TOOLTOP ET938/ET938PRO Cable Locator, Thermal Imager & Multimeter User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your TOOLTOP ET938 or ET938PRO device. These devices are advanced tools designed for electrical professionals, offering capabilities for cable locating, multimeter measurements, and, in the case of the ET938PRO, thermal imaging. Please read this manual thoroughly before operation and keep it for future reference.

2. Product Differentiation

The TOOLTOP series offers two models with distinct capabilities:

ET938: Functions as a 400V Electricity Cable Locator and a Multimeter.
ET938PRO: Includes all functions of the ET938, plus a High-Performance Thermal Imager.

Comparison table showing features of ET938 and ET938PRO — Figure 2.1: Comparison of ET938 and ET938PRO features. The ET938PRO includes a Thermal Imager.

3. Key Features

Multifunctional Cable Locator: Easily locate underground and in-wall cables, water pipes, and heating lines. Quickly detect circuit breaks and short circuit faults, and identify and cover sockets to meet various construction and maintenance needs.
High-Performance Thermal Imager (ET938PRO only): Features ISR 240*240 resolution, widely used in electrical fault troubleshooting, power line HVAC inspection.
Intelligent Sensitivity Adjustment: Offers 3 testing modes (Auto, Manual with 8 levels, NCV) for precise fault location.
Professional Multimeter: 60,000 counts high-precision display, supporting AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, capacitance, continuity, diode test, and integrated network cable mapping.
Portable and Long Battery Life: Equipped with a built-in rechargeable lithium battery, lighting function for dim environments, and comes with grounding piles and tool kits for convenient outdoor operations.

Grid of product features icons — Figure 3.1: Visual representation of key product features including Thermal Imager (ET938PRO only), Image Storage (ET938PRO only), In-wall/Underground Line Search, Breakpoint Finder, Short Circuit Locator, NCV Function, Flashlight, AC/DC Voltage, Auto/Manual Sweep, Adjustable Sensitivity, Multimeter, Lithium Cell, Type-C Charging, Mute Function, and Automatic Shutdown.

4. Package Contents

Upon opening your product package, please verify that all the following items are included:

1 x Transmitter
1 x Receiver
1 x Type-C cable
1 x Pair of Test leads
1 x Pair of Alligator clip cables
1 x English Manual
1 x Grounding pile
1 x Tool Bag

Diagram of ET938 package contents with numbered items — Figure 4.1: Package contents for the ET938 model, including Transmitter, Receiver, Type-C cable, Grounding Pile, Test Leads, Alligator Clip Cable, Manual, and Tool Bag.

Diagram of ET938PRO package contents with numbered items — Figure 4.2: Package contents for the ET938PRO model, similar to ET938 but with thermal imaging capabilities.

5. Setup

5.1 Device Overview

Labeled diagram of the ET938PRO receiver and transmitter — Figure 5.1: Labeled components of the ET938PRO Receiver (left) and Transmitter (right). Key components include Flashlight, Tracing/NCV Sensor, USB Charging port, Infrared Imaging Lens (ET938PRO only), LCD Color Screen, Keypad, and Multimeter Probe Sockets.

5.2 Charging the Device

Both the Transmitter and Receiver units are equipped with built-in 1500mAh rechargeable lithium batteries. Use the provided Type-C cable to charge the devices. A 5V/2A/10W charger or above (not included) is recommended for optimal charging.

5.3 Initial Power On and Language Selection

Press and hold the power button to turn on the device. Upon first use or after a factory reset, you may need to select your preferred language. The device supports multiple languages including Chinese, English, German, French, and Spanish.

Screenshot of the language selection menu on the device screen — Figure 5.2: Device screen showing language selection options (Chinese, English, Deutsch, French, Espanol) and other setup parameters like Brightness, Auto power off, Sound, and LED light.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Cable Locating

The device can locate various types of cables and pipes, both in-wall and underground.

6.1.1 In-Wall Wiring Detection

Use the receiver to detect the direction, breakpoint location, and short-circuit point of electrical circuits within walls. The dual flashlight feature can assist in dimly lit areas.

