Breaker tracers are a game-changing tool to add to your toolbelt, whether you’re a homeowners or electrical professional looking down a long path of circuit breakers. Instead of endless breaker flipping to find which one controls the outlets and lights in a specific area, a circuit breaker finder offers an easier, safer, and more accurate troubleshooting method.
What is the electrical tool to find a breaker?
A breaker finder is a handy tool designed to accurately identify the breaker that corresponds to a specific circuit. This innovative device consists of two components:
- a transmitter, and
- a receiver
The circuit breaker finder tool transmitter plugs into an outlet on the circuit you want to test. It sends a unique signal through the circuit. Once you activate it, it’ll send the signal down the electrical line.
Allowing you to grab the receiver and find that signal at the other end. The receiver is designed to detect that unique signal at the breaker panel. As you scan through the panel, the receiver will light up and beep to let you know when you’ve pinned down the correct breaker.
How to use the Fluke BK120 SmartTrace™ Breaker Finder
Before you begin tracing anything, you’ll want to know for sure that the circuit you want to trace is active and working.
Step 1: Plug in the transmitter
Plug the transmitter into the outlet you just made sure was working. You should see the transmitter turn on and the lights begin flashing.
Step 2: Turn on the BK120 Breaker Finder receiver
Turn the Breaker Finder on by pressing the green button. Then, slide the function selector on the top of the tool to the Breaker Finder position.
Step 3: First panel scan
Hold the receiver perpendicular to the breakers and slowly scan down the panel. Keep the flat surface of the tip end directly on the circuit breakers.
Note: during this first scan, you may hear some beeps or see the lights pop up at several breakers, this is normal. The receiver is measuring the relative strength of the signal during this pass.
Step 4: Second panel scan
Repeat step three: scan the breaker panel a second time. When the BK120 identifies the breaker you’re looking for, a solid green light with illuminate right on the front of the receiver.
Step 5: Confirm you found the correct breaker
Flip the breaker the BK120 has identified as the one corresponding to the outlet the transmitter is plugged into. Then, check the transmitter in the socket to make sure it’s off.
How to test a GFCI outlet with BK120 Transmitter
The Fluke BK120 SmartTrace™ Breaker Finder can do more than just trace circuit breakers, the included transmitter is also a GFCI outlet tester To run a GFCI test, you only need the transmitter. Start by unplugging all appliances and equipment from the circuit you want to test.
Step 1: Push the GFCI test button
Before you plug the transmitter into the socket you want to test, push the blue GFCI test button to trip the GFCI socket.
Note: if the GFCI does not trip, the socket is faulty and should be replaced.
Step 2: Reset the GFCI socket
After the GFCI trips, push the RESET button on the GFCI socket you’re testing.
Step 3: Plug the transmitter in
Plug the transmitter into the socket and push the blue GFCI button for a minimum of six seconds.
As you push the GFCI button, but before the GFCI trips, you should see the red LED button illuminate briefly.
Step 4: Make note of the lights
Once the GFCI trips, all of the LEDs on the transmitter should go out. If any of the LEDs remain on or the GFCI doesn’t trip at all, you have a problem with the wiring of the socket or the socket itself.
How to use non-contact voltage (NCV) mode on the BK120 Breaker Finder
The light at the tip of the breaker finder will change colors to indicate proximity and actual detection of voltage on supply cords or terminal strips.
Step 1: Press the green power button to turn on the Breaker Finder.
Step 2: Slide the switch the NCV position
Step 3: Perform NCV test
Put the tip of the BK120 near an AC voltage source. When you begin scanning, the tip should flash blue, as you get closer it will switch to a steady purple, and at the source it will be red and begin beeping.
- Within proximity of the AC voltage source: Purple
- At the AC voltage source: Beeping red
- No voltage is detected: Flashing blue