How to find a circuit breaker (Klein Tools)

In this video I will be showing you how to find a circuit breaker using the Klein Tools (ET310). This tool can be used to identify a circuit with outlets on it as well as a circuit with only light. This tool can also be used to verify that the wiring is correct on most any outlet. This is a great tool for the average DIY'er as well as the working professional.

Tools

Timecodes
0:00 – Intro
1:18 - Outlet Circuit
2:37 - Light circuit
5:21 - Product Review

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[SavageVoyageur]

Everyone listen carefully, you need to run the tool over each of the breakers TWICE NOT ONCE. The first time is to learn, the second time is to identify. I see so many people not using this tool correctly then bitching about how it doesn’t work. It will work correctly every single time if you actually follow the directions.

[DC-hooe]

the two prong to three prong adapter allows you to use the transmitter on older two wire systems with no ground . Like in the house I live in.. built in 1948, and I am a Commercial /Industrial Electrician. I use this item almost daily to trace circuits out in an Aerospace company. It is invaluable while finding circuit breakers on systems that have been added onto or changed over decades.

[MichaelCampbell]

The radio trick is brilliant. I have one of these tools, but that... that's just awesome.

[jschaeffer]

Thanks! Your video made it simple and clear. I just used my new tool to find the mystery breaker for all the kitchen counter outlets. On to the next!

[gnystrom]

NICE video. I appreciate how you used all the accessories.

[chriscolameco]

Came for the receiver leaving with the radio trick. Thanks for saving me money lol

[daveleary]

Thanks for the good advice. I have a candelabra that has a bad dimmer switch that gets hot to the touch. Can't find the breaker myself and saw this tip using the screw in socket adapter to plug into. I needed to order a #12 candelabra socket adapter for the smaller bulbs to upsized it to a #26 for the standard plug adapter and used a 3 to 2 prong adapter. Lots of pieces involved but I want to change out that switch before it sparks my walls inside. May end up putting a fan w/light up later and will need to know that breaker again. Thank goodness for Sharpie markers! Thanks again.

[gregr]

I just used mine and it worked really well . The only thing I noticed is it will indicate open ground condition on one of the receptacles even when receptacle ground is properly wired. If your ground wire is on the bottom of receptacle it will indicate proper ground on bottom receptacle and open ground on the top receptacle . With multi meter the receptacle shows proper ground ! I also found the tool to be helpful for finding what wire is the one attached to receptacle you have tester plugged in to! I had a gang of about ten wires and ran the tester slowly over the romex and it lit up to indicate wire !.That saved me a lot of time!

[isabelstaples]

This novice really appreciates your video of instruction!!!

[raulruelas]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video!!

[tapoutrobby]

This looks like a awesome tool to have. Definitely gonna buy

[TheDobbermn]

I call my wife on the phone, hit circuits and say "did that work, how about now, " until the lights go off.

[HomeRepairHub]

Hey guys thanks for watching and supporting the channel. Make sure you like and subscribe and let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

[kenbred]

I tried the loud radio method once and thought I had the correct breaker turned off. But came to find out my wife got mad at the loud music and switched the radio off just as I hit a different breaker. It was a shocking experience, I never wanted to repeat.

[wmcomprev]

The reason the light adapter isn't 3-prong is, as you said, lights only have the hot & neutral inside the socket. The adapter is something that's been around for decades. So basically, they used an off-the-shelf item for the kit. Yes, to put the transmitter in it, it would be nice if the 3rd hole was in it, just for convenience.

[anthonylawlor]

You can find connecting the both adapters together and connecting the transmitter before screwing into light socket, the longer length helps.

[richardtruman]

Great video! Thank you. I appreciate the info about scanning the panel each time. The instruction manual didn't say this. As for finding a light circuit, I always use the wife! 😜

[kgt]

Awesome impromptu tutorial bro. Thank you.

[dadduorp]

Thanks, man! I just picked up one of these and after the 5th or so YT video, yours was the most comprehensive and informative!

Question…
I have both halide and LED exterior floodlights about 3 stories up that I can’t access. Can I simply attach those clips onto the light switch somewhere in the box to determine what circuit it’s on?

[michaelfettig]

You asked for if anyone had any ideas on how to check a light circuit without this tool. Well you could put the adapter into the light socket and plug your radio into it.