Image showing the receiver detecting in-wall wiring with dual flashlight — Figure 6.1: The receiver unit being used to check in-wall wiring, illustrating its dual flashlight capability.

6.1.2 Underground Cable Detection

To detect faults such as open circuits and short circuits in cables buried underground, connect the red alligator clip to the cable and the black clip to the grounding pile. The device can detect up to 1.5m deep.

Image showing the device detecting underground cables with grounding pile — Figure 6.2: The cable locator detecting underground cables. The red clip is clamped to the cable, and the black clip is grounded. Detection depth is up to 1.5m.

6.1.3 Water Pipes/Underfloor Heating Pipe Search

Find open and short circuit faults in electric heating circuits under the floor.

Image showing the device detecting underfloor heating pipes — Figure 6.3: The device being used to search for water pipes or underfloor heating pipes, indicating its ability to find open and short circuit faults.

6.1.4 Fuse/Socket Search

Search for fuses and their safety circuits, as well as covered sockets and junction boxes.

Image showing the device searching for fuses/sockets — Figure 6.4: The device in use to search for fuses and sockets, highlighting its utility in identifying safety circuits and covered electrical points.

6.1.5 Transmission Codes

The device utilizes 6 types of transmission codes (A, C, E, F, H, L) to quickly identify the classification or confirmation of laid lines.

Diagram illustrating 6 types of transmission codes — Figure 6.5: Illustration of the six transmission codes (A, C, E, F, H, L) used by the transmitter to differentiate and identify cables.

6.2 Thermal Imaging (ET938PRO Only)

The ET938PRO model features a high-performance thermal imager for various applications.

6.2.1 Infrared Imaging Parameters

The thermal imager has an ISR 240*240 resolution and is suitable for floor heating leak detection, power inspection, electronic maintenance, industrial temperature measurement, and fiber optic fault detection.

Image showing the ET938PRO thermal imager with parameter indicators — Figure 6.6: The ET938PRO displaying thermal imaging with key parameter indicators such as Infrared Resolution (ISR 240*240), Image Capture Frequency (25Hz), Image Display Resolution (240*320), Temperature Range (-20~550°C), and Viewing Angle (50.0° (H) x 36.2° (V)).

6.2.2 Automatic Temperature Capture

The thermal imager performs a three-point temperature measurement, capturing the highest temperature point, lowest temperature point, and center point in sequence, and automatically tracking them for more accurate readings.

Thermal image showing automatic temperature capture points — Figure 6.7: Thermal image illustrating the automatic capture of the lowest, highest, and center temperature points for precise measurement.

6.2.3 Color Palette Modes

The ET938PRO offers seven color palette modes for thermal imaging, allowing users to visualize temperature differences in various ways: Incandescence, Green heat, Red Hot, Lava, Rainbow, Iron Oxide Red, and Black Hot.

Grid of seven thermal imaging color palette modes — Figure 6.8: Display of seven different color palette modes available for thermal imaging, enhancing visualization of temperature variations.

6.3 Multimeter Functions

The integrated multimeter provides 60,000 counts high-precision measurements for various electrical parameters.

Grid of multimeter functions including Continuity, Diode, Capacitance, Resistance, AC Current, DC Current — Figure 6.9: Examples of multimeter functions: Continuity, Diode, Capacitance, Resistance, AC Current, and DC Current measurements.

6.3.1 AC/DC Voltage Measurement

Capable of measuring AC/DC voltage ranging from 10 to 400V.

Image showing the transmitter measuring AC/DC voltage — Figure 6.10: The transmitter unit measuring AC/DC voltage in an electrical panel.

6.4 NCV Test

Detect whether a circuit is live without contact, with adjustable signal strength.

Image showing the device performing an NCV test on a wall socket — Figure 6.11: The device performing a Non-Contact Voltage (NCV) test on a wall socket, indicating live circuit detection.

