1. Introducere
The Triplett Fox & Hound HotWire (Model 3388) is a comprehensive kit designed for tracing live and unpowered circuits. This kit includes the Fox HotWire Tone Generator and the Hound HotWire Inductive Amplifier, providing a versatile solution for identifying and tracing various types of wiring.
It is suitable for tracing 120VAC and 220VAC circuits, as well as common wires such as telephone, cable TV, LAN cables, and security system wires. The kit offers features like multiple tone generation, visual and audible continuity tests, and advanced tracing capabilities through various materials.

Figure 1.1: The Fox HotWire Tone Generator and Hound HotWire Inductive Ampmai în viață.

Figure 1.2: Complete Triplett Fox & Hound HotWire kit with accessories.
2. Informații de siguranță
AVERTISMENT: Acest produs vă poate expune la substanțe chimice, inclusiv plumb, care este cunoscut de statul California pentru a provoca cancer și defecte congenitale sau alte daune reproductive. Pentru mai multe informații accesați www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Always ensure the circuit is de-energized before connecting the Fox HotWire for unpowered tracing, unless specifically using the live circuit tracing feature.
- Nu depășiți volumul maximtage rating of 250 VAC.
- Use caution when working with live circuits. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Never use the HotWire Fox with the battery cover removed when tracing live circuits. Dangerous voltagpot fi prezente.
- Keep the device dry and clean. Do not expose to moisture.
3. Ce se află în cutie
The Triplett 3388 Fox & Hound HotWire Live Wire Tone and Probe Wire Tracing Kit includes the following items:
- Fox HotWire Tone Generator
- Hound HotWire Inductive Ampmai în viață
- Test Leads (24" and 60")
- Flat Blades
- Pointed Probes
- Clipuri de aligator
- Geantă de transport dur
- Two (2) 9V Batteries (included)

Figure 3.1: The Triplett Fox & Hound HotWire kit in its hard carrying case.
4. Componente pesteview
4.1 Fox HotWire Tone Generator
The Fox HotWire is the transmitter unit. It generates a signal (tone) that is injected into the wire to be traced. Key features include:
- Tonuri multiple: Generates Pulse or Warble tones.
- Test de continuitate: Visual and audible indication.
- TrueTrace & TripLatch Tests: Proprietary tracing and latching functions.
- Protecție la suprasarcină: Up to 250 VAC.
- Opțiuni de alimentare: Can be powered by a 9-volt battery or the high voltage line it is toning.
- Spate magnetic: Allows for hands-free operation by attaching to metal surfaces.

Figure 4.1: Front panel of the Fox HotWire Tone Generator.

Figura 4.2: Spate view of the Fox HotWire, showing battery access and quick instructions.
4.2 Hound HotWire Inductive Ampmai în viață
The Hound HotWire is the receiver unit, used to detect the tone generated by the Fox HotWire. Key features include:
- Sensibilitate reglabila: Thumbwheel control for precise signal detection.
- Indicator de putere a semnalului: LED provides visual feedback.
- Built-in LED Headlight: Illuminates dark work areas and helps reduce fluorescent light noise.
- Bandpass Filter: Suppresses unwanted frequencies for clearer signal detection.
- Mufă pentru căști: For use in noisy or quiet environments.
- Easy Access Battery Cover: For convenient battery replacement.

Figura 4.3: Față view of the Hound HotWire Inductive Ampmai în viață.

Figura 4.4: lateral view of the Hound HotWire, highlighting the sensitivity control and earphone jack.

Figure 4.5: The built-in LED headlight on the Hound HotWire.
5. Configurare
5.1 Instalarea bateriei
Both the Fox HotWire and Hound HotWire require one 9V battery each. To install:
- Localizați compartimentul bateriilor pe spatele fiecărei unități.
- Deschideți capacul bateriei.
- Connect a 9V battery to the battery clip, observing correct polarity.
- Introduceți bateria în compartiment și închideți bine capacul.
Nota: The Fox HotWire can also be powered by the live circuit it is tracing, but a 9V battery is required for low voltage tracing and continuity tests.
5.2 Verificare inițială
Before use, perform a quick check:
- Asigurați-vă că bateriile sunt instalate în ambele unități.
- On the Fox HotWire, press the UNLOCK button and set the switch to 'TRACER TONE'.
- Set the RF LEVEL knob to midrange.
- On the Hound HotWire, set the sensitivity thumbwheel to midrange and press the 'PUSH ON' button.
- Bring the tip of the Hound near the test leads of the Fox. You should hear an audible tone and see the signal strength LED illuminate.
6. Instrucțiuni de utilizare
6.1 Tracing Live Circuits (120VAC/220VAC)
The HotWire kit is designed to safely trace live AC circuits up to 250VAC.
- Connect the Fox HotWire to the live circuit. For an outlet, use the provided test leads with flat blades or pointed probes. Ensure a secure connection. The 'VOLTAGE PRESENT' LED on the Fox will illuminate.
- Set the Fox HotWire switch to 'TRACER TONE' and select either 'PULSE' or 'WARBLE' tone.
- Adjust the RF LEVEL knob on the Fox to an appropriate setting.
- Activate the Hound HotWire by setting its sensitivity to midrange and pressing 'PUSH ON'.
- Move the tip of the Hound along the suspected path of the wire. The signal strength LED and audible tone will indicate the wire's location.
- Adjust the Hound's sensitivity as needed to pinpoint the wire. A lower sensitivity setting helps in isolating a specific wire in a bundle.

