Hi-Tech HTP-6 Digital Circuit Breaker Identifier

This device did everything I wanted with no issues. I have a 200-Amp panel with about 25 breakers in it, a mixture of single and double pole breakers. You plug the injector/transmitter into a plug and then use the detector at the circuit panel. First, youll want to sweep the detector over every breaker. Notice that the green arrow will light up at several places, especially on any double-pole breakers. This is the calibration stage. Now, go ahead and sweep a second time -- this time around, you should only get the arrow on one of the breakers. I think some of the other reviewers skipped the calibration pass. The instructions arent entirely clear on this step - it says to do it, but doesnt completely make the how clear. Its easier if you have a friend on the intercom, but you can verify this by turning off the breaker and seeing if the transmitter goes dead. You should also lose your green arrow on the detector. I wish this device had a battery option so you could try it on dead/tripped breakers. Im giving it 4-stars, losing a star because of the lack of instructions.

This tool melted in my tool boxes. I dont understand contractor tools that are not designed to be stored in hot-in-the-sun tool boxes. I never got to use it.

I used it plugged into a outlet at least 45 from the panel and once I followed the actual directions it worked just fine.

this is pretty basic device. Works only on receptacles that actually have a working path back to the circuit box. If you are trying to trace back a non working receptacle, this is not the answer. it will help you find (and turn off ) the breaker for the circuit you are working on. ... so it is good for that. Works only for plug in receptacles and light sockets that you can screw a socket to receptacle adapter into. (sold separately. ) I am assuming you could pigtail alligator test leads to an receptacle. plug this into the receptacle and attach the alligator clips to bare wiring, but they sell fox and hound circuit testers which do exactly that, so why go through the trouble.. Nice to have tool... but not exactly essential, unless you just need a low level tool. Not for electrical troubleshooting.

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.

This replaces lots of extension cords ending in a desk lamp next to the circuit box. It also relieves my wife from having to yell THANKS THE ONE.

It works well if you follow the directions. You must keep the arrow up and go over the wholw panel first or you get false readings

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.

was a gift

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