A Master Electrician's Worst Nightmare

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  • Опубліковано 17 гру 2024

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  • @Embers7
    @Embers7 2 роки тому +151

    If you don't care about turning off other breakers, you can find any breaker very quickly by using a strategy that programmers call binary searching. First flip half the breakers in the house. Light off? It's in that half. Light on? In the other. Then take the half it's in and flip half of those. Repeat until you've found the breaker.
    If you have 40 breakers, flipping them all one by one will take 40 flips. Flipping them in this way will identify it in 6, maximum.

    • @thinktank8286
      @thinktank8286 2 роки тому +7

      What an interesting practice! I'm curious as to how this is used in the programming world of work.

    • @Embers7
      @Embers7 2 роки тому +12

      @@thinktank8286 lots of ways, it's very handy! The most common usage is searching for a number in a sorted list. Even if the list is large, you can pull out the middle number and cut it in half repeatedly depending on whether it's greater or less than your target. The number of steps you need is the base 2 logarithm of the list size, much smaller than the size of the list itself. The principle is also used to partition data into "binary" trees (two branches at each node of the tree), where going down either branch cuts the problem in half, recursively

    • @JL-uc7xp
      @JL-uc7xp 2 роки тому +15

      That is an interesting concept, but it’s not accurate to say 6 flips vs 40. You mean 6 “rounds” or groups of breakers operated.
      For example if you have 40 breakers, in the first round you flip 20, in the second round you flip 10, in the third round you flip 5, etc. So far 20 + 10 + 5 = 35 plus the last few rounds of 1-2 breakers each.
      Compare this to flipping all one by one. In both cases, you have to flip almost 40 breakers total (maximum if you are unlucky)… Or less if you are lucky. Right?

    • @Embers7
      @Embers7 2 роки тому +13

      @@JL-uc7xp that's true, but if you're working alone, that might be the difference between 6 trips back and forth to the panel and 40

    • @chrisE815
      @chrisE815 2 роки тому +4

      @@thinktank8286 it's used for searching. Say you have an ordered list of data, say customer names. If you want to find a specific customer, you can use this method to find the customer name dramatically faster than looking through the list sequentially

  • @robburton3255
    @robburton3255 Рік тому +48

    I know they weren't adults, and they didn't have cell phones to help you identify all the circuits, but the fact that you included your kids is awesome. You're doing parenting correctly and they will have those memories for life. They have a great example of what a dad is supposed to be. Huge props to you (and the kiddos)!

    • @SavageVoyageur
      @SavageVoyageur Рік тому

      And thats why you test the circuit after you turn off the breaker.

    • @Machoman-ct
      @Machoman-ct 4 місяці тому +1

      I 😂

  • @paulnevins
    @paulnevins Рік тому +15

    I labeled every outlet and switch in my house with circuit number, amperage and if it was gfci and or afci. It has been very helpful through the years.

  • @Jdw6848
    @Jdw6848 2 роки тому +104

    I ran into a breaker for an electric furnace that was off but the circuit was still live. Never assume the circuit is dead until you check with a meter

    • @adammorgan9304
      @adammorgan9304 Рік тому +6

      So the breaker wasn’t off evidently. Always assume the power is on until you’ve tested otherwise.

    • @pbarnrob
      @pbarnrob Рік тому +9

      Moved into a nineteen-fifties’ “starter home” ($US~15k) in ‘78, with a garage-bedroom conversion (obv. by a previous owner/helper) that popped a breaker reliably. Replaced that old Pushmatic breaker, found one that popped on the other phase. They had double-fed that loop from both strings of outlets !

    • @dracula3811
      @dracula3811 Рік тому +9

      @@adammorgan9304 not true. I've seen a guy get shocked on a circuit while the breaker was off. Not a shared neutral either. We replaced the breaker and the problem went away.

    • @twestgard2
      @twestgard2 Рік тому +9

      I’ve seen multiple ways that the breaker is off but there’s still power to the device. Yes, there’s always an explanation, but that’s kinda the point. If you check for power before working, then you’re alive and healthy when you’re figuring out how the thing was wired.

    • @warlock529
      @warlock529 Рік тому +2

      Sometimes when I'm being lazy, I simply short the conductors together with pliers or something after turning off the breaker I think is the one. or before... 😮

  • @daveputs4417
    @daveputs4417 Рік тому +26

    That was not an insulated screwdriver. That is a Klein by the looks of it and says right on them that it will not protect against electric shock. Insulated has a plastic coating over the shank.

    • @theddavis
      @theddavis 11 місяців тому

      I think he meant a screwdriver with the handle insulates him. Since this video doesn't seem geared for experience wireman.

    • @ibeleaf
      @ibeleaf 8 місяців тому +3

      they just write that for insurance purposes, the handle is most certainly insulated because i often work on 600 with mine, just gotta know where the spicy parts are and dont touch em

  • @WiliamBennettwildarbennett
    @WiliamBennettwildarbennett 2 роки тому +36

    Always include the kiddos They 1st are learning and 2nd they feel important
    Thus was an awesome video.
    Back 12 yrs ago my son helped me rewire an 1930 school dormitory and it also had at least 6 sub-panels. What a nightmare trying trace what went where. Again awesome to see thekid helping.

