Tracking wiring through the house...

Double · 02-25-2013, 06:48 PM

16 breakers in the box, three of them seem to do nothing. I've had them switched off for 3 days with no ill effects, and I've tested every switch/appliance/outlet in the house. They are all single pole 20 amp breakers.

How can I track their path through the house without punching holes in the wall?

k_buz · 02-25-2013, 07:12 PM

Why do you care? Leave them turned off.

Double · 02-25-2013, 07:23 PM

I guess it doesn't matter, and I'm assuming it was old wiring that was disconnected when they added the addition, but it just seems odd.

Also, if I want to add a circuit in the future and there is good cable already plumbed it would simplify the task a bit.

There are three main breakers that run petty much the entire house and I'd like seperate a few out (like the guest room/garage/office/dining room that are on one 20a breaker).

TarheelTerp · 02-25-2013, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double

There are three main breakers that run petty much the entire house and I'd like seperate a few out (like the guest room/garage/office/dining room that are on one 20a breaker).

You can get a toner/tracer and spend a few hours poking around.

The best bet would be to think of what may have been needed years ago that isn't needed anymore and try to find the other end of that.

The most common of these being window air conditioners (or baseboard heaters) that got eliminated when the central system was upgraded.

Double · 02-25-2013, 08:58 PM

I was thinking along the same lines...I found the two window a/c unit circuits clipped and tucked inside the old fuse box, so I know its not them.

stickboy1375 · 02-25-2013, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double

16 breakers in the box, three of them seem to do nothing. I've had them switched off for 3 days with no ill effects, and I've tested every switch/appliance/outlet in the house. They are all single pole 20 amp breakers.

How can I track their path through the house without punching holes in the wall?

Hopefully you opened the panel cover and checked to see if wires were even on these breakers...

Double · 02-25-2013, 10:36 PM

Yes wires on all, two are original to the house, one runs with the addition wiring

seansy59 · 02-25-2013, 11:55 PM

Make sure they are to nothing hidden! Some thoughts.

- Smoke Detectors
- Sump or Septic Pump
- Doorbell
- Security System
- Outdoor lamp post/lighting/yard outlets

Double · 02-27-2013, 09:18 AM

One down, doorbell!

seansy59 · 02-27-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Double

One down, doorbell!

Ding ding! I wonder how many visitors you have missed

Double · 02-27-2013, 11:51 AM

I came home yesteday and my wife said "I think the doorbell is broken. It hasn't been working the last couple days."

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