10
Identifying Circuit Breakers or Fuses
The CS-8000 can identify which circuit breaker or fuse controls a circuit. It can also identify
which panel contains the circuit breaker or fuse when there are several panels in the installation.
Identification is usually performed using the Auto Gain Mode.
This procedure is most effective when the circuit is live because the transmitter signal is much
stronger on live circuits. If the panel controlling an open circuit can not be found using this
procedure, trace the circuit from the transmitter to the panel. Refer to the “Tracing Circuits and
Metallic Objects” section. Note that the transmitter must be connected using a separate ground
for best tracing results.
If the breaker or fuse can not be identified with the panel cover in place, remove the panel cover
and place the receiver’s sensing surface in contact with each wire feeding a breaker or fuse.
Connecting the Transmitter
1. To identify the breaker or fuse controlling a standard North American receptacle, connect the
adapter assembly to the transmitter. Insert the plug into the receptacle. Go to step 3.
2. To identify the breaker or fuse controlling other receptacles or circuits, use the appropriate
test leads and accessories. Refer to “Typical Applications.” Always connect to the ground or
neutral first, and then to the energized conductor.
3. Press and release the transmitter’s Power button.
Using the Receiver
1. Press and release the receiver’s Power
button. The LCD display will turn on. If the
transmitter signal is detected, the transmitter Signal Indicator will be solid blue and the line
status will be indicated. The unit will display “LIVE” if the transmitter is connected to an
energized circuit. It will display “OPEN” if the transmitter is connected to a de-energized or
grounded circuit.
2. Take the receiver to the vicinity of the circuit breaker panel. Press the Mode Selector button
to place the receiver in Search Mode. If a signal is received, move the receiver toward the
panel to produce an increase in signal strength. Sweep the receiver around all four edges
of the panel door to locate the strongest signal. If there is more than one panel, repeat this
process on all panels without resetting the receiver. The panel with the strongest signal
contains the circuit breaker or fuse that is connected to the transmitter.
3. Open the panel door. Press the Mode Selector button to place the receiver in Breaker Mode.
Move the receiver over all the breakers in the panel. The sensing surface of the receiver
should be in contact with the circuit breakers. Move the receiver in a straight line so it
passes over the same area of each breaker in the panel. The receiver may detect signal on
several breakers during this first pass as the Auto Gain adjusts to the strongest signal.
4. Move the receiver slowly over all the breakers in the panel. The breaker or fuse providing the
strongest signal (the most arcs on the Variable Signal Strength display) is the one powering
the circuit that is connected to the transmitter. If there is more than one breaker with a
strong signal, sweep the receiver across the entire face of each of these breakers to find the
precise location of the strongest signal.
If there is any doubt as to which is the correct breaker or fuse due to unusual breaker
design, mixed types of breakers in the panel, wiring, or the possibility that two breakers are
feeding the same circuit, remove the panel trim and place the receiver’s sensing surface
against each wire where it connects to the breaker.