Extech TG30 Tone Generator and Amplifier Wire Tracer Kit

by Extech

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This transmitter and probe kit from Extech is used to quickly trace and identify cables or wires within a group and also check the operation of phone lines. Easily trace communications and coaxial cables from source to termination. The non-contact probe audibly identifies selected wire or cable while the adjustable sensitivity control improves identification and eliminates false detection.

FEATURES

• Non-Contact probe audibly identifies selected wire or cable
• Easily trace wires from source to termination
• Adjustable sensitivity control improves wire identification and eliminates false detection
• Continuity test with audible and visible indication
• Tone generator is terminated with RJ11 and RJ45 connectors

SPECIFICATIONS

• Power: Transmitter; 9V NEDA 1604/1604AL Probe; (4) LR44, 157, AG13, A76, or equivalent
• Operating Temperature: 14 to 122oF (-100 to 50oC)
• Operating Humidity: <80% RH
• Altitude: 2000 meters
• Dimensions: Probe:5.8x1.1x1.1(147x28x28mm), Transmitter:2.6x4.1x0.9"(67x103x23mm)
• Weight: Probe 1.1oz(30g); Transmitter 4.2oz(120g)

Product Description

Adjustable sensitivity control improves wire identification and eliminates false detection

Product Details

Product Manual [230kb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00023RYRC
• Item model number: TG30
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,526 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #47 in Home Improvement > Electrical > Tools & Testers > Circuit Testers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad household tool., February 16, 2007

By 

Magnus Opus (Washing DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extech TG30 Tone Generator and Amplifier Wire Tracer Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

This isn't professional grade but seems to get the job done. I used it in several homes where installers poorly labeled the data and cable tv lines in a central communications box. Used it in some homes varying from 6 total cable/data lines to one that had over 40. Hasnt disappointed me yet.

PROS:

1. Its cheap. Units with similar capabilities cost about 3 or 4 times as much.

2. Has most of the bells and whistles. The pacakge comes in three pieces. There is a main unit that has only a phone and data connector (RJ11 and RJ45). The add-on unit that has a receptacle for the data connector to connect it to the main unit and offer capability for male coax or alligator clips (the inset picture in the product. The third piece is the sensor itself that looks like a long pen. It has a speaker with volume/sensitivity level control.

3. The sensitivity volume has a range of sensitivity that I haven't fully explored. I have bundled coax and data cables coming into a central hub. When I first tried to find a particular cable, I had the speaker turned up to loudest. This basically caused every cable to give off a signal. I then had to turn it down to isolate only the strongest signal from the cable I was looking for. If adjacent cables can pick up signal, this could be useful in certain situations.

4. It comes with a nice little case that holds and protects everything.

CONS:

1. The plastic packaging was poor (clear plastic shell packaging). The owner's manual had fallen out at somepoint in packaging/shipping process. I just today realized that the manual is available on Amazon's site.

2. Could be an isolated incident, but Amazon's normally speedy service got this to me in about 4 weeks. Very slow by their standards.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Buzzing Away, November 5, 2009

By 

John P. Reichert (Smithtown, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Extech TG30 Tone Generator and Amplifier Wire Tracer Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

Nice compact device. I was hoping the use of the 'Amplified' in the name of the tool would allow me to be able to trace a wire with only one end disconnected from a device. This is not the case. I doubt any tracer can be use on an active line.

I also found the switch to be a little loose in that you can inadvertently throw it to the right most position without knowing it.

The probe is a little too sensitive in that if an active wire is near the one you are trying to trace, you will hear a buzzing along with the tones.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars useful tool, July 27, 2009

By 

Nathaniel T. Pride Jr. (Petersburg, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Extech TG30 Tone Generator and Amplifier Wire Tracer Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

This product arrived in 3 days. It's made of plastic but I don't think this is a problem for people who take care of their tools. The generator uses a 9 volt battery while the won /speaker uses round button cell batteries. It comes with alligator clips, RJ 11, RJ 45 and coax attachments. This is a very useful tool when trying to sort out wires or finding a particular cable.