I had to trace a number of curcuits behind drywall in a home renovation project, this tool made it possible.
The tone is strong enough to easily find wires behind drywall, but this is also the source of my one and only complaint: If you have a box with several electrical lines going into it, even if you separate all the lines inside the box and at their "far" ends so that there is zeero continuity between separate lines, the signal still tends to "splash" onto all the other lines. In a box with three lines I got signal on all three even though the tone generator was only attached to one. This is more pronounced where the lines are closest together (at the box, of course). This led to some confusion when I was in a small closet and no matter where I put the probe I got signal! Imagine my surprise to see that the line I was tracing lead not only UP from the box to the ceiling, but DOWN to the floor as well.... and off to the side too! Whoops! That ain't right! However with a little patience and understanding of what was happening I was able to eventually sort out the individual runs. Further from the box the signal drops off on the non-connected lines faster than on the connected line. So I had to take a few educated guesses as to where the line I was tracing might be, and then move far away from the box and look for it. With a few tries I found each line and traced them to their ends. Bottom line: this thing works, and it works thorugh drywall, but it still requires you to use some brains.
Check out the videos on You Tube that show how to best use these tools. On 100% open lines you connect the tone generator to TWO conductors and trace the line. When you think you have found the far end you short the two conductors together there and the tone changes. If the tone doesn't change you have the wrong pair. Because of the signal splash-over this is important to know. This is essential in tracing lines in bundles as the splash factor would otherwise drive you crazy.
I found the quality of the the tool to be very good. Not flimsy at all. I expect years of service given normal care in handling. The tone generator has a nice lanyard to hang it by when you are attaching it to various wall boxes etc, so that you don't wind up hanging it by its leads, a nice touch that should add to longevity. I like that it comes with a case to keep everything together since this is the sort of tool I will only use occasionally and if it is knocking about in my kit without a case I'd be sure to misplace one part or another.
| Brand | Fluke Networks |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Style | TONE & PROBE KIT |
| Color | navy |
| Item Weight | 0.5 Kilograms |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 12.2 x 18 x 2.56 inches |
| Min. Operating Voltage | 9 Volts |
| Specification Met | CE, RoHS, UL |
| Upper Temperature Rating | 60 Degrees Celsius |
| Measurement Type | Electrical Measurement Device |
| UPC | 754082038917 |
| Manufacturer | Fluke Networks |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00754082038917 |
| Part Number | 26000900 |
| Item Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 12.2 x 18 x 2.56 inches |
| Item model number | Pro3000 |
| Batteries | 2 9V batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | Tone Generator and Probe (non Filtered) |
| Pattern | Probe Kit |
| Voltage | 9 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Measurement Accuracy | +/-0.5% |
| Usage | professional |
| Included Components | Pro3000 Analog Tone and Unfiltered Probe Kit and 9V battery |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
