice will make it better. Thanks for sharing

[@rohansroy]

Very helpful, i was imagining a tool like this existing, so much easier than a multimeter and wire nuts and a bunch of walking and climbing

[@steveoswald63]

I like you. And, I am learning a second language; Electronics. Best thing is I am doing this very thing you are illustrating right now. Thank you!

[@robertmeigs5176]

This should be a big help while I'm trying to find wiring for a couple of "dead" outlets. Thanks!

[@RKSingh-pi4dq]

I cannot thank you enough for posting this. Really Helpful

[@justapublichealthguy7954]

I greatly appreciate you creating this video showing all these tips.

[@JohnnyBoyHere2024]

This video is informative. You can find the wire (live or not) by using multimeter. You do not have to use a tone generator.

[@AndyDeiu]

I bought it just a few days ago based on your video and this just lifted a massive burden from my shoulders. Is so easy to trace a wire 😅 I definitely recommend and thanks for sharing this video ❤

[@strasburgboy]

Beautiful explanation! Sometimes following HVAC control wires is a real nightmare! Thank you.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you so much for watching!

[@jaydee3046]

Are they the same size as doorbell wires?

[@strasburgboy]

@@jaydee3046 I am sorry for my delay. Bell wires are 18 gauge as the thermostats should be.

[@remodelassets6523]

Thank you! I have one of the Klein tracers. They work like a charm Make sure the power is turned off 💯👍

[@arth.4196]

Thank you Jay for all You do. 👍

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you brother for all the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@Harrison2253]

This kind of instrument has been around at least 40 years and was used primarily by phone companies to trace through tons of pairs of wires. Klein is jumping in the game. It is very helpful in picking out a "deenergized" cable for electrical work. Amprobe makes an instrument that will do the same thing on "energized' cirscuits. Both instruments are a must for an electrical contractor.

[@diehardfan173]

This is exactly what I was looking for thank you so much!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@kaaaah2003]

Good job and fun time. Always great and informative videos. Thanks.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! and thank you for the feedback!

[@loftyideals]

This is great ! Have many freinds who are elec contractors and PM's. Your mock up is legit and best explanation Ive seen on how to safely trace wires.

[@stevenstewart3414]

This is an excellent and very-needed video! Thank you so much!

[@kevinworley3658]

Looked at several other videos and stopped several minutes in each time. Nobody explained it better or made it easier than you. Thanks.

[@rolandoperez8054]

You just help me with the proper tool for what I needed for

[@bmrbca3658]

How does this work when your outlet boxes are wired in series on the same circuit? Won't they all ring out?

[@matt9131975]

Thank you for making such a detailed video on the tracer. It helped me to decide on what one I needed for my job.

[@dhroen]

You are a good teacher!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much ! 🙏🏽😊

[@franksevek106]

I just happened on your video but it was just what I need. I have a circuit that shorted out and need to know where it shorted. It does not pop the breaker but at the box with 2 switches I found that the ground wire is hot. I ordered this tester. So thanks for the very informing video.

[@belafre]

Thank you, very clear and concise....

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for the feedback! 🙏🏽😊

[@saldanakev]

Amazing video , explanation of the tool was very clear , thank you

[@airodriguezivan249]

Thank you. Great video, with nice and easy-to-understand explanations. Great work!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much Al! 🙏🏽😊

[@MrCjswim]

Great video, thanks. I am renovating an 1820s farm house and wires look like an octopus. A mess. Recently, one of the bedrooms just lost all electrical. This may help figure out what happened.

[@trueforum378]

love your videos~ you are the best man!

[@c.3263]

Great explanation and use of visuals.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽!

[@stevemclaughin6382]

The volume control is also a sensitivity control. You can pre set or calibrate it against the red lead, then when you get to the correct wire, the led will turn on. Tones from other wires won't light the led.

[@plouffe.]

I have a few mystery switches in my house… I’m hopping this tool will give me a better idea of what these switches power/used to power.

[@mikey38632]

That's what I'm hoping I'll be able to do with one of these. How did it work for you, if you got around to it yet?

[@nosycatUK]

Thank you

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@profcah]

Thank you for the GREAT how to!

[@brianwermeyer1404]

Thank you! This makes it simple.

[@IPwnPies]

I use toners mostly for fire alarm. Might upgrade to those new Klein’s after seeing the features on them.

[@engjuan]

Thanks for the explanation sir, how deep would it work? would it work behind concrete? Thanks!

[@devil262786]

Yeah, I bought one of those and honestly I think doing a continuity test is the way to go

[@guysteel]

maybe, but a continuity test wont let you trace where the wires are routed through the walls if you don't know already.

[@JohnnyBoyHere2024]

i agree thats what used

[@dalekrohse1871]

Good video and thanks for making it. Before tools such as the Klein unit was readily available, I had bought a roll of 50 or 100 feet of single wire to use with my ohm meter so that I could do a continuity test on an individual wire-by-wire basis. Slow, but sure. This is how the electric power substation technicians installed multi wire cables from the control building to the yard equipment and were able to attach the individual wires to the proper screw terminals in the control systems.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for sharing with us your experience! Thank you for the feedback! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊

[@anupdev5845]

I dare say using a continuity meter is far more reliable than this tone detector. A tone detector really confuses me as it makes sound even for wires that are close by but aren't the ones who are looking for. A continuity meter will only beep for the exact wire you are looking for.

