Live wire detector...

[server]

Phone dudes hook up a line to a device which sends a frequency thru th
eline so you can find where it physically leads to. How can I buy a low cost
(low use) version of such a gadget? One that also works at higher (eg 120VAC)
voltages?

I appreciate the signal will be lost at transformers (why we were unable to
use power lines to transmit submetering data and why the power and rails
firms failed in their internet biz plans).

--
Vasos Panagiotopoulos panix.com/~vjp2/vasos.htm
---{Nothing herein constitutes advice. Everything fully disclaimed.}---

 

[KenW]

On Sat, 26 Aug 2023 16:59:21 -0000 (UTC),
vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com wrote:

Phone dudes hook up a line to a device which sends a frequency thru th
eline so you can find where it physically leads to. How can I buy a low cost
(low use) version of such a gadget? One that also works at higher (eg 120VAC)
voltages?

I appreciate the signal will be lost at transformers (why we were unable to
use power lines to transmit submetering data and why the power and rails
firms failed in their internet biz plans).

Look for telephone testers > Toner and Banana. In 47 years never
tried them with 120vac. Electricians use something to trace cables.


KenW

 

[whit3rd]

On Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 9:59:26 AM UTC-7, vjp...@at.biostrategist.dot.dot.com wrote:

Phone dudes hook up a line to a device which sends a frequency thru th
eline so you can find where it physically leads to. How can I buy a low cost
(low use) version of such a gadget? One that also works at higher (eg 120VAC)
voltages?

The telco item I recall was \'fox and hound\', some variant still available

<https://www.triplett.com/products/3388-fox-hound-hotwire-live-wire-tracer-tone-probe-kit>

but the familiar 120VAC items use a different technology (not a \'signal generator\', just a diac used as
a near-zero-crossing pulser). They\'re cheap enough

<https://www.harborfreight.com/circuit-breaker-detective-96934.html>

 

[Bob F]

On 8/26/2023 9:59 AM, vjp2.at@at.BioStrategist.dot.dot.com wrote:

Phone dudes hook up a line to a device which sends a frequency thru th
eline so you can find where it physically leads to. How can I buy a low cost
(low use) version of such a gadget? One that also works at higher (eg 120VAC)
voltages?

I appreciate the signal will be lost at transformers (why we were unable to
use power lines to transmit submetering data and why the power and rails
firms failed in their internet biz plans).

https://www.harborfreight.com/cable-tracker-94181.html