How to Find Continuity When the Switch Boxes Are 12' Apart

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[HBSuccess]

I just use a long extension cord - one meter lead goes into the female plug.... Hang the male plug on the remote wire you're checking (I just use the hole that is in most male spade connectors)... Then the second lead to my meter is my probe to find the other end of the conductor at the second box. With a 100' cord I can check between practically any two locations in a house.

[OtisPlunk]

An extension cord works well too to span the distance if you front probe the contacts carefully and don't spread the pins.

[electricianron_New_Jersey]

The feed was up at the light. The old timers would do this and 3-wire down to each of the 3-way switches. They used to use white for common and black/ red for travelers. Nowadays we do the line/ load splice in a switch box so we dont have to climb up a ladder what can be done standing on a floor.

[toollookchannel]

Those sceneries at the end get me. I don’t know why, but it gets me to hit the like button. 😄

[chrisu]

I use the Extech CT20 Remote and Local Continuity Tester. It works great no need for long lead wires. I think it is around $33

[mathman]

There is a great tool used in the UK and elsewhere called a wander lead. It’s particularly important when testing continuity of ground conductors as part of an EICR in the UK. For US a wander lead like this can help you prove that the ground wire twists and splices are continuous you can do it from the source of the circuit at the panel to each installed device/item like receptacles or light fittings. UK electricians would use a wander lead, null the test probes to remove the resistance of the leads and then get a correct reading for continuity. You can then compare this with the theoretical calculation of the resistance of the given length of a circuit they should be close to the test result. That way you can ensure that critical ground continuity exists at each device on the circuit. Critical for determine fault impedance and breaker operation on the circuit as well.

[pepino]

that's called job site ingenious journeyman, well done Sparky. keep it up

[Roommate]

Question... Small diode wired into travelers at one end.

Can distinguish the wires at the other end by knowing which way should allow continuity.

[grotrev]

In Australia we call those wires, strappers or rockovers.

[OldguyinBelize]

could you also ground one wire in the box bolt hole then test the other end to ground?

[jessestaples]

I always put a wire nut in two different wires in one box, then check for continuity between them in another box. Obviously I verify that that there no power before I connect them

[WalkingPrepper]

Something a teacher showed me in trade school was to connect the power Hot to the traveler and then go to the other switch and test for voltage. That is, assuming you have a ground. Id figure that wasnt the case in this house.

[along]

Will this work if they are 13' apart?

[tommycho]

Good experience video and track.
Thank you.

[dante]

Thank you for the video I was curious about this too.

[MarkBrockman]

You’re so helpful. You’ve saved my bacon several times. 😁👍

[SpacecityAtv]

What if my wires are 300’ apart? Forgot to phase my wires on a 300’ run

[purenupe]

Southwire makes a remote continuity tester that makes this much easier

[OICUhome]

Why do we need to know what traveler is what?

[tacoma]

Just. Do the hot first the traveler can do either way..