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I bought a house a few months ago. I own a refrigeration business and am very skilled with electrical. I discovered several things the electrician did that are extremely bizarre.

While I was checking out the panel, I went through each circuit labeling everything. There is one mystery single pole 20A breaker that I just can't seem to figure out. I pulled the panel cover off and there is a 12awg cable attached to it, yet nothing is without power when I turn it off. I've checked every outlet and fixture. I may have a line just laying live in the wall somewhere. I've left it off for now.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can trace this thing out?

isherwood
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user179624
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1 Answers1

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First, consider that there may be outside electric outlets, or wiring in place to prepare for installation of a new device, such as over-oven microwave, outdoor lighting, pool or well pump or an air conditioner.

However, there are various electric circuit tracers such as these, which can be used to follow an electric line. Some work by putting a small radio frequency (RF) generator at one end, and running an RF detector along the wall to detect RF leakage from the wire. Usually the generator plugs into an outlet, so one can find its breaker, but you would clip it on the breaker, to trace the wiring.

Rather than buy a tracer (those above range from ~US$40 to hundreds of dollars), you might find an electrician to loan you one... and you might need a new electrician to update that wiring, anyway.

DrMoishe Pippik
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