How to Use a Wire Tracer

A wire tracer is used to identify wires and cables especially when these are set up in a group or there are several ones in the same connection. Therefore a wire tracer can make life easier for you to identify particular wires and their location, while ensuring a neater connectivity. We shall be describing how to best go about the procedure of using a wire tracer.

Step 1: Purchase A Reputable Wire Tracer

First of all make sure to purchase a wire tracer from a reputable company. Such a wire tracer should include all the components and accessories you might require and most importantly detailed instructions pertaining to its operation. A wire tracer is essentially made up from a transmitter, a probe and an adaptor, which make the system of the wire tracer work and show the result required.

Step 2: Check the Voltage

Make sure to test the voltage power of the source prior to using the wire tracer. Some wire tracers may only sustain a particular maximum voltage. Otherwise a short circuit might be caused.

Step 3: Make the Necessary Tests Beforehand

It is best to carry out some basic tests before using the wire tracer. This is especially important for the probe and the transmitter parts. Adjust the sensitivity of the probe to maximum level. Then switch it on and start moving the probe towards the transmitter so as to analyze the connectivity and the resulting effect. This will also alert you in case you may need to replace a battery.

Step 4: Wire Tracing Procedure

Once you are sure that everything is in proper working order you can move onto carrying out the wire or cable tracing procedure. You will have a set of alligator clips with which to connect the transmitter to the cable. The layout will depend on the type of cabling connection. When done switch on the transmitter and regulate the probe’s sensitivity for best results.

The probe’s tip will be insulated for safety purposes. Hold it against the wire you are testing and analyze the signal that is generated onto the transmitter. You will gain either a sound or a light, depending on the type of wire tracer you purchased since models may differ. There will be a brighter light or a shriller and louder sound when the wire tracer identifies wires which are directly connected to the transmitter.

Step 5: Continuity Testing

Wire tracers are also used to check continuity of a wire's setup. Once you set up the connection with the particular wires by attaching the alligator clips you will hear a sound or see the particular light which demonstrates whether there is continuity or not. If there is an interruption you will be alerted.

It is important to make sure to use the wire tracer appropriately since it is a delicate procedure when considering that electricity and wiring is involved. Make sure to take the necessary precautions while maintaining the wire tracer adequately to avoid misuse and any resultant defects.