Figure 6.1: Fox HotWire connected to a live outlet.

Figure 6.2: Hound HotWire tracing a circuit breaker.
6.2 Tracing Unpowered Wires
For unpowered wires (e.g., telephone, LAN, security, or de-energized electrical circuits):
- Ensure the circuit is completely de-energized.
- Connect the Fox HotWire test leads to the wire pair or single wire to be traced. For a single wire, connect one lead to the wire and the other to a good ground.
- Set the Fox HotWire switch to 'TRACER TONE' and select a tone.
- Use the Hound HotWire as described in Section 6.1 to trace the wire.
6.3 Tracing Through Building Materials
The HotWire's RF signal can penetrate various building materials.
- Drywall, Plaster, Wood, Cement: The Hound can detect signals through these materials. Move the Hound slowly and adjust sensitivity to find the strongest signal.
- Metal Conduit: The TrueTrace feature on the Fox HotWire allows the RF signal to be sensed through most metal conduits.

Figure 6.3: Hound HotWire tracing a wire through drywall.

Figure 6.4: Hound HotWire tracing a wire within a conduit.
6.4 Tracing Underground Wires
The HotWire can trace shallow underground wires up to 6 inches deep, such as those for 'Invisible Fences', cable television, telephone, or low voltagIluminarea peisajului.
- Connect the Fox HotWire to the underground wire. Ensure the other end of the wire is either open or grounded, depending on the tracing method.
- Set the Fox HotWire to 'TRACER TONE'.
- Walk along the suspected path of the underground wire with the Hound HotWire held close to the ground.
- Adjust sensitivity to locate the strongest signal, indicating the wire's path.

Figure 6.5: Hound HotWire tracing an underground wire.
6.5 Test de continuitate
The Fox HotWire can perform a visual and audible continuity test.
- Set the Fox HotWire switch to 'CONTINUITY'.
- Connect the test leads across the circuit or wire to be tested.
- An audible tone and visual indicator will confirm continuity.
7. Întreținere
7.1 Înlocuirea bateriei
Replace the 9V batteries in both the Fox and Hound units when the battery test indicator shows low power or when the units do not function correctly.
- Deschideți capacul compartimentului bateriei.
- Disconnect the old battery and replace it with a new 9V alkaline battery.
- Închideți bine capacul bateriei.
7.2 Curățare
Curățați unitățile cu o lavetă moale,amp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the units are dry before storage or use.
8. Depanare
| Problemă | Cauza posibila | Soluţie |
|---|---|---|
| No tone from Hound | Dead battery in Fox or Hound Fox not generating tone Hound sensitivity too low Wire not connected properly | Înlocuiți bateriile Check Fox settings (TRACER TONE) Increase Hound sensitivity Verify connections to wire/circuit |
| Semnal slab sau inconsistent | Baterie descărcată High interference Wire too deep or shielded Sensitivity setting incorrect | Înlocuiți bateriile Minimize external noise sources (e.g., fluorescent lights) Adjust Hound sensitivity, try different tracing angles Ensure proper grounding for unpowered wires |
| False signals or bleed-over | Sensibilitate ridicată Multiple wires in close proximity External RF interference | Reduce Hound sensitivity Slowly move the Hound to find the peak signal Turn off nearby electronic devices |
| Fox 'VOLTAGE PRESENT' LED not lit on live circuit | Fără voltage pe circuit Conexiune slabă Faulty test lead | Verify circuit is live with a multimeter Ensure test leads are securely connected Inspect test leads for damage |
9. Specificații
| Caracteristică | Caietul de sarcini |
|---|---|
| Model | 3388 Fox & Hound HotWire |
| Marca | Triplett |
| Vol. Maxtage (Fox) | 250 VAC |
| Tracing Distance | Până la 1000 de picioare |
| Underground Tracing Depth | Până la 6 inci |
| Sursa de alimentare | Battery Powered (2 x 9V batteries, included) or AC line powered (Fox) |
| Greutatea articolului | 0.01 Ounces (approx. 0.28 grams, likely package weight) |
| Dimensiunile produsului | 12.5 x 12 x 3 inci (dimensiuni ambalaj) |
| Conformitatea siguranței | CE, ETL, UL |
10. Demonstrație video
Watch this official video for a visual guide on using the Triplett 3388 Fox & Hound HotWire kit.
Video 10.1: Triplett 3388 Live Wire Tone and Probe Wire Tracing Kit demonstration. This video provides an overview of the kit's features and how to use it for tracing wires.
11. Garanție și asistență
The Triplett 3388 Fox & Hound HotWire kit comes with a 3 an garanție. For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact Triplett customer service. You can find more information and contact details on the official Triplett website-ul.
Oficial Website: www.triplett.com