Replies

1. 
   skip555 | Dec 19, 2006 12:43am | #1

   greenlee wire finder locater

   http://www.greenlee.com/cat_docs/test.pdf

   page 32 in case the link doesnt take you there

1. 
   hrnichol | Dec 19, 2006 02:06am | #3

   Skip555 -- thank you very much.  I think that you have set me on the right path.

   hrnichol

2. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 19, 2006 02:02am | #2

   I'm curious about this myself.

   This might be a more workable link. Open this page, then click on "Tests and Measurements". This will allow you to go to the Page (32) Skip mentioned:

   http://www.greenlee.com/product/index.html

   IIRC, these devices are mucho bucks; why do you feel you need to trace the wire?

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   hrnichol | Dec 19, 2006 02:16am | #4

   Good evening nikkiwood

   We are tracing three lights through six walls -- lights that did work but now do not.  The bulbs are good, there is current to the switches, but the lights are dead.

   To just open the wall to repair a break or replace a cable could be simple, if the routing is known.  Otherwise, it could be a very expensive project, these are finished walls.

   A stud finder was suggested, it is a great idea that did not work!

   The best tool for the job is often dear in price but cheaper than other solutions.

   hrnichol

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 19, 2006 02:34am | #5

   Is there a way you could rig to test the various wires with a plain continuity tester?Years ago, I remember making up a long range continuity test with a lantern battery, a 12v automotive bulb, and a long pice of bell wire. It worked very well, but I can't remember how I did it. Maybe somebody will come along here who knows about these things....********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   skip555 | Dec 19, 2006 02:36am | #6

   thanks for fixing the link , I have problems sometimes with PDF linkstheir really not that expensive , $257.00 here https://www.tselectronic.com/greenlee_prog/508s.html?tse_Session=aec756165b78eda2fc936a2e6c583fb8theres a older one on ebay @ 9.99 WARNING (if you bid ) the old one on ebay cant be used on a energized circuit . Its like the one I used to have , works just fine as long as theres no power .http://cgi.ebay.com/PROGRESSIVE-ELECTRONICS-WIRE-FINDER-MODEL-508E-SYSTEM_W0QQitemZ300060821765QQihZ020QQcategoryZ26213QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

   Edited 12/18/2006 6:37 pm ET by skip555

3. 
   maddog3 | Dec 19, 2006 03:16am | #7

   ...." Is there a particular technique with instruments like multi-meter?..."

   if you have a multimeter try checking the wiring at the lights for voltage between the black and white wires at each fixture...

   I am thinking you have an open neutral , either in a switch box or a nearby recceptacle.

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   .Wer ist jetzt der Idiot

   ?

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 19, 2006 03:36am | #8

   Can you tell me what "open neutral" means?********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   maddog3 | Dec 19, 2006 03:54am | #10

   (A) an open neutral occurs when the "white " wire on receptacles and lighting fixtures becomes non-continuous or "open " which is either caused by a bad splice or an overload ....you will read 110v (nominal) to ground or the metal box, just not through a complete circuit. (B) an open neutral on a multi-wire circuit can wreak havoc in a very short time...as in seconds..... on equipment that is on or running.

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   .Wer ist jetzt der Idiot

   ?

1. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 19, 2006 03:58am | #11

   Thanks, that's about what I thought. But you made it very clear.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   McPlumb | Dec 19, 2006 03:40am | #9

   A multi meter and a good extention cord works for long distance continuity tester. Turn off power first its hard on meters.