Hi-Tech HTP-6 Digital Circuit Breaker Identifier

WORKED JUST FINE

A little hard to use at first. But it does it’s job!

It is works!

It worked as advertised. I would have given a fifth star if I hadnt discovered that it sometimes gives false positives--when the sensor is over an adjacent breaker and not the correct one. I found that running the sensor around the panel a second time gave the correct signal.

I havent used it extensively, but so far the Hi-Tech HTP-6 Circuit Detective Circuit Breaker Finder seems to work pretty well. It has two components, a signal transmitter and a receiver. The two pronged transmitter is designed to be plugged into a standard 120 outlet. The receiver is designed to scan the circuit breakers in an electrical panel or loadcenter, and indicate by an shrill audible signal and flashing green light, which circuit breaker is feeding the load. Following the correct procedures, the system seems to produce fairly accurate though not flawless results. For these types of tracers, electronic interference can make reading the signal difficult. Certain types of power strips, adapters, and other add-on electrical attachments, can also mess up the transmission of the imparted signal. So for various reason, the Hi-Tech tracer occasionally has some problems nailing down which circuit is the source. I first used a similar tracing device by Pasar, perhaps twenty years ago, and the reliability issues that existed then, still seem to exist today. The main thing that bothers me about this device is the power switch on receiver. It is located on the side of the unit, and it just takes is a slight touch to turn the receiver on, and begin running the 9 volt battery down. To turn the unit off, you hold down the switch for a few seconds, but a little tap and the receiver turns back on again. Not too smart, as just sticking it in your pocket can easily turn it back on again. A more thoughtful design would have made it more difficult to accidentally switch the device on, like providing a power switch that is out of the way, and locks in the on or off position. Its very inconvenient, but I remove the battery when Im not using this device, so that I will have a live battery when I need it. Although the performance is acceptable, because of this basic design flaw, this product just rates 3 stars. For me, the size (1.8 x 6) and shape of the receiver is such that it is easy for me to drop, so I added a small nylon strap so that I can hang it around my neck, which also helps with accidentally turning on issue. Hi-Tech has an address in Illinois, by there is a Made in China sticker on the receiver. It appears that several companies are selling this same unit, and are just changing the color and slapping their company label on it. For example, the

This is a clever design and deserves a better instruction sheet than the one that came in the package. Ive used it less than a half dozen times and would perfer a manual sensitivity control but can live with the nebulous automatic control. I am satisfied that this tester does what the seller claims but its not a marvel.

This circuit breaker tracer works quite well and rivals some of the more expensive units. My only complaint is the on/off switch is not protected in any way and it turns on all the time. I can not put this item in a tool box as shifting tools turn the traces on all the time. One slight touch and it is on but you have to hold 3 seconds to turn off. I would like better if this was reversed and you had to hold 3 sec to turn on. That would eliminate most false turn-ons

It served the purpose for my use at home and I like the compact size.

I was a little dissapointed in the lack of instructions. The main instrument needs a battery, but nothing in the packaging mentioned it. The actual use was impressive. Plug the transmitter in the suspect circuit. turn the receiver on, allow it to learn the breaker pannel by hovering it over the entire pannel once, then hover it over the pannel again and watch the arrow light up when it finds the right breaker.

Love this device. No need for a second hand to help identify circuits when you have this.