Klein Tools ET450 - Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit Manual

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The Klein Tools ET450 Advanced Circuit Tracer kit is a professional tracer for energized and de-energized breakers, fuses, and wires. When the Transmitter is connected to a circuit, the Receiver's sensitivity can easily be adjusted to detect the transmitted signal on breakers, fuses, and wire through drywall, cement block, and underground.

• Environment: Indoor. DO NOT expose to moisture, rain, or snow.
• Operating Altitude: 6562 ft. (2000 m)
• Relative Humidity: <85% non-condensing
• Operating Temp: 32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
• Storage Temp: -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)
• Calibration: Accurate for one year
• Standards: IEC EN 61010-1, 61010-2-030.
  
  Conforms to UL STD.61010-1, 61010-2-030;
  Certified to CSA STD.C22.2 No.61010-1, 61010-2-030.
• Pollution degree: 2
• Drop Protection: 6.6 ft. (2m)
• Safety Rating: ET450T: CATIII 600V
  ET450R: CAT III 600V, CAT II 1000V, Class II, Double insulation
  CAT III: Measurement category III is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected to the distribution part of the building's low-voltage MAINS installation.
  CAT II: Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measuring circuits connected directly to utilization points (socket outlets and similar points) of the low-voltage MAINS installation.
• Electromagnetic Environment: IEC EN 61326-1. This equipment meets requirements for use in basic and controlled electromagnetic environments like residential properties, business premises, and lightindustrial locations.

Specifications subject to change.

GENERAL

To ensure safe operation and service of the meter, follow these instructions. Failure to observe these warnings can result in severe injury or death.

• Risk of electric shock and burn. Contact with live circuits could result in death or serious injury.
• NEVER use the tester on a circuit with voltages that exceed the category-based rating of this tester.
• Inspect the meter and test leads before use. DO NOT use if they appear damaged or malfunctioning in any way
• Ensure leads are fully seated, and use caution when connecting to live circuits
• DO NOT use testers during electrical storms or in wet weather.
• Turn off testers and disconnect test leads before attempting to replace batteries.
• Turn off testers and disconnect test leads before attempting to replace the fuse.
• To avoid electrical shock, do not operate the tester while battery door is removed.
• DO NOT open the case, other than the battery compartment.
• Use caution when working with voltages above 25V AC RMS, or 60V DC. Such voltages pose a shock hazard.
• ALWAYS adhere to local and national safety codes. Use personal protective equipment to prevent shock and arc blast injury where hazardous live connectors are exposed.

NCV FUNCTION

• When NCV Function is initiated, a blinking or steady green glow and an audible beep indicate voltage present. If no indication, voltage could still be present.
• Before and after each use of the NCVT, verify operation by testing a known working circuit that is within the rating of this unit.
• Never assume neutral or ground wires are de-energized. Neutrals in multi-wire branch circuits may be energized when disconnected and must be retested before handling.
• The NCV tester WILL NOT detect voltage if:
• The wire is shielded.
• The operator is not grounded or is otherwise isolated from an effective earth ground.
• The voltage is DC.
• The NCV tester MAY NOT detect voltage if:
• The user is not holding the tester.
• The user is insulated from the tester with a glove or other materials.
• The wire is partially buried or in a grounded metal conduit.
• The tester is at a distance from the voltage source.
• The field created by the voltage source is blocked, dampened, or otherwise interfered with.
• The frequency of the voltage is not a perfect sine wave between 50 and 500Hz.
• The tester is outside of operation conditions (listed in Specifications section).
• Operation may be affected by differences in socket design and insulation thickness and type; tester may not be compatible with some types of standard or tamper resistant (TR) electrical outlets.
• Do not apply to uninsulated hazardous live conductors.
• Detection above 50V is specified under "normal" conditions as specified below. The tester may detect at a different threshold at different conditions, or may not detect at all unless:
• The tip of the tester is within 0.25" of an AC voltage source radiating unimpeded.
• The user is holding the body of the tester with his or her bare hand.
• The user is standing on or connected to earth ground.
• The air humidity is nominal (50% relative humidity).
• The tester is held still.

