Hi. Is it true that using a cable toner/tracer on a wire that is plugged into a live switch will take down the network? Or even blow the switch?

Thanks!
GW

It is always advisable that you do not put a tone generator on a live line (one that is going into a hub or other network device). With that being said, most of the time your toning the line because you don't know where it's going, so how do you know which line to unplug from the hub? In the 5 years I've been toning lines, I've never had a network port go bad on me after attaching a tone generator on the other end. But I avoid it when possible, and quickly disconnect the line or the generator after I find the other end point.

But this is with network communication equipment. Someone else will have to answer for telephone equipment.

Thanks! I'm dealing strictly with cat5 cables.

It's best to use a LAN tester for network drops and cables. A Toner/Tracer might use a little more voltage and could be detrimental to a NIC or Switch.

Underdog

Has anyone ever blown out a switch or other device using a tracer?