    • @outlet6989
      @outlet6989 2 роки тому

      It would be best if you remembered that young kids and some adult helpers quickly get bored.

    • @johncspine2787
      @johncspine2787 2 роки тому

      @@outlet6989 I just got bored after purchasing the cool Klein tool after two rooms..it’s a drudgy pain to track this stuff down!

  • @Declan4253
    @Declan4253 10 місяців тому +2

    Just bought a Klein ET310 and had to watch the video when I saw this. What a great tool.

  • @carlubambi5541
    @carlubambi5541 2 роки тому +18

    I am a Master Electrician in Toronto .The most hated task is tracking and labeling circuits .It's enough to make you go crazy .I use the Greenlee.Goes up to 600v and great for 347V lighting circuits

  • @rickyleblanc3945
    @rickyleblanc3945 Рік тому +23

    A potential tip for narrowing down everything you are testing would be to put a piece of painters tape on every device/outlet that you positively identify that way you remember you can ignore it as you continue to go through the panel.

    • @binaryglitch64
      @binaryglitch64 Рік тому +3

      I use this technique too.

    • @Doug-gp2qw
      @Doug-gp2qw Рік тому +3

      Good idea. You can also mark the tape with the circuit number.

    • @binaryglitch64
      @binaryglitch64 Рік тому +2

      @@Doug-gp2qw lol... I do that as well.

  • @rupe53
    @rupe53 2 роки тому +24

    have done this chore many times over the years. One or two helpers, tops. If you are by yourself and don't have fancy tools / testers, just use a long extension cord and a radio turned up so you can hear it from the basement. Start with breakers off and when the radio comes on you go up and see which outlets are working via the long cord. This way you don't have to carry the radio around so much. Leaving light switches on will aid in finding those circuits along the way. Do the big appliances the same way... turn them on one at a time.

    • @outlet6989
      @outlet6989 2 роки тому +1

      Great idea. Ensure the radio plugs into the outlet and doesn't use backup batteries for power.

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 2 роки тому +3

      @@outlet6989 ... not to point out the obvious, but I think you would figure that out while setting up the extension cord.

  • @jasonmayerl3133
    @jasonmayerl3133 2 роки тому +6

    Your kids are adorable...the little girl holding the flashlight for her brother was great. Thanks for your channel...Im an Elec. Eng. and do a lot of my own work but learn so much about NEC.

  • @TRLTheRandomLab
    @TRLTheRandomLab 2 роки тому +96

    Not only is this guy a pro electrician, he's a pro dad as well.

    • @paulkaakee4051
      @paulkaakee4051 Рік тому +3

      This guy is no pro

    • @johnmcdonald9977
      @johnmcdonald9977 Рік тому +2

      ​@@paulkaakee4051 please explain your comment

    • @critters5236
      @critters5236 Рік тому

      Look closer he is not a professional and Alive electrical equipment without our Clash equipment no hard hat no gloves no such thing as too safe

  • @richardevon6410
    @richardevon6410 2 роки тому +27

    Some very useful tips, Joel. Your 8 little helpers are adorable and I admire your patience.

    • @jacobplank
      @jacobplank Рік тому

      Yes patience! I struggle with that with my kids lol

  • @AlexandraNevermind
    @AlexandraNevermind Рік тому +5

    I did a breaker identification at my house a couple of months ago. I turned on all the lights and all the appliances and ran back a forth looking for what turned off when I shut off each breaker. I did it by myself and boy did I get a workout!

  • @plandl1
    @plandl1 4 місяці тому +1

    What you described at 2:00, is exactly the situation I saw at a hotel we went to where the main burst in wall upstairs. The bathroom light globe was full if water and it was illuminated and on. Freaky.

  • @lorenrickey5481
    @lorenrickey5481 2 роки тому +9

    That Kline (Klein) tracer is a good tool. I always wear a “head” light style flashlight when performing these jobs. Keeps the hands free.

    • @brian644
      @brian644 2 роки тому +4

      i have had one for about a year now and have found that many times the unit gives false reading.... not sure why it does it

    • @hankkline7300
      @hankkline7300 2 роки тому +2

      It's spelled Klein.

    • @lorenrickey5481
      @lorenrickey5481 2 роки тому +3

      @@hankkline7300 I guess I’m dyslexic or Spellcheck got the better of me

  • @williambelsches9707
    @williambelsches9707 Рік тому +9

    While it may not be the most efficient way to get that job done those kids are getting life lessons and are learning and spending time with their pops, you can't get much better than that.

  • @philipdumitru7413
    @philipdumitru7413 Місяць тому

    I loved the last third of this video! My kids are older now, and I miss all that excitement being at hand. Also, I ordered the same tool yesterday and I'm glad to see it recommended here.

