What is an Electric Line Tracer

Posted by Max Ruby on July 28th, 2022

What does an Electric Line Tracer do?

An Electric Line tracer is a tool used for tracing electric lines. These devices are typically very large, as they need to be able to reach up high enough to trace the line on poles and electrical wires. They are designed with a long telescopic rod that can extend from 2-3' (0.6m-1m) in length and 2" (5cm) in diameter.

i. Measure the current going through the line

One of the main functions of this tool is to measure the current of the line. The current is measured by using a small electric motor that moves a cursor up and down on a scale.

This is important because it provides the Electrical Line finder Technician with a relative measurement of the amount of electrical current that is flowing through the wires.

ii. Identify wire problems (Open and Short circuits)

Another key feature of this tool is its ability to identify open and short-circuiting lines. What this means is that the Technician can use the movement of the measuring cursor to identify if there is an open or short path in the line.

iii. Trace and map out a circuit (Brown outs and High Voltage)

Finally, they must be able to trace out a circuit from all of the existing wire and electric lines, to find where new connections are needed. This is done by tracing out new circuits on plans or maps provided by a drawings person or other type of technician. 

Factors to Consider When Purchasing an Electric Line Tracer

When purchasing an Electric Line Tracer, there are a few factors that you should consider. They include the following:

The surface of the line that it can reach 

These devices come in varying sizes that are meant to reach up high enough to trace lines on top of poles and electrical wires. The maximum size has a length of 4' (1.2m) with a 3" (7.6cm) diameter maximum length and 2" (5cm) diameter maximum diameter. The smaller size tracers have a maximum length of 2' (0.6m) with a 1.5" (3.8cm) diameter maximum length and 2" (5cm) diameter maximum diameter. They also range in weight from 10-12 pounds to 46-68 pounds depending on the type or brand you choose.

The current range it can measure 

The motor inside Electric Line Tracers ranges in size, depending on the maximum amount of current that it can measure. The size of the motor also depends on how high and long it can be extended. Maximum Current: 50 Amps.

The quality of workmanship should be considered 

Electric Line Tracers are used to trace lines on poles and electrical wires. They are used to locate problems and fix problems that may cause brownouts, open circuits, and higher voltage lines. Some electric line tracers include GPS tracking systems for tracing circuits or pinpointing exact locations by GPS.

The use of an electrical line finder is very important in the process of identifying issues and fixing problems. As with anything, they require a proper amount of care to fix and properly use and maintain. This will help them last a long time as long as they are properly maintained.