TRANSMITTER SPECIFICATIONS

• Transmitting Frequency: 33kHz
• External Voltage Indicators: 12V, 48V, 120V, 240V, 480V
• Voltage Type Indicators: DC Positive, DC Negative, AC
• AC Frequency: 45Hz to 65Hz
• Energized/ELV Indicator: >25V AC/DC (solid), >480V AC/DC (blinking)
• Dimensions: 7.05" × 3.90" × 1.84" (179.2 × 99.1 × 46.7 mm)
• Weight (including batteries): 16.5 oz (470 g)
• Battery Type: 6 × 1.5V AA Alkaline
• Battery Life: Approximately 24 hours
• Fuse Type: 600V, 0.5A, 6 mm × 32 mm
• Auto-Power Off: After 4 hours of inactivity Specifications subject to change.

SYMBOLS ON TRANSMITTER

TRANSMITTER FEATURE DETAILS

NOTE: No user-serviceable parts inside.

1. Power On/Off Button
2. External Voltage Indicators
3. AC/DC / Polarity Indicators
4. Transmitting Indicator
5. Energized/ELV Indicator Magnet Holder
6. Low Battery Indicator
7. Battery Cover with kickstand
8. "COM" Jack
9. "+ 600V" Jack
10. Attachment Point for Optional

RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS

• Detecting Frequency: 33kHz
• Sensitivity: 8 levels
• Signal Strength: 0-99 on LCD, 0-10 bar display
• Signal Indicator: Audible (tone) and visual (LED)
• Tracing depth: 0' – 1.64' (0 – 0.5 m), depending on medium/application
• NCV: 80 to 1000V AC, 50/60Hz
• Flashlight: 6 Lumens
• Dimensions: 8.72" × 2.07" × 1.51" (221.5 × 52.8 × 38.5 mm)
• Weight (including batteries): 11 oz. (312g)
• Battery Type: 4 × 1.5V AA Alkaline
• Battery Life: Approximately 28 hours
• Auto-Power Off: After 10 minutes of inactivity Specifications subject to change.

SYMBOLS ON RECEIVER

RECEIVER FEATURE DETAILS

1. Power On/Off / Backlight Button
2. Flashlight/Mute Button
3. NCV Button
4. Increase Sensitivity Button
5. Decrease Sensitivity Button
6. Battery Cover
7. Crosshair Grooves
8. NCV Signal / Tracing Signal Indicator
9. Flashlight
10. Lanyard Hole
11. Numerical Signal Strength (0-99)
12. Bar graph (Signal Strength)
13. Sensitivity Level (1-8)
14. Non-Contact Voltage Indicator
15. Hazardous Voltage Indicator
16. Auto-Power Off (APO) Indicator
17. Battery Status Indicator
18. Mute Indicator

TEST LEAD KIT AND ACCESSORIES

1. Blade Prongs (Red ×1, Black ×1)
2. Ground Prong
3. Alligator Clips (Red ×1, Black ×1)
4. 3' (0.9 m) Lead Adapters (Red ×1, Black ×1)*
5. 20' (6 m) Lead Adapter*
6. AC Plug Leads

*NOTE: Lead Adapters D and E can all be connected end-to-end for additional length when needed.

TRANSMITTER FUNCTION BUTTONS

ON/OFF
To power ON the Transmitter, long-press the ON/OFF button 1 .

The Transmitting Indicator 4 will blink, indicating that it is transmitting, and the Energized/ELV Indicator 5 and the External Voltage Indicators 2 will illuminate in the presence of voltage greater than 25V AC/DC. By default, the Transmitter will automatically power off after 4 hours of inactivity. To power OFF the Transmitter, long-press the ON/OFF button 1 for 2 seconds.

If the Energized/ELV Indicator 5 is blinking, voltage greater than 480V AC/DC is detected. DISCONNECT TRANSMITTER FROM CIRCUIT IMMEDIATELY.

RECEIVER FUNCTION BUTTONS

ON/OFF
To power ON the Receiver, long-press the ON/OFF Button 1 . To power OFF the Receiver, long-press the ON/OFF Button 1 .

