When you replace an electrical fixture or outlet in your home, shutting off electricity to that fixture is essential to avoid electric shock. However, if your breaker panel does not have the correct labels for each breaker, it can be challenging to know which switch to shut off while you’re working.
Thankfully, you can easily map all of the breakers connecting to your service panel with a small device called a digital circuit breaker finder. Read on to learn more about the digital circuit breaker finder, how it works, and how to operate it.
What Is a Circuit Breaker Finder?
A circuit breaker finder is a small, battery-operated device that can help you detect which outlet or fixture each circuit breaker in your electrical panel connects to within your home. This tool includes two main pieces: a transmitter and a receiver.
How Does a Circuit Breaker Finder Work?
An electrical circuit breaker finder can help you map the breakers in your home by transmitting an electronic signal from your outlet or fixture to the breaker panel. Plugging the transmitter into an outlet can allow the receiver to detect this electrical signal at the breaker box, identifying the breaker connected to that outlet.
How To Use a Circuit Breaker Finder?
You can follow these steps to use a circuit breaker finder:
1. Install the Battery
First, you’ll need to install the battery in the receiver. Simply remove the back cover and place the battery in the designated compartment.
2. Test the Receiver and Transmitter
Next, plug the transmitter into your desired outlet. Then, hold the receiver near the back of the transmitter and let it perform a self-test. The receiver will produce a green light once it detects the signal from the transmitter.
3. Match the Circuit to Its Breaker
Once you finish the self-test, you can move to your breaker box. Hover the receiver over each breaker in the breaker panel until the device beeps. A beep indicates that the receiver has found the breaker with a signal connected to the transmitter.
4. Using a Circuit Breaker Finder With a Light Fixture
If you’d like to detect a signal from a light fixture instead of a wall outlet, you’ll need to purchase a keyless socket adapter to plug into the light fixture. Then, you can simply insert the transmitter into this adapter.
5. Keeping a Circuit Breaker Finder in Good Condition
To keep your circuit breaker finder in the best condition, be sure to turn it off between uses and store it in a dry location.
When To Replace a Circuit Breaker Finder
The best circuit breaker finder devices last for several years. However, once this device stops working even with a new battery, it may be time to purchase a new one.
ESD: Your Quality Circuit Breaker Finder Provider
Now that you know the answer to what is a circuit breaker finder and how it works, you can begin using this device to map your circuit box. Check out our circuit breaker finder inventory at Electrical Supply Distribution today to purchase your device.