  • @ph33lix
    @ph33lix Рік тому +1

    Man... Just last week, I completed identifying all my circuits, deleted abandoned wiring as far back as my opened walls gave access to (then taped and labelled "ABANDONED"), tidied up wiring within the panel's gutters, then created a detailed (and date-stamped) panel schedule for my 30-space Square D panel in my 60s house. Since I was adding circuits, I decided to snip pieces of Romex insulation to also put labels on the wires at the breaker termination so that there's less guess work to do during servicing.
    After watching your video today, I feel good about having not missed a step. Thanks for documenting and sharing the master electrician's process!
    Also, working around 7 sub-panels must be extra time consuming... Glad you got quality help!

  • @cdurkinz
    @cdurkinz 4 місяці тому

    Been putting off buying one of those breaker finder tools for so long, going to order it now. Good video

  • @macmorgan6685
    @macmorgan6685 10 місяців тому +1

    Hi Joel, I’m enjoying your videos. Just noticed the dryer ducting on the wall. All the ells, I think I count 3 including the one at the back of the dryer, effectively add about 15’ per ell to the overall length of the ductwork. Like the flow of electricity, it adds resistance to the air flow creating lint buildup and blockage. I run a diagonal, smooth aluminum piece from the back of the dryer to the last ell. Just a suggestion.

  • @chris-qq4nr
    @chris-qq4nr Рік тому +2

    What a great video!! Well presented and TONS of info made understandable by you!! Thanks!!

  • @jaybird4095
    @jaybird4095 2 роки тому +13

    I've done this a few times. I first make a sketch of the floor plan, and note each receptacles location on the plan. While checking, I note the breaker number on the sketch. This ensures, I don't miss any, sometimes there is an odd breaker in the mix that you don't realize.

  • @MrMikeyPayne
    @MrMikeyPayne Рік тому

    Awesome way to include your children in real world family tasks, working together. Also, thanks for video, I am doing this task at my son-in-law's 1920 house this week.

  • @KE5ZZO
    @KE5ZZO 2 роки тому +5

    Broadcast facilities we use stick on numbers on each end of wire any wire …. and excel spreadsheet
    Wire number - origin - destination - function

  • @TunafishSmoothie
    @TunafishSmoothie Рік тому +14

    For my house I created a spreadsheet that lists every single outlet, switch, etc. For example, "Bedroom 2 outlet on west wall", or "Bedroom 2 all outlets", followed by the breaker#. I keep this on the wall next to the panel (along with the basic floorplan from the purchase documents / appraisal). It has been quite useful over the years. Doing the investigation to set up the spreadsheet also helped us identify abandoned circuits (we also live in an old house) which we were able to remove from the panel. The spreadsheet detail also made the panel labeling much easier. Over the years this has saved us a lot of time.

    • @BW12149
      @BW12149 Рік тому

      We have the same thing. Our previous owner had identified each breaker. But recently we had an electrician came in to replace a lot of receptacles. We discovered that the original list was wrong. Our living room and master bedroom are connected to one 20amp circuit. Kind of disturbing, but that’s how the house was originally wired. Built in 1981.

    • @intheshell35ify
      @intheshell35ify Рік тому

      Then you can line the litter box with it.

  • @stoicoptimist8656
    @stoicoptimist8656 Рік тому +1

    When we did this in a complex setup we would use painters tape to tag out the devices/outlets/switches, to avoid retesting. Yeah, it's not fun, but it does help with any later work. Great video.

  • @macklenc
    @macklenc Рік тому +5

    A super nerdy way I did this recently was to use an IoTaWatt whole house monitoring system (the kind with the clip-on CT) and walk around the house with a load like a hair drier. Just flip on switches as you go into rooms to see the spike for lights and plug the hair drier into each outlet you want to test. Way fewer trips back to the panel since you can watch the graphs on a cellphone or similar

    • @dubmob151
      @dubmob151 7 місяців тому

      The Emporia Vue has the capability to monitor 16 individual breakers and is able to plot the current draw as it changes, which shows everything in detail. Comparison with the utility bills matched the kWh charges. It was well worth it for the capability to track things-

  • @gregchambers6100
    @gregchambers6100 Рік тому +1

    Nice work everyone! I know you've done this Joel, at least by accident, but we've resorted to the Blue Flame Test (dead short) IDs and tests breaker! I understand why you chose not to mention it. We had a commercial building with multiple panels sharing circuits (color to color joined illegally in j boxes) all over the damned building. Iding the circuit, BUT, it was still hot at the open breaker, so my advice is to add the step of checking the terminal with the breaker OFF, just to make sure. YOU ROCK BROTHER!!!

  • @JimGrady67
    @JimGrady67 Рік тому +2

    Great video!! very easy to follow. Question, do they make a tester to trace a circuit that has no power and panel has no label and all breakers are on?

  • @aaavellone
    @aaavellone 2 роки тому +1

    I recently got that Klein circuit tracer kit and love it to pieces.