The Auto-Power Off icon will be visible on the display. By default, the tester will automatically power off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

BACKLIGHT
Short-press the ON/OFF Button 1 to turn the LCD backlight on/off.

SENSITIVITY LEVELS
Press the Increase Sensitivity 4 and Decrease Sensitivity 5 buttons to select one of the Receiver's 8 sensitivity levels (level 8 is highest sensivity, level 1 is lowest).

NOTE: Energized circuits typically use sensitivity levels 1-3, and de-energized circuits may need higher sensitivity levels 4-8.

NCV
Power on the Receiver, and press the NCV Button 3 to put the Receiver into NCV mode. Place the tip of the Receiver near the target area, or place the wire on the tip of the Receiver to determine if the wire is energized. When an energized wire is detected, the Bar Graph 12 will illuminate in relation to the signal strength, the Green indicator LED will illuminate, and the speaker will emit an audible signal. NOTE: The Transmitter is not needed for NCV Mode.

MUTE
Long-press and hold the Flashlight/Mute Button 2 to mute/unmute audible signals.

FLASHLIGHT
Short-press the Flashlight/Mute Button 2 to turn the flashlight on/off.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Before testing, verify the Receiver is functioning properly by placing it near the powered Transmitter. With the Receiver set to Sensitivity Level 8, a numerical reading of 99, all 10 signal strength bars lit up, and a strong audible signal confirms the system is working. The Receiver will produce a variable beep proportional to the sensitivity value. The higher the signal strength, the faster it will beep.

NOTE: A continuous beep or solid-on LED indicates strongest possible signal of 99 and the Receiver is saturated.

NOTE: If the Transmitter is powered up normally but the Receiver detects a very low signal level, even when set to the highest sensitivity level, the internal protection fuse in the Transmitter should be checked, as it may be blown.

CONNECTING TEST LEADS

Connect test leads by inserting the black lead into the "COM" jack and the red lead into the "+ 600V" jack. Do not test if leads are improperly seated. Results could cause intermittent display readings. To ensure proper connection, firmly press leads into the input jack completely.

NOTE: Test leads used must have a CAT III 600V safety rating.

TRANSMITTER DIRECT AND REMOTE GROUND CONNECTION METHODS DIRECT GROUND: In a direct ground connection, a plug or clips can be connected to the hot and neutral wires on the same circuit.

NOTE: While locating a breaker, the wires will not be as traceable due to the cancellation effects of the wires running parallel.

REMOTE GROUND: Preferred for optimum signal strength. To optimize the transmitted signal and avoid cancellation effects which occur in a direct ground connection, a remote ground connection should be used. Attach the Ground Prong B to the 20' (6 m) Lead Adapter E and connect to the ground of an outlet on a different circuit. Attach the red Blade Prong A to the red test lead D and connect to the hot wire of the circuit you are tracing.

NOTE: This Remote Ground connection method will trip GFCI receptacles. Several workarounds are available: Use the Direct Ground method, connect directly to wires with alligator clipsC, or de-energize circuit by turning off breaker at the panel.

RECEIVER ORIENTATION

The orientation of the Receiver in relation to the wire being traced is very important. The vertical Crosshair Groove 7 on the tip of the Receiver indicates the preferred direction of the wire for the strongest signal detection. While tracing a wire, rotate the Receiver to always ensure the highest signal value is displayed. The signal may not be detected if the Receiver tip is not properly aligned to the wire. If the signal drops, the wire may have changed direction (horizontal to vertical or vertical to horizontal). Whenever possible, keep the Receiver at least 3' (0.9 m) away from the Transmitter and test leads to reduce signal interference.

