wanting to know if this is good in finding shorts in automotive wiring
246577
Im not sure if this would be best for that, I was tracking cable lines through my house. The best way to use this is if the attach the base to one end and then use the pen to trace the wire. It doesn't really tell you how good the connection is.
1691296
Bill has a good point, but I would recommend you read our discussion in my review first and make your own decision. I have used it like this for a long time until one day the wires melted! I am sure others have had better luck, it's only how much of a risk you are willing to take.
1808302
I used 14 AWG stranded, because I use it as a constant fan for my truck. I also used a relay with an inline fuse to the battery for power, grounded to a good ground for power and switch ground. I attached the positive of the relay switch to a switch leg and back to a power source that is only on when the key is in the ignition at on position. check your manual or use a multimeter and test fuses that are only on with the key and off when the ignition is off. This protects your battery from drain and your electrical system from a fire. Maybe over kill but I had a vehicular fire under both gasoline and electrical (not proud of it just grateful to be alive). I hope that was of some help. I used 14 AWG stranded, because I use it as a constant fan for my truck. I also used a relay with an inline fuse to the battery for power, grounded to a good ground for power and switch ground. I attached the positive of the relay switch to a switch leg and back to a power source that is only on when the key is in the ignition at on position. check your manual or use a multimeter and test fuses that are only on with the key and off when the ignition is off. This protects your battery from drain and your electrical system from a fire. Maybe over kill but I had a vehicular fire under both... » Read More I used 14 AWG stranded, because I use it as a constant fan for my truck. I also used a relay with an inline fuse to the battery for power, grounded to a good ground for power and switch ground. I attached the positive of the relay switch to a switch leg and back to a power source that is only on when the key is in the ignition at on position. check your manual or use a multimeter and test fuses that are only on with the key and off when the ignition is off. This protects your battery from drain and your electrical system from a fire. Maybe over kill but I had a vehicular fire under both gasoline and electrical (not proud of it just grateful to be alive). I hope that was of some help. « Show Less
373709
It is helpful for all automotive circuits, early or late. -- Check continuity, power up circuits, and other electrical tests.
480902
The clamp is not that accurate. I think its good for testing starters, alternators, etc. I just don't think it would it would work for trying to see less then an amps worth of difference. I wouldn't bother using it to measure anything less then 10 amps.
745076
Hi, It is strong enough to do this job, but it is not designed for this purpose, it is for testing fuses. Depending on wire thickness, I believe it will help as the tip is sharp.
2229772
It could be grounded by mounting and they have an extra wire in case of it being mounted on plastic or fiberglass where the ground would have to be by wire. Shorted would be if the positive wire were shorted to ground, thus the term shorted. And if that was the case you would be blowing fuses, or in the off chance of not having a fuse in the circuit your wires would melt.
1267949
Yes, but there are different sizes depending on the wire size. The red quick splice is for small wire but there are also yellow and blue. Usually blue is what is used with car.
2111376
ive only used in on 12 volt systems on semis. I do not like the quality of the item. It actually stopped working after my 3rd use. I would recommend a more reliable unit.
1779178
You do have to be pretty close to the wire for the sensor to pick it up, so I don't think it would detect it at all underground. Besides that, even if it could, it's not designed to clarify where an abrupt end to a signal is, so if you lost the signal, it could mean the wire is broke or you are no longer following the wire. Bottom line, this tool is not the way to resolve your problem.
2105731
Yes, absolutely. Additionally, it is very easy to install. All you need are a screwdriver and a pair of needle nose pliers to facilitate bending the three wires that carry the current. The green wire goes in the green colored screw slot; the black wire goes in the dark screw slot and the white wire goes in the shiny/bright screw slot. Make sure you tighten well to reduce the chance of corrosion.
847693
It depends upon what your looking for. I would not used it for high voltage circuits such as spark voltage unless you use an inductive isolator like a coiled wire around spark plug wire. I used it to trouble shoot low voltage digital and analog circuitry in industrial inspection equipment.
508690
You would probably be okay with that gauge of wire for that short of a run. HOWEVER! Be sure to fuse the line in case it overloads or should happen to short to ground over time! I used #0 gauge wire for a 15 foot run to the back of a van and regular battery terminals to attach to the dual post battery.
858037
This stuff really isn't meant for that, this stuff is meant for turn signals, tail lights ect and for that it works great!If you used this on the stereo buttons it may black them out completely so I would advise against it. Plus it would make the buttons look totally black when the stereo is off.
1201378
I should work well for you application. It is the best wire stripper I have come across. I can't see how you would be disappointed with this tool.
1260843
Yes, in some cases you can detect the wiring, but I have not found it to be 100% reliable.
1840524
That is the point of this item; it is not the kind they sell at the store. If you are looking for something that is "safe" you should shop for different shorting or the kind that is sold at you local market.