    • @ralph5450
      @ralph5450 2 роки тому +1

      @snok: Put it back together and get to work.

  • @imark7777777
    @imark7777777 2 роки тому +2

    On a whim I bought the circuit tracer at Harbor Freight. Other than the soft button that likes to get bumped ( i fixed it by adding a manual switch ) it does fairly well for somebody on a budget. The only downside other than the switch is that it can occasionally lock out on testing and give a false negative on all circuits, to remedy this just restart the thing and start over. the time saved getting things labeled will certainly make up for an extra 10 seconds running down all the breakers again.
    I have actually used it on an actual an fuse panel and had great success, on some older breaker types it is a little iffy.

  • @richardgray1730
    @richardgray1730 2 роки тому +3

    If your service disconnect is on the carriage house, why is this basement panel not wired as a sub panel with gounds and neutrals separate ? I think I saw gounds and neutrals together.

  • @jacobplank
    @jacobplank Рік тому +1

    Great video! That's how to get it done, bring the kids with!! It's always a good exercise to do it by yourself.

  • @robertcrocker901
    @robertcrocker901 Рік тому

    Great video for the average homeowner. Ordered one of the circuit testers.
    THANKS!!!

  • @jjjacer
    @jjjacer 2 роки тому +3

    for my panel as im in a mobile home, i made a drawing of the home with all the outlets marked with a number then i had a table with all the breakers with those numbers. so not only is the breaker panel labeled i have a visual sheet to where which outlet each breaker controls

    • @cfgdr3
      @cfgdr3 2 роки тому

      Love it

  • @johnc6343
    @johnc6343 2 роки тому +10

    Joel, @20:38 Klein insulated screw drivers are orange as are almost every single one in the market. Also, u seriously have 8 kids? !!!! Ur a brave one 🤣

    • @illestofdemall13
      @illestofdemall13 2 роки тому +2

      Yeah, that one isn't insulated that he keeps saying is. Lol

  • @daleabbinante8729
    @daleabbinante8729 4 місяці тому

    I really do follow what you are saying in your vids... Very informative... thank you

  • @erintyres3609
    @erintyres3609 4 місяці тому +1

    I worked in a large office building, and the inside of each outlet switch plate was labeled with the circuit number. No guessing which breaker powered each outlet.

  • @admirableawesome2317
    @admirableawesome2317 2 роки тому +3

    do yall do any 3 phase panels? i dont get to see much of that. great videos! i watch them all lol

  • @neomatrix2722
    @neomatrix2722 Рік тому +2

    This honestly was a wonderful video I really enjoy that you got your family involved and testing the lights and Reporting back to you very professional I've learned a lot and honestly thank you for sharing so very much I really appreciate you

  • @stunner55
    @stunner55 2 роки тому

    Timely video. I have this project scheduled for my niece's house soon. Great video!

  • @anthonykidd7978
    @anthonykidd7978 2 роки тому +1

    When wiring a new home, i always leave a short piece of NM insulation on my branch circuits and label that so I can easily identify the circuit with the cover removed.

  • @capt.johnstikitours5665
    @capt.johnstikitours5665 Рік тому

    I can only assume that you just moved in, Ive seen your other install videos and these examples look nothing like your work. Great detail for the homeowner!

  • @george-101
    @george-101 Рік тому

    Nice video, but the fact that you have 9 children is mind blowing, congrats on your success and blessings

  • @meganw6007
    @meganw6007 2 роки тому +4

    Similarly to how you mentioned in your "Installing Solar Without Ruining A Historic Home" Aug 2, 2022 video (seen 1:29 to 2:04; discussed 2:48 to 4:01 "Optimizer Layout" Chapter), I often wonder whether now in today's day and age if anybody is able to trace exact wiring (like the blueprints) for each circuit, whether there is a way to create/generate a QR Code for a link to either somebody's own network or maybe something that Schneider or GE might host, that when one scans the QR code label on each circuit of their panel, that they could see an exact wiring diagram for that circuit.
    Thoughts?
    Does anything like that exist?
    Anybody know whether Schneider or anybody is making a hosting site for home QR codes of wiring diagrams for each circuit to be uploaded or stored??
    Or even whether there are like UL-listed USB flash drives that can be left attached to panels (or safely inside and not considered debris?) that hold and contain all of this information, like even potentially down to specifics like which Lot# certain batches of conductors or conduit came from for each circuit, just so there's minimal having to trace wiring, but having quick electronic access to all that "blueprint" data at the scan of a QR code or plugging in of a flash drive.
    I'm gonna copy-paste this over to some sort of video that Dustin Stelzer has over on his Electrician U page's videos and see whether anybody has any thoughts.
    With the digital capabilities that we now have, like on the solar arrays, I can't see why NOT to have that in construction and wiring.

  • @mpxz999
    @mpxz999 2 роки тому +1

    This tool kicks ass!
    I just did this with my 1970s house
    While we have no sub panels here to add to complexity, I did have 2 breakers that often toned together... No idea about that!
    And yes, I did reset the tool each time before toning a new circuit
    But overall, I love the tool!
    Thanks for the great video!

