How to Use a Circuit Tracer

to Locate a Dead Short

With a tracer in hand, electricians can quickly and accurately pinpoint faults

such as dead shorts. This article provides step-by-step instructions.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SURETRACE SOLUTIONS

A version of this article originally appeared in Electrical Times Magazine.

 

Circuit tracers play a vital role in modern electrical work, helping to streamline fault-finding and improve efficiency. Consisting of a transmitter that sends a signal through conductors and a receiver that detects it, a circuit tracer permits electricians to quickly identify which breaker or fuse protects a circuit, trace concealed conductors, and locate electrical faults. Troubleshooting can be a time-consuming task, but a circuit tracer makes it a faster, one-person job. 

 

A dead short is one type of fault that highlights the true value of a circuit tracer. This fault occurs when current flows along an unintended path with no resistance, leading to a hazardous level of current in the circuit that can damage equipment and put workers at risk. Attempting to locate such a fault manually can be time-consuming, as the associated protective device will trip almost instantly to prevent damage. Manual testing might involve individually isolating and inspecting each device along the circuit, a lengthy and often frustrating process.

 

A circuit tracer provides a powerful, time-saving solution. With a tracer in hand, electricians can quickly and accurately pinpoint a dead short. But how exactly can a circuit tracer be used in this way? This article provides step-by-step instructions.

 

Instructions on Finding a Dead Short

 

Before using their circuit tracer, electricians must first prepare for the testing. To prepare:

1. De-energize the circuit. This is essential to avoid electrical hazards.

2. Disconnect any connected devices to eliminate potential interference.

3. Inspect the wiring visually for obvious signs of damage, such as burnt insulation or exposed conductors.

 

Next, electricians should turn on and use the circuit tracer transmitter. Advanced transmitters such as the SureTrace Plus and SureTrace Pro transmitters include a built-in automatic continuity test, which can be used to identify the shorted conductors. 

 

The circuit tracer receiver can be used to pinpoint the short. The receiver detects the signal that the transmitter sends through the conductors.

 

1. Turn on the device and adjust its sensitivity levels

2. Scan the circuit by moving the receiver along the conductor run.

3. Follow the highest signal reading, which indicates the path of the circuit.

4. Reduce sensitivity as you approach the suspected fault to pinpoint the exact location.

5. Follow the circuit until the receiver registers a sharp drop in signal strength – indicating the likely location of the short.

How to Use an Inductive Sensing Clamp for Non-Contact Testing

 

In some cases, accessing the conductor termination points to connect the transmitter may not be possible or safe. Instead, electricians can use an inductive sensing clamp for a non-contact solution. 

 

By placing the clamp around a conductor at any accessible point along its run, the clamp can induce a signal without a direct connection. Then, the receiver can be used in the same way to follow the signal and locate the fault. The SureTrace Pro includes an inductive clamp in its kit, providing a versatile troubleshooting tool for non-contact fault-finding.

 

Fast, Accurate Fault-Finding with Circuit Tracers

 

Circuit tracers enable faster, more accurate troubleshooting, turning the process of locating dead shorts and other faults into a straightforward task. Whether using the transmitter or an inductive sensing clamp, electricians can easily inject a traceable signal into the circuit and use the receiver to pinpoint the fault. By following these steps, electricians can work more efficiently, save valuable time, and find dead shorts with ease.