6.5 Sensitivity Adjustment

The device offers three modes for adjusting sensitivity: Automatic, Manual, and NCV switching, allowing for precise targeting and detection.

Diagram showing Auto, Manual, and NCV sensitivity modes — Figure 6.12: Display modes for sensitivity adjustment: Auto, Manual (with signal level and code), and NCV mode.

7. Maintenance

Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the device. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
Storage: Store the device in its tool bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Battery Care: Recharge the lithium battery regularly, even if the device is not in use, to maintain battery health. Avoid fully discharging the battery for extended periods.
Calibration: For professional use, periodic calibration by qualified personnel is recommended to ensure accuracy.

8. Troubleshooting

Device Not Powering On: Ensure the battery is charged. Connect the device to a power source using the Type-C cable and try again.
Inaccurate Readings: Check for proper connection of test leads or alligator clips. Ensure the correct mode (Auto, Manual, NCV) and sensitivity level are selected for the task. Environmental factors can sometimes affect readings; try to minimize interference.
Thermal Imager (ET938PRO) Not Displaying Image: Ensure the device is in thermal imaging mode. Check for any obstructions on the infrared lens.
No Signal Detection: Verify that the transmitter is properly connected to the circuit and powered on. Adjust the sensitivity of the receiver. Ensure the grounding pile is correctly installed for underground tracing.
Screen Issues: If the screen is unresponsive or displaying errors, try restarting the device. If the issue persists, a factory reset might be necessary (refer to the setup menu).

9. Specifications

9.1 General Functions

Table of product parameters for ET938 and ET938PRO — Figure 9.1: Detailed product parameters for both ET938 and ET938PRO models, including output signal, signal encoding, cable voltage, tracking depth, LCD size, overload voltage, NCV testing range, low battery detection, auto power off, fuse, size, weight, and battery type.

Cable Locator Parameters
Parameter	Value
Output signal	125kHz/35V
Signal Encoding	A/C/E/F/H/L
Signal Level	4
Cable Voltage	AC/DC 10~400V
Tracking Depth	Depends on medium and application
Unipolar Application	Approx. 0~1 m
Bipolar Application	0~0.5 m
Single Pole Application	Approx. 0~2m
LCD Screen	50*67mm Color Screen
Overload Voltage	DC1000V/ACV750V
Dual Flashlight	Yes
Work Range	0~40°C Max 80% rel. Humidity (no condens)
NCV Testing	Approx. 0~0.4m
Low Battery Detection Function	Yes
Auto Power Off	Yes
Fuse	2A/300V
Size (Main Body)	1758536
Size (Receiver)	2558536
Weight	Approx. 1180g
Battery	Main Body/Receiver: 1500mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery

9.2 Thermal Camera Parameters (ET938PRO Only)

Thermal Imaging Parameters
Parameter	Value
Thermal Imaging Pixels	IRS 240*240
Testing Distance	0.2~3m (0.1m*0.1m)
3-Point Measurement	Center Point/Highest Point/Lowest Point
Temperature Range	-20~550°C
Frame Rate	25Hz
Spatial Resolution	8.8mrad
Accuracy	2 ℃ or 2% (Take the maximum value after calculation. When <5 ℃, the Error is +3℃)
Photo Storage	60 Data Sets

9.3 Multimeter Parameters

Multimeter Parameters
Parameter	Value
Display	60000 Counts
DC Voltage	600.00mV~1000V (±0.5%+0.3)
AC Voltage	600.00mV~750V (±0.8%+0.5)
DC Current	600.00mA~10A (±1%+0.4)
AC Current	600.00mA~10A (±1%+0.5)
Resistance	600.00Ω~60MΩ (±1.0%+0.6)
Capacitance	6.0000nF~60MF (±2%+0.6)
Frequency	6.0000Hz~6MHz (±1%+0.1)
Continuity	＜10Ω
Diode	Support

10. User Tips

No specific user tips were available from the provided reviews or Q&A. For best results, always ensure a stable connection and appropriate sensitivity settings for your specific detection task.

11. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official TOOLTOP website or contact your retailer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

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