You can purchase a circuit or wire tracer at your local hardware or home improvement store. Some devices track non-live wires, or circuits that are turned off, while others track and identify live wires. Live wire trackers tend to be more expensive than their non-live counterparts. The transmitter is the largest part of the device, and is about the size of a brick. The receiver is usually thinner and smaller, with a pointed tip on 1 end.
If your transmitter doesn’t have a long connecting wire, prop it up against the wall.
Check your user manual for specific information on how to turn on and operate your transmitter.
If your device has an LED screen, it should be lighting up when powered on.
If you don’t position the receiver correctly, you might not get an accurate reading.
Many wires run vertically through walls, so moving your receiver up and down won’t affect your chance at a reading. [7] X Research source
If your signal is consistently reading at a high level, try turning down the sensitivity. This can help you to better pinpoint the location of the wire. [9] X Research source
Don’t plug both ends of the remote lead into sockets attached to the same wall.
Take note of or physically mark the location of the wire in the wall. If you’re planning on renovating the area, you don’t want to drill into a wire by mistake!
This device works best for homes that are under construction or renovation. If you don’t attach both leads, you won’t get an accurate reading.
If the transmitter isn’t powered on, then your receiver won’t be able to locate any wires.
Both the transmitter and receiver need to be turned on for the tracing process to be successful.
If the device is too sensitive, it might not pick up on the wire’s signal. Some devices will beep when the receiver locates a wire. [16] X Research source
