Power Probe ECT 2000 - Circuit Fault Tracer
Ever seen one of those action flicks where they attach a transmitter to a car and then use GPS to track down terrorists, kidnappers, or truant high school students bent on overthrowing a sadistic guidance counselor? The Power Probe ECT 2000 Circuit Tester uses a similar approach to track shorts and opens in vehicle circuits.
The ECT 2000 that we are testing this month is part of the Power Probe Combo kit that also includes a Power Probe. (View our Power Probe article here.)
Similar to a Fox and Hound circuit tester used by computer technicians to check network wiring, the ECT 2000 injects a signal into a circuit that can be traced with a small, handheld receiver. Primary components of the ECT (Electronic Circuit Tester) are:
• A transmitter that injects a signal into a circuit. Note that there are two LEDs: one for open circuits, the other to indicate shorts to ground. The transmitter is powered by the vehicle battery (12-42 volts) through a 20-foot power lead with alligator clip attachments. The signal lead (green wire) is then connected to a vehicle circuit. (Scroll down to view video showing how the transmitter responds when the green signal wire is connected to a real circuit.)
The transmitter "injects" a traceable signal into the circuit that is monitored by the receiver. The signal changes, depending on whether the circuit is open or shorted to ground; and the receiver can tell the difference.
• A receiver tracks the signal to locate shorts and opens. Three red LEDs on the side of the transmitter body illuminate to indicate different circuit conditions. One LED lights when an open circuit is sensed, and the other two alternately illuminate to indicate the general direction of a sensed short to ground. The yellow button turns the unit on and locks receiver sensitivity for different test conditions.
Overview - Key Features and Characteristics
• The injected signal from the transmitter will change, depending on whether the circuit is open or grounded. The receiver detects the difference.
• Signal strength is greatest when the transmitter is connected to a grounded circuit path through a single wire. If the transmitter signal wire is connected to a series-parallel circuit, signal strength in parallel branches diminishes as it divides.
• An open circuit signal travels through all open parallel circuits at the same strength. It may be necessary to isolate and test open-ended circuits individually.
• Signal strength generated by the transmitter is current-limited to a maximum 100mA. This protects low current circuits from damage.
• Signals generated by the transmitter can pass through plastic and carpet. This allows wiring to be traced and tested without a lot of vehicle disassembly. Caution: Signal strength can be shielded (blocked) by metal barriers, wet carpet, or other wires.
User Manual
The ECT 2000 can be used for many circuit tests, including tests for key off battery drains. You'll want to spend some time reading the owner's manual, and then perform several tests on different kinds of circuits, to fully realize the tester's potential. Fortunately, Power Probe has included a clearly written, nicely illustrated, 27 page user's manual.
All art in the manual is professionally rendered. The color illustrations take the guesswork out of interpreting signals in different types of circuits, and demonstrate signal characteristics in series, parallel, open, and shorted circuits.
This page from the manual shows how to hold the receiver and interpret its LEDs when tracking a short-to-ground. You'll need to use the correct techniques to get the best results and avoid false readings. But it aint rocket surgery, and the manual clearly shows proper tool use.
Here are short videos that demonstrate several ECT 2000 features.
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