APPLICATIONS

Circuit Breaker Finder (energized and de-energized)

1. Connect the Transmitter to the circuit to be identified using either the direct ground or remote ground connection and power the Transmitter on. The direct ground and remote ground connection methods can be used on both energized and de-energized circuits, but an energized circuit produces a higher signal strength.
2. Verify that the Energized Indicator on the Transmitter is illuminated if connected to a circuit with voltage above 25V AC/DC and is not illuminated for de-energized circuits.
3. Go to the electrical panel and power on the Receiver. If there is more than one panel, touch the tip of the Receiver to each panel cover to identify the panel with the highest signal level. Use the Increase Sensitivity 4 and Decrease Sensitivity 5 buttons to adjust the Receiver sensitivity level to identify the panel with the highest reading.
4. Once the panel has been identified, open the cover.
5. Orient the Receiver facing left or right and perpendicular to the breakers (See below). Slowly move the Receiver up and down in front of each breaker. Use the Increase Sensitivity 4 and Decrease Sensitivity 5 buttons to adjust the Receiver sensitivity levels as needed to locate the breaker with the highest reading. After any sensitivity level changes, rescan all the breakers to find the breaker with the highest reading.
   
   NOTE: Energized circuits typically use sensitivity levels 1-3, and de-energized circuits may need higher sensitivity levels 4-8.
   NOTE: If two or more breakers have the same signal value, remove the panel cover and place the tip of the Receiver on the individual wires to help in determining the correct breaker. NOTE: Ensure the wire is held in the proper orientation in relation to the tip of the Receiver.

TRACING WIRES

1. Connect the Transmitter to the circuit to be traced and power on the Transmitter.NOTE: The direct ground and remote ground connection methods can be used on both energized and de-energized circuits, but an energized circuit produces a higher signal strength.
2. Power on the Receiver, and use the Increase Sensitivity button 4 to set the Sensitivity Level to 8 (highest level).
3. Starting a few feet from the Transmitter, slowly move the Receiver around to locate the direction of the strongest signal. The wires may be located behind the wall, in the ceiling, or underneath the floor.
   NOTE: If the signal strength displays "99", the signal is saturated. Use the Decrease Sensitivity button 5 to reduce the sensitivity level.
   NOTE: If the signal strength is too weak, use the Remote Ground connection method (if not done already) to strengthen the signal.
4. Continue to follow the location of the highest signal strength until the destination is reached.
   NOTE: If the circuit is de-energized, the Transmitter can be connected to the neutral and ground wires, which will create a stronger closed loop signal, as neutral and ground are bonded together at the panel.

TRACING LOW VOLTAGE AND DATA CABLES

Follow the same steps outlined for Tracing wire above, with the wires de-energized and utlizing a remote ground connection method.

NOTE: For shielded cables, connect the red test lead to the shield of the cable being traced. Ground the far end of the cable shield if possible.

FINDING OPENS/BREAKS

Follow the same steps outlined for Tracing wire above, except make sure to ground any other wires running in parallel with the wire being traced. Follow the signal strength until you observe it starting to drop off. Use the sensitivity arrow keys to lower the sensitity level to pin point the location of the open/break.

TRACING WIRES INSIDE METAL CONDUIT

Due to metal conduit shielding the wire being traced, the Receiver will be prevented from picking up the signal from the Transmitter. To trace wire inside of metal conduit:

1. Connect the Transmitter to the circuit to be traced and power on the Transmitter.
2. Power on the Receiver, and use the Increase Sensitivity button4 to set the Sensitivity Level to 8 (highest level).
3. Hold the Receiver in front of junction boxes to check for the signal being transmitted from the Transmitter.
4. If there is no signal detected, the junction box may need to be opened so that the tip of the Receiver can be held in front of each wire.
5. Continue along each junction box until the destination is reached or until the end of the circuit.

NOTE:If the conduit is non-metallic, the standard wire tracing steps can be followed.

MAPPING A CIRCUIT

1. Turn off the breaker of the circuit being traced.
2. Remove the hot wire from the circuit breaker and connect the red test lead of the Transmitter to the wire.
3. Connect the black test lead of the Transmitter to a remote ground (see the Direct and Remote Ground connection methods sections) and then power on the Transmitter.
4. Starting a few feet from the Transmitter, use the tip of the Receiver to scan face plates of receptacles, wires, and other loads.

NOTE:If the signal strength displays "99", the signal is saturated.

Use the Decrease Sensitivity button 5 to reduce the sensitivity level. NOTE: If the signal strength is too weak, use the Remote Ground connection method (if not done already) to strengthen the signal. Any locations which indicate a signal are connected to the specific breaker.

