Circuit ID

Young & Keen · Dec 6, 2013

Hi All,

Does anyone know a decent and reliable cable locator and a circuit identifying device? I've got a BIG job coming up id'ing all of the circuits in each of our 11 DB's on site and would like to know if there is a modern way of doing it rather than the prehistoric way of switching MCB's off and hoping for the best (ie. avoiding the switching off of servers etc). Somebody mentioned that some of them are unreliable because if cables are too close together such as in a tray, the signal sent down the cable can travel down an adjacent circuit.

Also, need a decent cable and stud locator if anyone can help with that? Was looking at the Bosch version but it only detects live cables at a depth of 3.5cm which is no good to anyone looking for cables in partitions!!

ChrisElectrical88 · Dec 6, 2013

Martindale do a circuit finder for sockets, I'm sure they would do something similar for other circuits.

gutterball · Dec 6, 2013

CLS20 Cable Locator Set
go to the link on the right of this page for a discount.

Flanders · Dec 6, 2013

You need to check it it will do the job I had one that only worked when the other circuits were turned off ! due to the signal going though the bus bar in the DB and onto the other circuits so was no good for tracing out .

Robotstar5 · Dec 6, 2013

I use an older version of this Kewtech unit it would find the correct MCB out of a bank in a DB, obviously only works on socket finals

Aindowsimon · Dec 6, 2013

Never used fuse finder , obviously there has been times one could have been useful .
Robstar
Would using a twin skt with patteras , plug fuse finder one skt and this in other

And these

Would it help you out to find circuits without SO's ? Just a thought, like I say never used fuse finder ?

onions1066 · Dec 6, 2013

I use the martindale . It comes with 2 sets of leads one for sockets and another for other circuits with 2 crocodile clips . Works very well.

Pete999 · Dec 6, 2013

The Martindale one as above

i=p/u · Dec 6, 2013

Bell tester and wonder lead

skydog23 · Dec 8, 2013

Why not just trace and locate your server supply and any other circuits you can't turn off (or better still gain permission to turn off due to inconvenience )
I take it that there are no life support circuits ?
You could even recommend the server be backed up and conduct your test out off hours if it doesn't disturb your life patten lol.
I had a metrel Mft that had an option of a fuse finder attachment. Not sure how it worked as didn't have it.
An Apprentice is another option, gets them off the routine of messing installs up

Grey Master · Dec 8, 2013

I've got a cheap and cheerful one from CPC and it works well.

Plug in the sender, hold the button on the tracer and scan it across the MCBs reveals lots of possibles, keep the button pressed and scan again reduces the number of possibles, the third pass should reveal the one you are plugged into.
I got this for a large office block I had to test and it saved so much time and worry. The sender also works as a polarity checker with sounder,always useful!

ian.settle1 · Dec 8, 2013

Switch off each cicuit at a time and wait for the screams the powers gone off

:32:

:shocked3: :wazzzup: thats one way

Marvo · Dec 8, 2013

Fuse finders are great for convenience but I wouldn't consider them as proof. Switching off at the MCB and proving dead is the only sure way.

jay sean · Dec 8, 2013

use a socket and see, been using them on live installations where I could not switch off PCs untill a set time, works wonders for proving mcbs/ccts

Knobhead · Dec 9, 2013

ian.settle1 said:
Switch off each cicuit at a time and wait for the screams the powers gone off

:32: :shocked3: :wazzzup: thats one way

Best method! Never did find out where an 800A feeder went. It wasn't to where it said it did. That bit of kit had been demolished 25 years earlier. I gave up and left it off.