Dear Mr. Electrician: Are there better tools than the Kaiweets KT301P circuit breaker finder designed for electricians and homeowners?
Answer: I haven’t used every testing and tracing device available, but I can talk about one that I am impressed with. The Kaiweets KT301P circuit breaker finder has all the features I wish were available when I was starting out as an electrician.
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It is important to read the furnished instructions thoroughly. However, how to install the included Triple A (AAA) batteries are not mentioned in the instructions.
Use a small Philips screwdriver to loosen the one small screw on the red cover to access the battery compartment of the Kaiweets Circuit Breaker Finder Receiver/Tester. Unscrew the small Philips head screw on the back of the plug-in transmitter for that battery compartment.
INSIDE THE KAIWEETS CIRCUIT FINDER BOX
The first thing I noticed upon opening the box to the new Kaiweets circuit breaker finder is the sturdy case that is furnished with the KT301P tool.
The plug-in transmitter checks for electrical receptacle outlet polarity, and has a digital volt meter in addition to sending a signal over the energized electrical wires. You can also test GFCI receptacle outlets and GFCI circuit breakers with the push of a button.
The handheld receiver also can be used as non-contact voltage detector and has a small flashlight built-in. Do not rely on a non-contact voltage detector as a troubleshooting tool. They can test for voltage without taking apart any wiring, but they are known for false readings. Use a volt-ohm meter, or a rubber pigtail socket and light bulb to confirm the presence of voltage.
I was impressed with the furnished accessories so you can trace wiring through two-prong non-grounded electrical receptacle outlets, light fixtures, and loose wires.
As with many electrical testing tools and devices there is somewhat of a learning curve. The more that you use a tool, the better it works for you.
USING THE FINDER
Here’s a short video of me testing the Kaiweets KT301P Circuit Breaker finder:
I found the Kaiweets finder to be very helpful with identifying the correct circuit breaker. The instructions say to scan the entire electrical panel first and then search for the one circuit breaker you are seeking. I did this and it worked very well.
On my old circuit breaker finder I had to keep adjusting the sensitivity down lower until I found the circuit breaker with the strongest signal. This is not necessary with the Kaiweets finder.
Here’s a link to a short YouTube Video I made while opening the Kaiweets box.
Some of the shortcomings I found with the Kaiweets Circuit breaker finder are:
(1) It is only approved as a Cat 2 testing tool. A Category 3 would be better for professionals. (2) The instructions do not include how to install the needed batteries. (3) The shipping packaging needs to improve. The box I received in a paper envelope was slightly damaged. Fortunately the circuit finder comes in a sturdy carrying case. (4) The voltage readings on the plug-in transmitter fluctuate constantly so it is difficult to get an accurate voltage measurement.
You can read here how I would find circuit breakers before tools such as the Kaiweets KT301P circuit breaker finder were developed.
See the Kaiweets home Page here.
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