[@JohnnyBoyHere2024]

@@anupdev5845 good job using multimeter

[@TheErivas29]

Just what i needed thanks 👍

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@dougb8207]

Great demonstration! I have a setup from Harbor Freight; don't recall the brand, though. Anyway, I wish they worked better just going through the wall to figure out where the wires go. Running long distances and around corners, these things don't help as much as I would like. Thanks for the show.

[@mostgrateful3218]

WOW! Great instructions... Thank you...

[@TheLostAdventuress]

nice info im a visual learner

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

It helped me locate the red electric trailer brake wire in my Jeep Liberty !!

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

The unit works great. Just had to find what wires went to what speakers. Condo is three level and it was a lot of wires I had to identity. The connected speaks made the toner sound when I was on the correct pair. Other wires were search and seak with the tool.

[@jamewoods3605]

Thanks man! Some pretty cool vid - easy to follow and understand.

[@Mahigeer1]

Informative video. Not every box is a "J" box. some are switch boxes.

[@salembeeman370]

Great Video. Thanks for showing up great tech.

[@lucacaruso3444]

Very informative. In case you want to apply them for Stone / concrete / insulation cladding do they work as well?

[@hughd7636]

I like the methodology used to isolate the wires Can you do one on 3 way switch? Thanks for the video

[@realSamAndrew]

There are several great videos on KZbin about 3-ways. Check them out. There's even one or more from Ask This Old House.

[@mplscarsales6652]

Awesome thank you ordering one now

[@FixThisHouse]

Hi brother! Thank so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@BryanChristie-gq5tu]

Clean tools :) Thanks video is helpful!!

[@1252PFC]

Another great video. Thanks

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@wadehill8482]

Great stuff. Thanks for teaching!

[@ducngo4341]

Another great video Jay. Thanks man

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@PalmarLlano]

@@FixThisHouse does this tracing tool work thru cement walls? Several people asked this same question and you have not answered.

[@signupisannoying]

Thank you very much!

[@BBQLord.]

Outstanding! Thx!

[@darrylm3627]

GoodStuff,GreatTips😀👍🏿

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! 🙏🏽😊

[@lemonysnick5171]

Great video, thanks. Very helpful!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you Mark! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽

[@CapturedYou]

This is awesome. As always, great tips and showcasing on the proper way to do it!

[@FixThisHouse]

thank you so much brother! Means a lot!

[@David-zv2em]

Thank you for the info

[@Arariel3]

Thanks! great device!

[@brianwin5183]

Thank you.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you Brian! 🙏🏽😊

[@alfredbrown7268]

Great FYI MADE SIMPLE!!!!!!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you!

[@waltsamardak656]

Nice Job ! Very informative.

[@rickyc664]

Another great video, I've learned a lot watching you!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much Ricky! I’m glad I could be of help! 👍🏽😊

[@VDJ4500]

need this! so great

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@lapescadora1]

Hello, thanks for sharing the videos. My drywaller buried an outlet inside the wall which tool can help me find the circuit. I don’t feel like busting my hole wall up.

[@joekesler8014]

not bad for the beginner, but this tool can be so much better used a little differently, at the limited power it has, it will be hard to trace thicker plastered walls in older homes. i suggest grounding one lead, will cause 100% of signal instead of just half and will let u trace deeper or longer distances.i use a cut off ext cord hooked to a long screwdriver and stab that into the dirt outside if possible or straight to your waterpipes,power panal cover,etc, ive been teaching this to electricians for 40 years,try it

[@jamessanders6788]

Cool.

[@johnpgellatly]

Hey in the video he suggests connecting the black clip to the ground wire ... would that achieve the idea you talk about?

[@qaisarabo1126]

Hey Jay thank you for the video, I ended up getting one of those wire tracers and it works great! I was wondering if you could help me out. I’m installing a Feit Dimmer to a 3 way junction but my boxes are “switch looped” I have black wires connected to white wires and it’s making things difficult! Any help would be awesome

[@terrydpierce2191]

Great video !!!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you Terry! 🙏🏽😊

[@raquelbetti7898]

thank you! great info

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽👍🏽

[@CubbieBearandAmyBear]

Excellent video! Bought one from your affiliated link.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support 🙏🏽😊

[@toywithme7]

Awesome!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! 🙏🏽😊

[@TheRicosauve]

Great video...how would you trace wires if one side has three wires (blacks & red & white) the other side only has black and white?

[@JackRussell021]

I used a very similar tool to map out underground wiring for an irrigation system. It helped me find the valve boxes that had gotten overgrown with grass.

[@glennalan]

Great video thank you!

[@philr3630]

Without shutting off all the power to the house, how am I supposed to figure out which circuit breaker will correspond to the unknown light I am trying to figure out where power comes from? ie I have an outside light that doesn't work (bulb good). There might be 1 or more switches. This Klein tool looks good but is there one that won't get destroyed if there is power coming from the circuit breaker? good video. ty

[@tomazm5163]

Very great video and presentation! I have big problems with finding cables ( 240v without electric) in drywall with glass wole. New conctruction house...the isolation of cable are thicker than yours (eu)...do you think will this work? This device is more for data cable or not?

[@mahermahmood9843]

What if you only have one wire like I do coming out of my irrigation system.can this tool be used?

[@jozue04]

Thanks

[@mikee5215]

Thanks!

[@noidretlaw]

Thanks for the info!

[@danakibby627]

Excellent video