1. Introduzzjoni
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 Ampaktar ħaj.

Figure 1.2: Complete Triplett Fox & Hound HotWire kit with accessories.
2. Informazzjoni dwar is-Sigurtà
TWISSIJA: Dan il-prodott jista' jesponik għal kimiċi inkluż iċ-ċomb, li huwa magħruf mill-Istat ta' Kalifornja li jikkawża kanċer u difetti fit-twelid jew ħsara riproduttiva oħra. Għal aktar informazzjoni mur fuq 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.
- Taqbiżx il-vol massimutage 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 voltages jistgħu jkunu preżenti.
- Keep the device dry and clean. Do not expose to moisture.
3. X'hemm fil-Kaxxa
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 Ampaktar ħaj
- Test Leads (24" and 60")
- Flat Blades
- Pointed Probes
- Klipps tal-Alligator
- Każ tal-Ġarr iebes
- Two (2) 9V Batteries (included)

Figure 3.1: The Triplett Fox & Hound HotWire kit in its hard carrying case.
4. Komponenti Overview
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:
- Toni multipli: Generates Pulse or Warble tones.
- Test ta' Kontinwità: Visual and audible indication.
- TrueTrace & TripLatch Tests: Proprietary tracing and latching functions.
- Protezzjoni ta' tagħbija żejda: Up to 250 VAC.
- Għażliet tal-Enerġija: Can be powered by a 9-volt battery or the high voltage line it is toning.
- Dahar manjetiku: Allows for hands-free operation by attaching to metal surfaces.

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

Figura 4.2: Wara view of the Fox HotWire, showing battery access and quick instructions.
4.2 Hound HotWire Inductive Ampaktar ħaj
The Hound HotWire is the receiver unit, used to detect the tone generated by the Fox HotWire. Key features include:
- Sensittività aġġustabbli: Thumbwheel control for precise signal detection.
- Indikatur tal-Qawwa tas-Sinjal: 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.
- Jack tal-widna: For use in noisy or quiet environments.
- Easy Access Battery Cover: For convenient battery replacement.

Figura 4.3: Quddiem view of the Hound HotWire Inductive Ampaktar ħaj.

Figura 4.4: Ġenb 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. Setup
5.1 Installazzjoni tal-batterija
Both the Fox HotWire and Hound HotWire require one 9V battery each. To install:
- Sib il-kompartiment tal-batterija fuq wara ta' kull unità.
- Iftaħ l-għatu tal-batterija.
- Connect a 9V battery to the battery clip, observing correct polarity.
- Poġġi l-batterija fil-kompartiment u agħlaq l-għatu sew.
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 Kontroll Inizjali
Before use, perform a quick check:
- Kun żgur li l-batteriji huma installati fiż-żewġ unitajiet.
- 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. Istruzzjonijiet Operattivi
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 voltage dawl tal-pajsaġġ.
- 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 ta' Kontinwità
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. Manutenzjoni
7.1 Sostituzzjoni tal-batterija
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.
- Iftaħ l-għatu tal-kompartiment tal-batterija.
- Disconnect the old battery and replace it with a new 9V alkaline battery.
- Agħlaq l-għatu tal-batterija sew.
7.2 Tindif
Clean the units with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Ensure the units are dry before storage or use.
8 Issolvi l-problemi
| Problema | Kawża Possibbli | Soluzzjoni |
|---|---|---|
| No tone from Hound | Dead battery in Fox or Hound Fox not generating tone Hound sensitivity too low Wire not connected properly | Ibdel il-batteriji Check Fox settings (TRACER TONE) Increase Hound sensitivity Verify connections to wire/circuit |
| Sinjal dgħajjef jew inkonsistenti | Batterija baxxa High interference Wire too deep or shielded Sensitivity setting incorrect | Ibdel il-batteriji 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 | Sensittività għolja 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 | L-ebda voltage fuq iċ-ċirkwit Konnessjoni fqira Faulty test lead | Verify circuit is live with a multimeter Ensure test leads are securely connected Inspect test leads for damage |
9. Speċifikazzjonijiet
| Karatteristika | Speċifikazzjoni |
|---|---|
| Mudell | 3388 Fox & Hound HotWire |
| Brand | Triplett |
| Vol. Maxtage (Fox) | 250 VAC |
| Tracing Distance | Sa 1000 pied |
| Underground Tracing Depth | Sa 6 pulzier |
| Sors tal-Enerġija | Battery Powered (2 x 9V batteries, included) or AC line powered (Fox) |
| Piż tal-oġġett | 0.01 Ounces (approx. 0.28 grams, likely package weight) |
| Dimensjonijiet tal-Prodott | 12.5 x 12 x 3 pulzieri (dimensjonijiet tal-ippakkjar) |
| Konformità tas-Sigurtà | CE, ETL, UL |
10. Dimostrazzjoni bil-Vidjo
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. Garanzija u Appoġġ
The Triplett 3388 Fox & Hound HotWire kit comes with a garanzija ta 'sena. For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact Triplett customer service. You can find more information and contact details on the official Triplett websit.
Uffiċjali Websit: www.triplett.com