KLEIN TOOLS ET450 Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit Instruction Manual

ET450
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Advanced Circuit Tracer Kit

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• TRACE ENERGIZED OR DE-ENERGIZED WIRES AND BREAKERS
• ADJUSTABLE RECEIVER SENSITIVITY LEVELS
• AUDIBLE BEEP ON RECEIVER FOR SIGNAL STRENGTH
• FLASHLIGHT ON RECEIVER FOR VIEWING IN LOWLIGHT AREAS
• TRACE WIRES BEHIND DRYWALL, CEMENT BLOCK WALL, OR UNDERGROUND
• TRACE CONDUIT OR PIPES
• TRACE A SINGLE WIRE IN A BUNDLE

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 measure circuits connected to the distribution part of the building’s low-voltage MAINS installation.
  CAT II: Measurement Category II is applicable to test and measure 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 light industrial locations.

WARNINGS – 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 them 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 the 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.

WARNINGS – NCV FUNCTION

• When NCV Function is initiated, a blinking or steady green glow and an audible beep indicate voltage present. If no indication, the 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 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 the Specifications section).

• The operation may be affected by differences in socket design and insulation thickness and type; the 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 under 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 the 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

SYMBOLS ON TRANSMITTER

Conforms with European Economic Area directives
| Risk of electric shock
| Read Instructions
| Battery orientation
| WEEE – Electronics disposal
| UKCA – United Kingdom Conformity Assessment

TRANSMITTER FEATURE DETAILS

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

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

SYMBOLS ON RECEIVER

Conforms with European Economic Area directives
| WEEE – Electronics disposal
| Risk of electric shock
| Read Instructions
| UKCA – United Kingdom Conformity Assessment
| Independently tested by Intertek and meets applicable standards
| Battery orientation

RECEIVER FEATURE DETAILS

NOTE: No user-serviceable parts inside.

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
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TEST LEAD KIT AND ACCESSORIES

A. Blade Prongs (Red ×1, Black ×1)
B. Ground Prong
C. Alligator Clips (Red ×1, Black ×1)
D. 3′ (0.9 m) Lead Adapters (Red ×1, Black ×1)
E. 20′ (6 m) Lead Adapter
F. 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 Indicator 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, a voltage greater than 480V AC/DC is detected. DISCONNECT TRANSMITTER FROM CIRCUIT IMMEDIATELY.

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 the highest sensitivity, level 1 is the 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 that 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 clips C , or de-energize the circuit by turning off the 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
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 on 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 the wire above, with the wires de- energized and utilizing 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 the 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 sensitivity level to pinpoint the location of the open/break.

TRACING WIRES INSIDE METAL CONDUIT
Due to the 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 button 4 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 with 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 the faceplates 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 the 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 the screws. Do not overtighten.

To avoid the risk of electric shock:

• Disconnect leads from any voltage source before removing the battery cover.
  

• Do not operate while the 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 Cover 7.
2. Replace the blown fuse with 500mA/600V fast-blow, interrupting rating 50kA.
3. Replace Battery Cover and tighten the screws. Do not overtighten.

CLEANING
Be sure the tester is turned off and wiped 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.

WARRANTY
www.kleintools.com/warranty
DISPOSAL / RECYCLE

****Do not place equipment and its accessories in the trash.
Items must be properly disposed of in accordance with local regulations. Please see www.epa.gov/recycle for additional information.

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

1390483 Rev. 10/21 D

References

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle | US EPA

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