How to use a Tone Generator to trace a network cable

We have a tone generator kit for tracing network cables, but I am having trouble using it correctly.

The tone generator end plugs into the network cable I am trying to trace, and then I assume I should be able to go into the server room and just swipe the probe across the ends of the patch cables while still plugged into the switch, and hear the tone, but that doesn't seem to work.

• When the probe is pointed directly at the tone generator, it responds correctly.
• When I point it a few inches down the wire that is connected to it, it does not respond. I suspect this is due to the cable shielding? As a result, I assume I need to point at the cable end, and not the middle of the wire in the server room.
• My understanding is that the probe does not require you to un-plug any cables to work. Is this correct?

It would be great if someone who knows what they are doing would document the correct procedure here.

Thanks.

Solution 1:

First, check the batteries or make sure that you have new ones. Next, you should be swiping along the patch panel and not the switch. I swipe along the underside of the cable jacks (against the copper side) or along the punch panel on the back. I usually get a clearer signal this way.

I think you should test your toner by plugging the generator into a line you know is patched properly and stick the receiver in the proper jack.

Solution 2:

My experience with tone generators is that you're going to be touching the pins on the jacks on the patch panel, or, if you've got a really sensitive probe, the terminations on the back of the patch panel. I've never used a tone generator / probe combination that was able to pull tone thru the insulation of a UTP cable.

I don't know that I'd plug a tone generator into the far end of a cable that's patched into a switch, either. You probably won't blow anything up, but I wouldn't try it.

Solution 3:

All the above have great ideas, but another option is the following:

If you are trying to trace out Cat5 or 6 cabling, make up an adaptor that bridges/shorts out both the blue and the orange pairs and then connect the whole blue pair to one alligator clip and the whole orange pair to the other alligator clip. This will increase the tone volume significantly, as the twist in a pair of cat 5/6 cancels out the tone, but shorting the pair and using both conductors it overcomes this.

Solution 4:

If you are tracing a data line, you have to disconnect the patch cable from the server to the patch panel. If you do not disconnect the patch cable, you will get no signal from the tone generator. The server interferes with the signal. Also, mentioned above, make sure the batteries are good in the tool.

Solution 5:

Certain toners or network testers mainly high end fluke brand ones will tone through a live patched cable.. Most other toners are not very practical on "live" lines. But are great on lines that arent patched into anything at all (fresh install)