A TRADESMAN SOFTWARE TIP FOR ELECTRICIANS
The tip described here should only be used by qualified persons. If you don't understand the instructions or are untrained for this activity, you should call a qualified electrician to assist you. Tradesman Software assumes no liability for use of the information provided.

Circuit tracing tip: When the panel or fuse box is out of sight from the test location and you don't want to shut off all the breakers one at a time, try this tip. You won't need walkie talkies or expensive circuit tracer devices. You won't have to shut off other circuits which may have computers or other sensitive equipment which might be damaged from being turned off and on.

1. Place a flasher on a 100 watt bulb and connect it to the circuit to be traced.
2. Wait till the flasher starts blinking the bulb, then go to the panel or fuse box and remove the cover.
3. Using your amprobe or other clamp-on meter, check each wire until you locate the wire that has a pulsing ampere reading.
4. If you don't want to turn off a circuit with a computer or other sensitive device then use the same procedure to find the circuit you don't want to shut off and mark it accordingly.
5. If you intend to work on the circuit be sure to turn it off and use the proper lock-out/tagout procedure. If you don't use lockout/tagout, you should disconnect the wire from the circuit breaker or fuse and tape or wirenut the free end to prevent an accidental energizing of the circuit while you are working on it!