IDENTIFYING SINGLE CONDUCTOR (SORTING BUNDLED WIRES)

1. Attach the red Blade Prong A to the red test lead D and connect to the known end of the wire to be traced.
2. Connect the black test lead D to a remote ground using the Ground Prong B or black alligator clip C (see Remote Ground connection method section), then power on the Transmitter.
   
3. Power on the Receiver, and use the Increase Sensitivity 4 and Decrease Sensitivity 5 buttons to set the Sensitivity Level to 1-3.
4. Go to the other end of the cable, and one by one, pull each wire away from the others, and touch the tip of the Receiver to the wire. Ensure the wire is held in the proper orientation in relation to the tip of the Receiver.
   NOTE:If the signal strength displays "99", the signal is saturated.
   Use the Decrease Sensitivity button 5 to reduce the sensitivity level.
   NOTE: If the signal strength is too weak, use the Remote Ground connection method (if not done already) to strengthen the signal.
5. If multiple wires have the same sensitivity reading, pull back the wires to separate them more if possible.
6. The highest signal value indicates the correct wire.

TRACING UNDERGROUND

1. Connect the Transmitter to the circuit to be traced and power on the Transmitter.
   NOTE:The Receiver may not detect and trace easily through metal conduit/pipe or shielded cables. If the conduit is metal, or the wire is shielded, connect to the shield or conduit instead.
   NOTE:For the strongest signal, the remote ground connection method should be used.
   NOTE:Leaving the circuit energized provides a stronger signal and assists in tracing.
2. Power on the Receiver, and use the Increase Sensitivity button 4 to set the Sensitivity Level to 8 (highest level).
3. Starting a few feet from the Transmitter, hold the Receiver perpendicular to the ground and slowly move it around using a sweeping motion to locate the highest signal value. Pay close attention to the orientation of the Receiver in relation to the wire being traced. The signal may not be detected if the Receiver tip is not properly aligned to the wire. If the signal drops, the wire may have changed direction.
   NOTE:If the signal strength displays "99", the signal is saturated.
   Use the Decrease Sensitivity button 5 to reduce the sensitivity level.
   NOTE: If the signal strength is too weak, use the Remote Ground connection method (if not done already) to strengthen the signal.

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

TRANSMITTER

When the Low Battery Indicator 6 illuminates, the batteries must be replaced:

1. Loosen 2 screws and remove Battery Cover 7.
2. Remove and recycle spent batteries.
3. Install 6 new AA 1.5V batteries (4 inside battery door, 2 inside unit housing), noting proper polarity.
4. Replace Battery Cover and tighten screws. Do not overtighten.

RECEIVER

When the Battery Status Indicator 17 shows only 1 bar, the batteries must be replaced.

1. Loosen screw and remove Battery Cover 7.
2. Remove and recycle spent batteries.
3. Install 4 new AA 1.5V batteries, noting proper polarity.
4. Replace Battery Cover and tighten screws. Do not overtighten.
   
   To avoid risk of electric shock:

• Disconnect leads from any voltage source before removing battery cover.
• Do not operate while battery cover is removed.

FUSE REPLACEMENT

A fuse may blow if more than 600V energized is applied to the ET450 Transmitter. To access fuse:

1. Loosen 2 screws and remove Battery Cover7.
2. Replace blown fuse with 500mA/600V fast-blow, interrupting rating 50kA.
3. Replace Battery Cover and tighten screws. Do not overtighten.

CLEANING

Be sure tester is turned off and wipe with a clean, dry lint-free cloth.

Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.

STORAGE

Remove batteries when the equipment is not in use for a prolonged period of time. Do not expose to high temperatures or humidity. After a period of storage in extreme conditions exceeding the limits mentioned in the General Specifications section, allow the tester to return to normal operating conditions before using.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

KLEIN TOOLS, INC.
450 Bond Street Lincolnshire, IL 60069
1-800-553-4676
customerservice@kleintools.com
www.kleintools.com

Documents / Resources

References

• Klein Tools - For Professionals since 1857 | Klein Tools

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