Extech 40180 Tone Generator and Amplifier Probe Wire Tracer Kit

I am an IT consultant who mostly does software and server-room stuff. Occasionally I get asked to do network wiring for office expansions; and for those I usually defer or sub out to electricians or phone guys. On a recent rush-job project, the electrician pulled the cables, but was too busy to wire up keystones and plates, so I had to step in to finish up the install. This device was perfect for identifying cable endpoints. While it may be overkill for my needs, it did the job very well, and it's comforting to know I now own a tool I can depend on.

I have been using this "toner" kit for more than a year now on a nearly daily basis and it works very well. I use it in an industrial environment for identifying circuit wiring for things such as street and area lighting, motor wiring, instrumentation wiring and the like. It is one of the most used and most useful items in my tool collection and has proven to be very durable and reliable over this entire time. This is a great product for what is was designed to do.

GOOD tool!! remember: turn off power to the line youre testiong: extraneous noise can confuse your interpretation.. tkjtkj, mech.eng., m.d. ******************* My criteria: 5-star: does the job well, with extra advantages 4-star: does the job well 3-star: helpful but doesn't accommodate all needs that one would expect 2-star: sketchy performance at best 1-star: Fails in significant ways ; but they showed up for evaluation 0-star: Where are they hiding???

I had an electrical outlet go "dead" in my bathroom. I checked breakers, connections, etc with no luck. It had worked previously...very frustrating! I bought the Extech tone generator and amplifier probe to trace the line through the house so I could get to the bottom of the problem. I threw the breaker, clamped the alligator clips on as instructed, turned the tone generator on, and EASILY traced the signal from my bathroom, through my upstairs bedroom, into a closet, down a set of stairs, into the utility room, and finally.....into a small bathroom that I never use that had a....GCFI outlet that tripped. Reset pressed and boom...power back on. The unit gave a clear signal through walls, ceilings, and paneling. I'm VERY happy with this product. The build and carry case are such that it will last me a lifetime.

This is second #40180 I've ordered. The first one came without the switch on the tone generator, and its package torn lower left corner. I sent it back in exchange for another unit, which also is missing the switch, as can be seen thru plastic film, although the packaging is intact. After reading 1 star reviews, I'm going to spring for an electrician who has a probe to find the short in our wall wiring.

This product is easy to use and economical. It really works well for identifying wires in a bundle, and matching wires with speakers. What it does not do at all is tracing wires behind wall board. The probe needs to be within a few millimeters of the cable to detect the signal.

I have used it to trace electric wire to and from the breaker box, as well as automotive wiring. I have also used it to trace ethernet and phone line. I haven't had any issues and it is easy to use. The tone is fairly loud or you can use headphones. The continuity check lights up and works perfectly. Makes tracing wires easy.

If you are tracing wires, either CAT5, RJ45, Standard Phone, Cable, or anything else, you MUST buy this. We have a data cabinet in our home that has all the rooms to the house on it. I can plug in this device and go to my closet and trace the line in a couple seconds. This is hand for anyone installing their own network or trying to trace down existing networks and wire harnesses! The unit came with a carrying pouch, which keeps both the transmitter and the hand held device in one location. I have used the same 9v battery for several years, so no complaints there. Overall an A+ product!

So I bought this to trace a faulty lead back to my ECU, The product looks very robust in the picture but turned out to be regular flimsy plastic. Getting the battery in the probe was a particular nightmare as the fitting is too tight and the leads too short and not having the dexterity of a concert pianist or surgeon I was lucky not to brake the thing before even using it. I followed what little instructions there are but after an hours worth of trying could not get the thing to trace a cable, it just kept ringing wherever it happened to be pointing, you could point this thing at a bucket of blancmange an it would ring indicating a cable. What really annoyed me was that I thought I'd purchased one of the better quality ones but the lesson here is that, just because it's yellow does not mean Dewalt quality. I don't know if I can send it back as I've tried using it but it certainly didn't do what it said on the tin.

found two broken wires on a 2020 Western star within two minutes. in shop time, it would have been min 3 hours labor.

Tiene unos 20 usos y ningún problema.Usarlo con pilas de buena calidad.

Poor quality It’s use the best is not good at all

Should be better instructions. Very vague.