    • @andreismirnov7200
      @andreismirnov7200 Рік тому

      Cool man. Does this Klein remote tester test only on dead/turned off circuits or it can test also while circuit is still live?

  • @michaelzapack4736
    @michaelzapack4736 Рік тому

    Nice video! Kind of surprised to see you work in your ring. I tried that once too many times.....

  • @SurfDetector
    @SurfDetector 10 місяців тому +1

    Proper PPE is essential when removing the cover from a live electrical panel.

  • @darienredsox1878
    @darienredsox1878 Рік тому +4

    That circuit tester is definitely on my wish list. Love how you got the kids involved, never too young to start learning.

  • @SRCardow1
    @SRCardow1 Рік тому

    Great video just came across your site. I should have had more than 2 girls. But now I could call on the grand and greats.

  • @tylerwatt12
    @tylerwatt12 2 роки тому +7

    I need me some crazy lights 😂. I did this to my whole house. Every outlet. Took probably 4 hours. Also labeled the MWBC and gauge used. (There weren’t any handle ties). Put it all in an excel doc and printed it out. Very helpful for finding code violations and working on upgrades

    • @Jeff-xy7fv
      @Jeff-xy7fv 2 роки тому

      Exactly! Every time I do a panel upgrade, labeling is not only a Code requirement to pass inspection, it also allows me to discover things that are wired to circuits they're not supposed to be wired to. I can use that to sell more work in the future.

  • @tcarad2
    @tcarad2 Рік тому +1

    18:39 I think I heard screaming when you flipped the breaker. I’d check that out.

  • @gregchambers6100
    @gregchambers6100 Рік тому

    Oh also! I used to plug in a boom box to ID outlets by myself from different rooms. Great show sparky.

  • @jeffreycole2816
    @jeffreycole2816 Рік тому

    awesome video bro. densely packed with important info.

  • @mayorb3366
    @mayorb3366 Рік тому

    Excellent video!
    I just ordered a Klein circuit tracer.

  • @mistersir8342
    @mistersir8342 Рік тому

    Thank you. Really instructive video. Congratulation on your large family. May God bless you all.

  • @chadlumpkin2375
    @chadlumpkin2375 Рік тому

    I had a new Span panel installed in August 2022 and I've been slowly documenting all of the receptacles so I can have a comprehensive list of outlet/receptacles. The house was built in 1977 and hasn't had a panel upgrade until now.

  • @kevinmosgo5492
    @kevinmosgo5492 Рік тому

    Seemed like your kids really loved doing this with you. Awesome!

  • @okaro6595
    @okaro6595 Рік тому

    That is nice that you can tell whether a breaker has been tripped or manually set off. We do not have that in Europe. But I like more the way we hae here so that the label is next to the breaker so you do not need to match any numbers.

  • @philhoward4466
    @philhoward4466 2 роки тому +5

    i would avoid having young children doing lots of plugging in and unplugging, especially with those angle cords. it is too easy to get fingers into the space with the prongs while still making contact. i know this can happen because it actually happened to me when i was little. the older kid might be OK.

    • @munsters2
      @munsters2 Рік тому +1

      RE:Phil Howard. I was thinking that, too. I have shocked myself a few times when I got in a hurry or when the plug is small/tight and difficult to get a grip on and I reached a little too much around the back of it.

  • @GrenPara
    @GrenPara 2 роки тому

    Great video, Thanks for making it.
    I have seen homes with 1 or more sump Pumps that use larger breakers as well.

  • @ShaneTheGeek
    @ShaneTheGeek Рік тому

    I picked up the same Klein Circuit Breaker to confirm and label the panel in my house. Albeit my house is a single panel, but I wanted to take out the guess work while I was replacing all the old light switches and receptacles.

  • @robertapreston4200
    @robertapreston4200 Рік тому +1

    💯💞💯 8 kids!!!!!! Wowzer!Wonder!!
    Great video, as always. Please, one little note of concern, from the viewing angle. Pulling those testers out of the sockets seemed difficult to, especially the young ones. So, wiggling, and getting those fingers close to the prongs, of energized, could prove detrimental to those tiny little fingers and attached bodies.
    Thank you for all you do

  • @TheWmiller8
    @TheWmiller8 Рік тому

    Love the Klein tools I’m a big fan. I have and use the Klein et450, et310, ncvt-6, cl700, et45 and the rt250. Thank you for sharing and encouraging code violations

  • @gwilliams1001
    @gwilliams1001 Рік тому +1

    There is a recent recall on those QO panels with a specific date range (194871 - 221343) that are effected. @ 2020-2022. Seeing that surge protector may indicate that panel was installed after Jan. 2020. Schneiders website has further details.

    • @montgomeryfortenberry
      @montgomeryfortenberry Рік тому

      I believe this was only for plug on neutral planels and the panel in this video does not appear to be that type.

