4
LOCATING SHORT CIRCUITS
Refer to the hook-up reference chart.
1. Observe the limits and safety precautions at all times.
2. Connect the transmitter in series with the short-circuited wire, making sure one of the unit’s clips is
connected to the circuit’s positive supply (or vice versa for vehicles with positive supply connected to
chassis). A fuse socket (in place of the blown fuse), a connector, etc. provides a convenient place
as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
3. Switch the transmitter on by pressing the On/Off button and observe if the green LED on the transmitter
is lit up. If not check connections, power supply, and in the case of having connected the unit to any
place other than the fuse socket, check that the circuit’s fuse is installed and in working conditions
(not open). If necessary replace with a new fuse with the same ratings.
4. Switch the tracer on, and check if green LED starts flashing.
5. Slowly sweep the wire, conduit, etc., with tracer ensuring the tracer probe is perpendicular and above
or below the wire being traced and as close as possible to it.
6. Follow the wire or check it at different points, starting from the transmitter and moving towards the load
(accessory, light, etc.) observing the positioning of the probe as indicated above. Continue this
procedure while the audio signal (beeping sound) and visual signal (flashing red LED light) indicates the
integrity of the circuit. If peeping and flashing slows or stops it indicates that the probe is either moving
away from the faulty wire or it has passed beyond the short circuit point.
7. Double check positioning the probe before and after the suspected place. If the short circuit point has
been found, the audio/visual indicators will show circuit integrity on for one position, but not for
the other.
8. The short circuit is located in the area where the audio/visual signal stops or changes significantly.
9. When the test is completed, switch off the transmitter unit pressing the On/Off button and disconnect
from circuit.
Note: The closer the tracer probe is to the wire carrying the signal, the faster the beeping and the flashing
will be.
WIRE TRACING
Wire tracing hook up and procedures are essentially the same as for locating short circuits. The transmitter
sees the load (light, accessory, etc.), as the short circuit or connection to ground. For wire tracing simply
follow the wire with positive (beeping and flashing) audio/visual indicator’s feedback on the tracer from
source to load.
For step by step directions please refer to Locating Short Circuits, for some hints and specific differences
refer to the notes below:
The type and size of load connected to the circuit (impedance or resistance to ground) determines the
amount of current allowed to flow in the circuit. Small loads (low Wattage lamps, electronic systems, etc.)
will reduce the range of the tracer accordingly. In cases where the full range of the tracer is required to follow
the wire, it may prove advantageous to use one of the two methods described below:
• Tracing wires downstream (from supply to load): Replacing the load for a full short circuit allows the
Fault Finder to work at its maximum capabilities. Before proceeding remove all electrical power from the
circuit, connect the transmitter in series with, short circuit load to ground (Fig.1 and 2), then reconnect
power and follow instructions in Locating Short Circuits.
• Tracing wires upstream (from load to supply): If more convenient, wires can also be traced the other
way around, by replacing the load, with the transmitter (Fig. 4).. To do this, first remove power from the
circuit, disconnect load and connect the transmitter in its place. Apply power to the circuit and follow
instructions in Locating Short Circuits.
