Identifying Circuit Breakers or Fuses (cont'd)
IMPORTANT: Panel trim can distort the signal when locating breakers on the outside corners of
the panel. This can cause the CS-8000 receiver to sense a stronger signal level on the adjacent
breaker instead of the correct breaker in the corner. Before turning off or labeling any breaker
next to the corner breaker, confirm it is it is the correct breaker by removing panel trim and
repeating the slow sweep of all breakers in the panel. If there is any doubt of the correct active
breaker, remove the panel trim and place the receiver's sensing surface against each wire where
it connects to the breaker.
You can also continue to follow the power line by locating the remote main breaker in the same
fashion. Since the signal is on a single-phase circuit, you can even find which leg of the breaker
is feeding the transmitter.
Tracing Circuits and Metallic Objects /
Finding Breaks and Shorts
The CS-8000 can perform a variety of tracing tasks on live circuits, open circuits, and other
metallic objects. It can also locate breaks and shorts in circuit conductors. These operations can
be performed on unshielded wiring or wiring in non-metallic conduit.
The connection and operation of the CS-8000 are similar for all these applications.
Connecting the Transmitter
The transmitter should use a separate ground unless it is connected to a live, GFCI-protected
circuit. A separate ground means connecting the transmitter to a ground that is physically
separated from the area of the wire to be traced. Conduit, outlet boxes, and wire trays carrying
the trace line do not create a separate ground path. If a separate or earth ground is not readily
available, a capacitive or "soft" ground to a metal chair or table may be used. Sensitivity and
range are reduced.
Use of a "hard" separate ground connection with a GFCI-protected circuit will cause the GFCI
device to trip. Tracing these circuits must be done with the transmitter connected to the line and
neutral, or using a "soft" ground.
Tracing an electrical circuit: Connect the transmitter to the ungrounded ("hot") conductor. If
this conductor has an open, the transmitter may be connected to the neutral or ground conductor.
However, these conductors are more likely to have multiple connections that can make tracing
very difficult.
Tracing coax cable and other low-voltage wiring: Disconnect the cable at the point to be
connected to the transmitter. If the cable has a shield, connect the transmitter to this shield.
Otherwise, connect the transmitter to any convenient conductor. The cable may be grounded or
ungrounded at the far end, opposite the transmitter. The signal will be stronger if the far end is
grounded.
Tracing metallic conduit: The CS-8000 can trace metallic conduit if the conduit is grounded
only at the circuit breaker panel. Conduit in contact with metal will create multiple ground paths,
which cannot be traced.
Finding breaks and shorts: Trace the conductor to the location where the signal disappears.
This will be the location of the break or short. Breaker Mode can be used to locate the break or
short more precisely.
1. Connect the transmitter using the appropriate test leads and accessories. Refer to "Typical
Applications." Always connect to the ground or neutral first, and then to the energized
conductor.
2. Press and release the transmitter's Power button.
CS-8000
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