How to Trace Wires with Electrical Testers
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How can I Trace Wires Inside a Wall to find out where the power is coming from? How to Test Outlet Wiring using Non Contact Voltage Testers, Testing for Broken Wires. |
Trace Electrical Wires
Electrical Question: How can I trace wires inside a wall to find out where the power is coming from?
- I have a home that was built in 1965, a room was added in early 80’s.
- I currently have three outlets in the add on room that are dead.
- All of the circuit breakers are hot. There are no tripped breakers, 126volt output at each breaker.
- I have good continuity between the three dead outlets.
- I have checked in the attic and the only wire that is not hot is the one that connects two of the dead outlets together.
- The common and ground side of all three has good continuity back to the breaker box.
- Is there a way of tracing wires inside a wall to figure out where the power should be coming from, or where the break in the hot side of the circuit might be?
This electrical wiring question came from: Bill, a Handyman from Copperas Cove, Texas.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Bill.
How to Trace Electrical Wiring
Application: Troubleshooting and Repairing Outlet Wiring Problems.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical project is best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester or Volt Ohm Meter or plug-in circuit analyzer.
Estimated Time: Depends on the age of the home and the condition of the electrical wiring and access to the circuit wiring to be inspected, evaluated and repaired.
Precaution: Identify the outlet circuit at the electric panel, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before performing any wiring inspections or electrical repairs.
Testers for Tracing Electrical Wires
Testing Electrical Wiring for an Outlet Circuit
- Troubleshooting an Outlet Circuit
- The tester described below may be helpful, however I would continue to troubleshoot the outlet circuit.
- Inspecting Outlet Wiring
- Remove each outlet and inspect the electrical connections and splices, starting with the outlet closest to the circuit breaker panel.
Tracing Wires with Electrical Testers
Types of Electrical Testers and How to Use Them
- Electrical Wire Testers
- There are a many great testers that can be used to identify wiring problems.
- Non-Contact Voltage Testers
- One type of tester I would recommend is the Non-Contact Voltage Detector which can be used to detect voltage in outlets, lighting fixtures, wires and cables.
- Testing for Broken Wires
- This non contact tester can also find breaks in electric wires, and helps to identify the hot and neutral conductors.
- Replacing Damaged Parts
- If an outlet or the electrical wiring is found to be damaged then repairs and replacement parts should be obtained with the same voltage and amperage rating.
- Repairing burnt Electrical Wiring
- Burnt or damaged electrical wiring and circuit components should be replaced with new electrical materials of the same voltage and amperage rating, electrical wire type and size.
More about Electrical Testers
How to use electrical testers
Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Troubleshooting Electrical Circuit Wiring
Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
Wiring Outlets
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.
Home Wiring
Home Wiring
Basic Home Wiring Diagrams with Pictures
This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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