Using a tone generator to find a dead wire source

noquacks · 12-28-2012, 04:46 PM

People,

I heard one can use this "tone generator" along with an amplifier (if even needed) to find the source of the dead electrical wire circuit. Could I , a diy'r use this without very much difficulty? How does it work? Expensive to buy a decent one?

I have a bedroom with a dead 110 v receptacle. The other 4 walls have good receptacles. Tips appreciated.

joecaption · 12-28-2012, 04:50 PM

What have you done so far to check it?
Is the outlet back stabed? If so kill the breaker and change it to under the screws and see what happens.

noquacks · 12-28-2012, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joecaption

What have you done so far to check it?
Is the outlet back stabed? If so kill the breaker and change it to under the screws and see what happens.

Hmmmm, Joe, what is back stabbed? I should say I checkd for voltage and there is no voltage at all. I probed directly on the wires bypassing the receptacle......

noquacks · 12-28-2012, 05:57 PM

Wow- just found this:

A high-resolution ohmeter (or whetstone bridge) is used to measure the wire resistance to the short circuit. By knowing the wire resistance for a length of wire (either from published values for that type of wire, or by testing a known length),
you can determine how far away the short is.

I have a good meter, can I use ohms to trace back the distance and then dig through the plaster wall? How much resistivity should a 110v wire have per linear foot? House was built in 1946. Its in Califorina.

jbfan · 12-28-2012, 06:59 PM

Before you decide to tear the walls down, check the the receptacles on either side of the one not working.
One of them will be the feed for the nonworking one and that shoud be where the problem lies.

noquacks · 12-29-2012, 01:50 PM

Thanks, JB. Still, anyone here ever us a tone generator? What brand would you recommend?(just so im prepared to do so if it comes to it.....)