Step By Step Help How To Directions For The Wire Locator and Break-Finders

How to Use the Wire Locator Breakfinder

Looking to fix a break in your underground dog fence? Our Wire Locator Breakfinder makes it simple to locate and repair wire breaks quickly and accurately—no guesswork needed.

What's Included

• Carrying Case
• Wire Locator Transmitter (with alligator clips)
• Wire Locator Receiver
• Headphones
• 2 x 9V Batteries

Breakfinder Components

Transmitter (with alligator clips):

• Cable Scan mode sends signal through the wire
• Battery Test mode checks battery (touch clips together—red light = good battery)
• Alligator clips for connecting to wire and ground

Receiver:

• Power/Volume dial
• "Push to Lamp" button (activates flashlight)
• Headphone jack (for loud environments)
• Signal pendulum for tracing wire path
• Built-in speaker

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Insert Batteries
Install one 9V battery into both the transmitter and receiver.

Step 2: Disconnect Fence Wires
Unplug the dog fence wires from your transmitter. For systems with a lightning arrester, disconnect the loop side.

Step 3: Connect the Transmitter
Attach one alligator clip to one fence wire. Attach the second clip to a ground point (e.g., ground wire, grounded outlet screw, or a stake). Turn the dial to Cable Scan to send a signal.

Note: Connecting both clips to fence wires will reduce signal accuracy.

Step 4: Locate the Break
Turn on the receiver near the transmitter—you’ll hear a steady tone. Walk along the wire’s path, sweeping the signal pendulum near the ground. The tone will grow louder as you near the wire and drop when directly above it. As you approach the break, the tone will weaken or vanish completely. Slowly move the pendulum side to side to pinpoint the break.

Step 5: Repair the Wire
Dig at the marked spot to expose the wire. Strip ½ inch of insulation from each end. Twist the wires together and trim the excess. Secure with a wire nut.

Step 6: Seal and Re-Bury
Insert the wire nut into the waterproof splice cap. Press firmly (gel may squeeze out—this is normal). Snap the cap shut and re-bury the wire. Your system is now repaired and ready to go.

Pro Tips

Twisted Pairs Can Cause Signal Bounce
If your fence has a long twisted pair (from the transmitter to the loop), it may confuse the signal.

• Disconnect the twisted pair where it enters the yard.
• Reconnect the loop to the transmitter directly.
• If your system works, the break is in the twisted pair.
• If it still alarms, the break is in the outer loop.

Force Signal One Way for Better Results
Clip the transmitter to one loop wire and clip the other lead to a metal stake in the ground. This forces the signal to travel in one direction—ending at the break.

Need Help?

Still stuck? Give us a call at (757) 482-1000—we’re here to help!