Hi-Tech HTP-6 Digital Circuit Breaker Identifier

works great

Hi-Tech HTP-6 Circuit Detective Breaker Finder (seems same as the Reliance) 10/20/1016 Ive had this now for five years. Not a lot of use, but glad I have it. Some notes: - gotta follow the directions. - you must do the pre-scan. - you MUST have the power button on top (I almost gave up until I followed the instructions exactly) - the power button is easy to bump in storage. I wrapped a twist-tie around it to stop it from accidentally turning on (plastic covered is better than paper). A commenter inspired this by suggesting using an o-ring. - its helpful to have a light socket adapter to plug the sending unit into to test light sockets, and an alligator clip adapter for testing light switches. They are available in several brands as a kit in the test equipment section at Lowes and Home Depot for about $10 and and also here on Amazon- see Klein Tools 69411 Circuit Breaker Finder Accessory Kit or search circuit breaker finder. Or you can buy just the light socket adapter by itself in any hardware store.

The simplicity of use

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

The HTP-6 Breaker Identifier works as they said it would . Now away to label those countless breakers that does not have a Label! Will save a lot of steps, strong single at 70 feet today! Just follow the instructions that could be a little larger!

[...] Follow these directions and it works fine. If you dont have the transmitter plugged in and you dont do the scan correctly then you get all kinds of false positives.

I have an older home (140 yrs old) and it has had a lot of work done on the electrical things. This product worked very well for my needs. I used it to complete an electrical map of all my outlets and installed electrical runs.

I live in an old home (1918) and really needed to map out the breaker to know where everything is. This product worked great and did what it said it would do. Recommend getting the light socket plug so you can track those too. Wont work with 220v outlets or light switches. Did a great job tracking every outlet to a breaker. Power button for the receiver is extremely sensitive so best to set it down when off. A tiny flick of a pinky will kick it on.

works pretty well on newer romex wiring

The product takes some getting use to. It will give false readings at times which are distractive enough. The ON/OFF switch is extremely sensitive and will turn on at the slightest touch.The unit is accurate roughly 2/3rd of the time, so I guess for the price paid not terribly bad. Disappointed somewhat-especially with the microprocessor inside not providing reliable results.