AmprobeBT-120 Circuit Breaker Tracer

This circuit breaker tracer works perfectly but you MUST follow the instructions. The unique auto-calibration system ensures that the correct breaker is identified every time without any false indications.Most devices like this suffer from problems with "false positives", meaning they beep at more than one circuit breaker and it's difficult to tell which one is actually powering the circuit you are working on. These false positives occur because the transmitter signal can be induced into other wires if they run parallel to the circuit under test. This occurs frequently in homes and businesses because all the wires must eventually go back to the breaker panel and many follow the same path to get there.This device uses a 2-step identification process to eliminate those false positives. When powered up, the device starts out at a high sensitivity level, meaning it will detect the transmitter signal even if it's weak from a far-away transmitter or caused by an "induced" signal. After the transmitter is plugged into the powered outlet, you slowly scan ALL the circuit breakers with the device to set the calibration level, disregarding any beeps. Each time the device detects a signal and beeps, it resets it's sensitivity threshold to match that signal. If it encounters another higher level signal it resets to that higher signal. In this way, by the time you are done scanning all the breakers the tester has set itself so that only the very highest signal in the circuit breaker box will activate it. This is what guarantees that when you make the second pass, only one circuit breaker, the one with the transmitter plugged in, is identified.I tested this in a breaker box where all the circuits were already identified. In every case the first pass through the box yielded several beeps, as circuits with induced signals were detected. But also in every case, the second pass through the box correctly identified the circuit under test, with no false positives.There is one drawback to this particular tester - the power switch is too sensitive and it takes a very light touch to turn it on. Just holding the device it's possible to turn it on accidentally and if it's left in a portable tool box it's likely to be turned on by jostling around. It will turn itself off after a delay, but it would be better if the on/off switch was not so sensitive.

I have both the Amprobe BT-250 and BT-120 circuit breaker tracers and use them all the time at work. They are physically identical and operate exactly the same. The main difference is that the BT-120 is rated for use on circuits up to 120V [50-60Hz] and the BT-250 is rated for circuits up to 250V [40 -70Hz]. The BT-120 includes the transmitter and the receiver with a 9V battery installed, but nothing else. It may be hard to tell from the product description, but the BT-250 actually comes as a kit that includes a nice foam padded hard case, test cord with alligator clips, light socket adapter and a 9V battery installed in the receiver. The transmitters on both models are powered by line-voltage from the circuit under test. Both tracers seem to work equally well at locating circuit breakers for me probably 99-percent of the time. There are some odd circumstances though where the receivers can’t locate a circuit breaker accurately. I’m not sure exactly why this happened, but for me at least, it is only a rare occurrence. Overall tough, I'm happy with how these perform and would definitely purchase again.

I used this tester every day testing probably 20-30 outlets. Great tester and very reliable.......unless you drop it. I have had two break from dropping from approximately waist high. In both cases it cracked one of the plastic lenses. Both of these tested then failed to give proper test readings. There must be something that comes loose from impact. Still have not found a style that I like better. The lights on this tester can be seen from an angle. Some testers require you to be directly in front of them. Wish it was more durable.

I bought two of these small, lightweight Amprobe ST-102B Socket outlet testers to mail to my siblings to test their regular electrical outlets and their GFCI electrical outlets.I tested both of the units that I purchased with my home's GFCI electrical outlets and non-GFCI outlets, and both testers work as designed.The GFCI outlets, (also known as GFI's), are the electrical outlets that are designed to trip, or turn off, instantly, whenever it senses electrical current passing from hot to ground. These type of outlets are required by the National Electrical Code for almost all electrical outlets that are within 6 feet from any water source, and all outside outlets. (Sometimes the normal electrical outlet is protected by a GFCI circuit breaker inside your electrical panel) The GFCI electrical outlets and GFI circuit breakers help prevent deaths from electrocution. This device is a TESTER, which is used to quickly inform you if the electrical outlet in your house is wired correctly and also to ensure that your GFCI trips when you push the little black button in the center of this tester. You must then RESET the GFCI circuit breaker (if you have one), or press the RESET the button on your GFCI electrical outlet to restore the electrical power to the outlet. If you have large fingers, you might need to use something like a pencil to push in the reset button on the GFCI outlet far enough to reset it. If pushing the black test button on this tester does NOT trip your GFCI outlet, either the GFCI outlet needs to be replaced, or, (and I've seen this too many times) the GFCI outlet was wired incorrectly (it may have been wired electrically backwards, which will allow the outlet to work, but not trip off ). In most locations, one GFCI outlet can protect one or more "normal" electrical outlets, which are sometimes located in other rooms or outside electrical sockets. If you use this tester on what appears to be a normal non-GFCI electrical outlet and push the test button, and the outlet becomes de-energized, you need to find the GFCI outlet or CFGI circuit breaker that controls the power to the outlet you just tested, and reset it. This tester has six different basic wiring result outcomes and it has a little chart, or table, illustrated on the top of the unit to inform you if the outlet is wired correctly, or if the circuit is dead or wired incorrectly in four other ways. This tests both regular 110 to 120 volt electrical outlets and the GFCI electrical outlets. The instructions state that the unit does NOT test for a missing ground wire. This tester will only TEST your electrical outlets - it won't FIX your problems. There are some good videos on the internet (youtube dott comm, and others) that will help to give you some electrical knowledge. As with all things electrical, if you don't know what you are doing, pay an electrician to diagnose and repair your electrical problems. If you can plug this tester into an outlet and compare the bright lights you see to the illustration on the chart, and if you can push a button, then you can determine if your electrical outlet is good. It's that easy!

Besides the very sensitive on button this circuit finder had worked perfectly for me every time. If the on button was redesigned this device would be perfect, still I'm very happy with it.

A must have for a diy home Reno or even just figuring out your panel in a home that’s been touched by many others.

Excelente producto para verificar el estado de los toma corrientes en instalaciones residenciales y comerciales.No requiere de baterías, ya que se alimenta del mismo toma corrientes cuando realizamos una prueba.Los indicadores son muy claros y de fácil entendimiento.Muy recomendable

bought it a month a go, Used it only one time to install a GFCI branched from another outlet, I think it is still worth having at home. If you are doing some wiring, it gives you the confidence that your wiring is done write.

It comes in a nice little case but that's about it , not accurate at all. Disappointing by amprobe they use to make way better products than that