    • @montgomeryfortenberry
      @montgomeryfortenberry Рік тому

      @@gwilliams1001 lol no need to facepalm maybe your comment will let somebody else know they need to check their panel to prevent a serious issue

  • @davidwarriner1639
    @davidwarriner1639 Рік тому +1

    I appeared at 19:32 that you clipped the leads of the ET310 directly across the two 120V lines. That would be giving you 240V and the ET310 is rated for 90-120V.
    Can you comment on why this would be ok to do?

    • @sir_frag1868
      @sir_frag1868 Рік тому

      I wanna know the same thing. Also, wouldn't it be just as effective to jump one of the hot wires and then the neutral? Will it still find the breaker??

    • @davidwarriner1639
      @davidwarriner1639 Рік тому

      @@sir_frag1868 typically hot water heaters and A/C units don’t have a neutral. But, you can choose either hot and the ground. That would work for toning it out.

    • @sir_frag1868
      @sir_frag1868 Рік тому

      @David Warriner that makes sense. Thank you for that. I have a 220 ac outlet that someone has also added a 110 outlet to. It's in a hotel, so killing all breakers isn't an option

    • @sir_frag1868
      @sir_frag1868 Рік тому

      @davidwarriner. Thank you for that tip. It worked as you said it would. Chose 1 hot leg and grounded the other lead to the box. Found the 220 breaker in panel number 6

    • @sir_frag1868
      @sir_frag1868 Рік тому

      @David Warriner thank you for that tip. It worked as you said. I used one hot leg and grounded the other clip to the box. Found the 240 breaker in panel number six. Nothing in that panel is labeled.

  • @rfpeace
    @rfpeace Рік тому

    You are the coolest dad, and you have been blessed with a beautiful family!
    Cheers brother!
    ron:)

  • @moosepasshippie
    @moosepasshippie 2 роки тому

    9:50 in the video. NEC 408.36 (D) Back fed breaker not secured in place by a listed fastener.

  • @sjpropertyservices3987
    @sjpropertyservices3987 Рік тому

    A time consuming process, but one I recommend to all home owners. I recall doing this without help using a radio and running back and forth to the panel. Inalky buying a Klein circuit finder has been well worth the investment. Even with the circuit finder having a helper is a time saver. I now mark the circuit breaker # inside the receptacle or switch plate even when the panel has been properly labeled. Even with a panel properly labeled I sill use a receptacle or non contact tester to confirm power is off to an outlet before working on it. Learned this the hard way many years ago when working on a receptacle when I found the hard way it had been used as a junction box and had two live conductors. Fortunately just startled and not injured, but learned a valuable lesson.

  • @MikeSmith-nu9wt
    @MikeSmith-nu9wt 4 місяці тому

    Also good thing to mention , before you touch your fuse box , get a voltage meter and test the panels handle to open it , its metal housing ..and the screws that hold the front cover on are special screws with blunt tips , so it shouldnt pierce a wire when your screwing your cover on ..

  • @charu002
    @charu002 Місяць тому

    Wouldn’t it be better to have two receptacle testers (one is included with the receiver) to identify the rest of the plugs that could be pigtailed with the same circuit? Would that be more efficient as well? If not, maybe there’s some considerations we still need to consider that is not present if we do that
    I’m not familiar with NEC since i use CEC here in alberta

  • @jordan23829
    @jordan23829 Рік тому

    Didn't expect to learn much from this video lol but I love that Klein tester with the alligator clips. Usually I go with the non-contact and listen for the sound but that other tester you used would work great for disconnect switched and a lot of situations.

  • @nolan8226
    @nolan8226 10 місяців тому +1

    small note; i've got that same klein circuit tracer and the plug in tester/transmitter is rated for 120v, if it gets 240v, all three lights appear to be on, so if you're tracing a 240v circuit you might want to alligator clip to one line and the neutral instead of both lines when possible. these circuit tracers can act weird occasionally as it is, you don't want to damage it and make it more uncertain

    • @daleabbinante8729
      @daleabbinante8729 4 місяці тому

      Yeah I commented about that... I have same tester but it's rated for 120v... he must have used neutral and 1leg.. but I could be wrong

  • @stephengirtz
    @stephengirtz Рік тому

    You guys are thinking of everything way to go!

  • @mikesimpson2840
    @mikesimpson2840 2 роки тому +3

    electricity and water=fire? interesting. Instead of overloading a breaker and tripping it, the water will combust into fire?......does that makes sense? I love how electricians are "above" doing certain jobs such as cleaning up their mess, labelling their work or previous electricians work.

  • @simardssurveillancesystems8209

    You Got A Great Electrical Video & Family Time As Well....

