Hi-Tech HTP-6 Digital Circuit Breaker Identifier

It worked as promised

I havent used it extensively, but so far the Hi-Tech HTP-6 Circuit Detective Circuit Breaker Finder seems to work pretty well. It has two components, a signal transmitter and a receiver. The two pronged transmitter is designed to be plugged into a standard 120 outlet. The receiver is designed to scan the circuit breakers in an electrical panel or loadcenter, and indicate by an shrill audible signal and flashing green light, which circuit breaker is feeding the load. Following the correct procedures, the system seems to produce fairly accurate though not flawless results. For these types of tracers, electronic interference can make reading the signal difficult. Certain types of power strips, adapters, and other add-on electrical attachments, can also mess up the transmission of the imparted signal. So for various reason, the Hi-Tech tracer occasionally has some problems nailing down which circuit is the source. I first used a similar tracing device by Pasar, perhaps twenty years ago, and the reliability issues that existed then, still seem to exist today. The main thing that bothers me about this device is the power switch on receiver. It is located on the side of the unit, and it just takes is a slight touch to turn the receiver on, and begin running the 9 volt battery down. To turn the unit off, you hold down the switch for a few seconds, but a little tap and the receiver turns back on again. Not too smart, as just sticking it in your pocket can easily turn it back on again. A more thoughtful design would have made it more difficult to accidentally switch the device on, like providing a power switch that is out of the way, and locks in the on or off position. Its very inconvenient, but I remove the battery when Im not using this device, so that I will have a live battery when I need it. Although the performance is acceptable, because of this basic design flaw, this product just rates 3 stars. For me, the size (1.8 x 6) and shape of the receiver is such that it is easy for me to drop, so I added a small nylon strap so that I can hang it around my neck, which also helps with accidentally turning on issue. Hi-Tech has an address in Illinois, by there is a Made in China sticker on the receiver. It appears that several companies are selling this same unit, and are just changing the color and slapping their company label on it. For example, the

YES, it gets regular false positives, and NO, its not that big a deal. Almost always, you can get the result down to a few breakers (usually 1-3 in my case). Then you flip them off one at a time to see if the LED goes off on the sender. Done. Which is better--doing the flip and check on two or three breakers or perhaps the whole darn bank? I agree with the reviewer that said its biggest limitation is needing a live circuit, and, for me, thats almost never a problem.

[...] Follow these directions and it works fine. If you dont have the transmitter plugged in and you dont do the scan correctly then you get all kinds of false positives.

Works as I expected it to. Good unit to trace your circuits.

This was something my husband expressed interest in as he is savvy with most all electrical issues. So, I bought this for him for a Christmas present. He loves it. He has already used it on several areas in need of attention. The directions for use was very easy to understand. Thank you Amazon ~ youve come through for us once again!

A little hard to use at first. But it does it’s job!

This device did everything I wanted with no issues. I have a 200-Amp panel with about 25 breakers in it, a mixture of single and double pole breakers. You plug the injector/transmitter into a plug and then use the detector at the circuit panel. First, youll want to sweep the detector over every breaker. Notice that the green arrow will light up at several places, especially on any double-pole breakers. This is the calibration stage. Now, go ahead and sweep a second time -- this time around, you should only get the arrow on one of the breakers. I think some of the other reviewers skipped the calibration pass. The instructions arent entirely clear on this step - it says to do it, but doesnt completely make the how clear. Its easier if you have a friend on the intercom, but you can verify this by turning off the breaker and seeing if the transmitter goes dead. You should also lose your green arrow on the detector. I wish this device had a battery option so you could try it on dead/tripped breakers. Im giving it 4-stars, losing a star because of the lack of instructions.

Works, with a little indecision on my home panel- useful there. On my sons panel- inserting the transmitter trips the arc fault breakers (which I believe are becoming standard and required in many residential installations)! No use at all there!

the on/off switch is right where you hold it and when using you can turn it off while holding it. Sent it back.