Music to your ears

Problem: Over the years, breaker panel documentation has not been kept up-to-date. Consequently, it takes a great deal of time to find the correct breaker in order to de-energize a wall outlet.

By Staff August 1, 1999

Problem: Over the years, breaker panel documentation has not been kept up-to-date. Consequently, it takes a great deal of time to find the correct breaker in order to de-energize a wall outlet. This problem is magnified if the breaker panel is located in a remote area or in another building. Is there a way to locate the right remote breaker?

Solution: Purchase an inexpensive (less than $10) doorbell. Put one person at the wall outlet with the doorbell pushbutton and a light or digital multimeter used to test the outlet for power. Position a second employee with the chimes at the breaker panel. The second employee begins flipping the switches. When the correct breaker is found, the first employee rings the doorbell to signal success.

Contributor: Ralph Dewey, Solvay Polymers Corp., Deer Park, TX