  • @brianerock
    @brianerock Рік тому +1

    Also suspicious on the loadcenter directory is the CIRCUIT RELOCATION of the DISHWASHER from panelboard position #23 to position #30 with the RANGE HOOD. If that HOOD is cord-connected, per NEC® 422.16(B)(4) list item 3 the hood’s receptacle outlet MUST be on an INDIVIDUAL BRANCH CIRCUIT, i.e., the DISHWASHER CANNOT BE ADDED; it won’t be an INDIVIDUAL BRANCH CIRCUIT anymore.
    - former CMP-17 Principal, present CMP-15 Principal, present CMP-2 Alternate.

  • @mathman0101
    @mathman0101 2 роки тому +1

    Much respect Joel you have great children busy household and busy workplace ❤ as always thinking Joel with nice tips.

  • @fernandoluevano9812
    @fernandoluevano9812 Рік тому

    Great video...learn a lot... I'm retired, but good to watch someone explain every detail. I've done this a lot, but without the tracer.. going to get one. I don't do much anymore, but make sure the church I go to keeps going and correct any problems. Ok, now... I noticed the panel your standing in front of you said and showed the neutral and ground together and it was feed from another panel, so that also makes it a sub panel. I ran into this in the church. The building was built in the late 30's. The other panels are the same as yours. Ok, so I'm trying to say is that when you find something like that, do you just leave it the way it is? What can happen which hasn't happened yet or any other time that I know of if it's left the way it is?

  • @JV-pu8kx
    @JV-pu8kx 2 роки тому +2

    Here's a tip: Start with a floor plan of the house, or office, large enough of a print-out you can mark where each outlet and device is located, and their circuit number. It can also be helpful to indicate which switches go to which devices. With older homes you would be amazed at what is on a circuit: I found out, the hard way while installing shelves, outlets in my room, in the basement, are on the same circuit as the television in the living room, on the other side of the house!

    • @ElectricProAcademy
      @ElectricProAcademy  2 роки тому +1

      😵 Mercy!

    • @JV-pu8kx
      @JV-pu8kx 2 роки тому

      @@ElectricProAcademy More fun? On the same GFCI breaker: most of outside lights, outlets, and pump for the goldfish pond. Every heavy rain event trips this breaker.
      Also included are two or three outlets in the former garage. When we converted the garage, these outlets were left in place and the new circuit's outlets were filled in around them. Fortunately, these outlets are labeled as being GFCI protected.

    • @corazontopangalive3905
      @corazontopangalive3905 Рік тому +1

      I second the floor plan! It can give a lot of insight, and also it's completely unambiguous. I got lucky with my current house- although it was built 30 years ago, the developers had created a brochure with floor plans for the various models, and someone had put it online! I was able to put the drawing into my CAD program, and with a couple of actual measurements, I could scale it to real size and trace over it, verifying actual dimensions as needed. Then I drew all of the circuits and numbered them to match the breaker numbers. It was kind of fun . . . and the information is very useful. Especially now since I am going to install an Emporia Energy Monitor and I need to know what is on each breaker!

    • @JV-pu8kx
      @JV-pu8kx Рік тому

      @@ElectricProAcademy I still have the piece of romex, and screw, we extracted from the wall. Easy to repair paneling, instead of drywall. Just pull out the nails and we have access. Wall was built before nailing plates were an option.

  • @imark7777777
    @imark7777777 2 роки тому +2

    I was helping somebody who is having difficulty seeing and they needed the breakers labeled. The brand new apartment that they moved into was nice enough to print out a sheet identifying what was what however they failed horribly on distinct there's at least two things that registers as hot water heater and more circuits than what I could identify Outlets of and this is only an 12 breaker panel.
    I was simply able to enlarge what was there but what really needed to happen was re-identification into identifiable names with no ambiguity.

  • @headybrew
    @headybrew Рік тому +1

    Have you tried plugging in a bunch of wifi smart outlets and then just looking at the smart home app on your phone to see which ones go offline when you flip the breaker?

  • @walterbordett2023
    @walterbordett2023 Рік тому +1

    Nice video. Many great comments below.
    I label the face of every box, outlet and fixture I work on with the breaker number using a Brother label maker label with white letters on clear tape for dark color plates, and black letters on clear tape for light color plates. Inexpensive, reasonably discrete and easy. Same stuff also used to label cords and cables for AV and IT equipment.
    Panel labeling is an art to be concise, unambiguous, and terse enough to fit the space in the directory. It can be difficult for catch-all circuits that have lights and receptacles scattered all over the place. A floor plan showing all the devices is a tremendous help both for maintenance and for remodeling.
    Watch out for multiwire branch circuits where the breakers are missing handle ties. Also never assume, always test, that when you open a disconnect or switch off a breaker that the power is actually off on all hot legs. Don't ask me how I know that.

  • @Tomnician
    @Tomnician 11 місяців тому

    I finally broke down a bought a new tracer and it's exactly that klein one, it still has false positives(but that might be the mess wiring in this house I bought) but it's so much better than my ideal one.

  • @Eddy63
    @Eddy63 2 роки тому

    Loved your little helpers ... I bet that was Mama Bear manning the camera ... Great little vid and I'm a Klein addict too 😂😅🤣 Thx for posting ...

