Tone Generator over live wire

[Rinnt]

Hello,

I hope I'm posting this to the right forum.

I recently received a tone generator for testing cable conectivity and location. While I have used one before, this one seems a bit different. I noticed on the box that it is never to be used on a live wire.

What would happen if I sent a tone, using the tone generator, thru a live data wire that our computers attach to? Would it cause temporary disruptions? Permanent damage? Or Nothing?

Some times it's difficult to determin what wire is live and what is not. I have no documentation for this network that I am administering so I am trying to figure out what goes where. I know at one place I worked they said it would knock out the phone systems and the phones would have to be restarted. Any ideas? Thanks...

 

[lopes1211]

That's the whole point of the toner/tracer is not knowing where the wire you need to ID is terminated to. I've sent tones to dozens of different PBX port types, RS-232's, ethernet, token ring etc. and never had an issue. You on your own but personally I wouldn't worry. -CL

 

[MattWray]

I agree with Lopes, it won't hurt anything. It's ok to use on a live voice or data wire, the box is probably refering to electrical. Though, I don't know anyone who needs to be informed not to hook up to hot AC. Matt Wray
CCNA, MCP
mwray77518@yahoo.com