How Does a Circuit Breaker Finder Work? Best Answer

Image source: The Spruce

You want to find a particular circuit breaker in the building. Maybe you want to replace it or you just want to see if it is in perfect shape. Probably your breaker panel has many circuit breakers and finding one can be quite a task. The good news is you can use a circuit breaker finder to do the job. In this guide, we are going to discuss how this device works.

What is a circuit breaker finder?

A circuit breaker is a device designed to find or locate circuit breakers that are controlling specific devices or loads. It is a device that can be used to find out the location of a circuit breaker within the building.

These devices are also used to locate circuit breakers in areas where they are not easily accessible. Circuit breaker finders can be very useful when you want to replace or repair your old circuit breakers.

Whether you are a professional electrician or you are just undertaking DIY projects, this is a device that you should consider adding into your toolbox.

How does a circuit breaker finder work?

Image source: Klein Tools

A circuit breaker finder has two main components that enable it to work. These are a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter sends signals which are transmitted through the cables to the circuit breaker. On the other hand, the receiver will receive or detect the signal that has been transmitted through a particular circuit breaker.

Probably you are asking, how are these signals generated?

A transmitter generates signals which are then amplified and fed to the circuit breaker. The signal is then sent through the cable to the circuit breaker. The signals are also received by a circuit breaker finder’s receiver.

The signals that are sent by the transmitter to a circuit breaker will be used by the receiver to locate or detect a circuit breaker’s presence in any part of your building.

How does a receiver detect the signals?

The receiver is a small box that contains sensitive electronic components. It receives the signals sent by the transmitter and then converts it to an electrical signal.

The receiver can locate or detect a circuit breaker’s presence in any part of your building. It will also tell you how far away the breaker is and where it is located.

The signals sent by a transmitter can be received by the receiver in three different ways:

Types of circuit breaker finders

Circuit breaker finders are divided into two broad categories. These are manual circuit breaker finders and automatic circuit breaker finder.

What is the difference between the two?

From their names, the difference is based on the modes of operation. Manual circuit breaker finders are operated manually by the user. You have to configure the settings of the finder manually until it is able to transmit and receive the signals accurately.

On the other hand, an automatic circuit breaker finder is operated automatically by the user. It is able to generate signals and transmit them automatically when there is a circuit breaker installed in your building.

How do you use a circuit breaker finder?

Regardless of the type, here are the general steps of using a circuit breaker finder:

– Before you can use a circuit breaker finder, you have to configure it. This is done by adjusting the sensitivity of the finder and the distance between the transmitter and receiver.

– When the circuit breaker finder is configured, you can use it to locate a breaker in your building.

– The location of your circuit breaker is indicated by a flashing light and an audible signal generated by the circuit breaker finder.

– You also have to understand that not all circuit breakers are located on a particular floor level. Some of them are installed in ceilings and some others are located on walls.

When do you need a circuit breaker finder?

Here are some of the most common scenarios when you will need a circuit breaker finder

-When you are doing a home renovation.

-When you are installing a new circuit breaker.

-When you have to replace a circuit breaker in your building.

-When you need to change the location of a circuit breaker in your building.

-When you are looking for wires that are hidden behind walls and ceilings.

What is an audible signal?

The audible signal is a tone or sound that is broadcasted by the circuit breaker finder when it detects the presence of a circuit breaker in your building.

It is usually an extra feature of the detector, but some models don’t include it. If it’s not included, then you have to purchase one separately from the manufacturer or from an authorized distributor.

The tone or sound will also be broadcasted when there is no circuit breaker installed in your building, so it won’t be used as much as when there actually is one installed there.

Some manufacturers offer different tones or sounds for different types of breakers, like GFCI and AFCI breakers and others, so make sure that yours has those options too before purchasing one.

What should I look for when buying a circuit breaker finder?

You should make sure that your circuit breaker finder has the following features:

-Can locate breakers in different types of buildings, like residential, commercial, and industrial.

-Is able to detect breakers from a significant distance.

-Has a longer range than most other detectors. You will probably be looking for one with a range of up to 15 feet (4.6 m).

-Is able to detect breakers from the ground level and from above the ceiling level. If your building has exposed ceilings, you will need one that can work there as well.

-Includes an extra  warranty on parts and labor (2 years on batteries).

Buy from a reputable circuit breaker finder manufacturer

Finally, ensure that you buy from a reputable company that offers a wide selection of circuit breaker finders. Most of these manufacturers have been in this business for many years, so you can be sure that they will provide high-quality products and excellent customer service.

You can also use the services of sourcing agents to find circuit breaker manufacturers in China.

If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:

Electronic Components Distributors In the USA

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Electronic Components Distributors In China

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Electronic Components Distributors In Singapore

Electronic Components Distributors In Malaysia

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