  • @rrussell39
    @rrussell39 2 роки тому +1

    I have the Klein ET 310 tracer and mine is rated to only 120vac. What model are you using...I noticed you clipped it on a 240v circuit. I guess you could clip one leg to ground to get around the 120v limitation of the transmitter and still use it on a 240v circuit. That would still cause a 2-pole breaker to read although only on one wire...but would still identify the breaker.

    • @shubinternet
      @shubinternet Рік тому +2

      The 240VAC cutoff box for the water heater has two separate legs, each of which does only 120VAC. So, he tested only one positive leg and the neutral.

    • @brianallen8015
      @brianallen8015 Рік тому +2

      And the big problem is he was attaching it to the pull out disconnect at 240v.
      That would have fried the plug in tester. He didn't explain the usage of 1 clip on phase and 1 on ground at the water heater either .
      Some homeowner is going to fry their tester.

  • @withmonicatv
    @withmonicatv 6 місяців тому

    I got the same problem in our house! I have been slowly trying to tackle each box on each level of the house.

  • @HappyDiscoDeath
    @HappyDiscoDeath 2 роки тому

    I have that same LCD-equipped outlet tester. It's dope!

  • @nolongeramused8135
    @nolongeramused8135 2 місяці тому

    I recently decided that I needed to verify the circuit breakers in my home because the builder's electrician did such a crap job of labeling. About half of the panel labels were either completely wrong, too vague to be helpful, or incomplete. If I had gone by the existing labels about half the outlets and lights in the house were completely unaccounted for. When I was done, and every single circuit was verified, I created a detailed spreadsheet and taped a copy of it to the electrical panel.
    I have to wonder; how hard is it to write "outlets" or "lights" after you write "kitch" or "bath" when you have two or more identical labels? Bonus: there were both kitchen outlets and lights wired to the circuits for the fridge and the dining (not listed) & living room. And the circuit labeled for the living room was actually the laundry room (not listed), guest bathroom (not listed), and upstairs hallway.

  • @thenexthobby
    @thenexthobby Рік тому

    Just the other day I located the circuit that powered the coal-fired water boiler that hasn't been used in probably 6 or 7 decades. Of course, it was live. And the dishwasher was correctly labeled on one of the equally old fuse boxes ... someone had scratched "Dishwasher" in the outside of the fuse box case. It was easy to see once you're no more than 5 inches away from it. :)

  • @jamalbenthall151
    @jamalbenthall151 Рік тому

    The best video I've seen all day 🙌

  • @1966spyderco
    @1966spyderco Рік тому

    I bought that exact same tool to identify circuits. Its awesome

  • @stanleykania7184
    @stanleykania7184 Рік тому

    Enjoying your channel

  • @withmonicatv
    @withmonicatv 6 місяців тому

    The voltage detector and filling the breaker is a genius move.

  • @josterpi
    @josterpi 2 роки тому +4

    Perhaps I missed this somewhere, but how do you address the "crazy lts" label? I have a breaker in my panel that I've identified as powering 15 different light and receptacle outlets spanning every floor of my house, so I'm curious.

    • @outlet6989
      @outlet6989 2 роки тому +2

      I use a Brother label maker and make a plastic label to place on the breaker showing the number of the circuit. Very handy if the circuit box is mounted upside down.

    • @davej3487
      @davej3487 Рік тому

      Did you find any sub panels not marked? On our last house there was a sub panel sheetrocked in under the stairs. It fed 4 outlets and 2 lights up stairs and 6 outlets and 3 lights down. The Klein Tools ET310 Circuit Breaker Finder Tool tone can be used to trace wires thru walls somewhat and that is how I found the sub panel.

  • @NipkowDisk
    @NipkowDisk 2 роки тому

    An excellent and informative video- subscribed.
    I just picked up a Klein ET450 circuit tracer kit as my home (built in 1978) could sure use some mapping out of the circuits. Nowhere near the complexity of dealing with sub-sub-subpanels as you had there, but definitely a couple of unique configurations to put it mildly. I know of two Edison (multiwire) circuits, one of them in the basement where they originally used the clothes washer receptacle device yoke to split it up... I corrected that fiasco a number of years ago. The other one on the main level is a REAL head-scratcher! A few others are puzzling to say the least.

  • @kule510
    @kule510 Рік тому

    Great video keep them coming!

  • @andrewwhite3793
    @andrewwhite3793 Рік тому

    In the UK its standard to label fuse boxes . Another point is you will not catch a UK or European Spark without insulated screwdrivers. So waving an uninsulated screwdriver in a fusebox is a no no

  • @Jollyprez
    @Jollyprez 6 місяців тому

    I live in a house built in 1770. I've been working on its 4th set of wiring. 1920s ( ceramic wire nuts & bakelite junction boxes ), 1950s ( 2 wires, no ground, metal boxes ), and 1980s ( 3 wire Romex - all white ). The main circuit panel is 1980s SquareD as is the 90amp sub-panel. Walls and ceilings are plaster. What a mess.