Simplewire Flex+ QR Quick Start
Use this guide at the electrical panel and go straight to the step-by-step instructions.
Contents
New to Flex+? Start with the video
The video provides a quick overview of the unit, scanner and workflow.
Quick start
Press the power button on both the Flex+ unit and the scanner. A blue light and a short beep confirm that each device is ready.
If a device beeps and flashes red, the battery level is too low for reliable operation. Charge it before continuing.
Mount the unit with the front facing outwards and the rear towards the electrical panel. Use the built-in magnets or mounting hook to keep it secure and the signal outputs within easy reach.
Check: the unit must not be loose or obstruct your work in the electrical panel.
This is the most important choice in the setup. Always start with the strongest method the installation allows, and only move to a weaker method when necessary.
The preferred and most stable method. Always try this first.
Shielded cables: place the signal clamp downstream of the shield's earth connection, after the point where the shield is earthed.
Reliable when PE has a proper earth connection. Use only when clamping the entire cable is not possible.
A strong method, but it does not work when the circuit breaker or switch is off.
The weakest method. It requires Signal Anchor and is more sensitive to load and reference errors.
Place the yellow scanner tip against the object you want to check, then press and hold the metal button to start scanning.
Look for the strongest stable signal. If the reading is weak or unstable, check the reference setup, battery and measurement method.
Scanner display
A clear signal appears as a prominent bar on the display. Use it to confirm that the scanner is close to the correct part of the installation.
When a signal is detected, a signal bar appears. The stronger the reading, the closer the scanner tip is to the correct part of the installation.
Press the yellow button on the scanner to clear the scan history.
Signal Anchor
Use Signal Anchor when measuring phase only or neutral only.
Recommended use
If step 03 does not produce a stable result, check these key requirements, limitations and possible sources of error.
Technical specifications
Key specifications for the signal, batteries, operating environment and package contents. Use the table as a quick reference at the electrical panel.
10
numbered signal outputs in one unit.
95 kHz
On-Off Keying (OOK) active signal type.
8–16 cm
typical scanning range, depending on the environment and installation.
IP5X
for dry environments with some dust, but no exposure to water.
Troubleshooting
First check that the clamp is on the correct conductor and that the reference setup matches the measurement method.
Then check whether PE has a proper earth connection, whether N or L is mixed between circuits, and whether earthed objects or electrical noise are shielding the signal.
Use Signal Anchor. Connect N and L1–L3 as early in the electrical panel as possible, then repeat the scan.
Remember that signalling does not work when the circuit breaker is off. A high load on the circuit may also weaken the signal.
When an earth loop is formed, the signal follows only the path containing that loop. Other branches may therefore appear to have no signal if the earth loop is in a different branch.
Fuse Finder is designed to trace backwards through the installation, from socket to fuse. Guaranteed scanning takes place in the electrical panel.
Scanning cables directly can be more difficult, and signal spillover within the electrical panel is normal. Use Delta mode to locate the strongest signal.
If the problem continues after these checks, email support@simplewire.io.
Tell us how the clamps are connected, whether Signal Anchor is in use and whether the device indicates a low battery. This helps us assist you more quickly.
Common mistakes
Most initial problems have a small number of recognisable causes. Identifying them early saves time and prevents incorrect conclusions.
Phase-only or neutral-only measurements without Signal Anchor, PE without a proper earth connection, or mixed N/L conductors often produce unclear and unpredictable results.
A red flash or repeated beeps indicate that you should charge the device before continuing.
Flex+ is intended for dry environments only. In rare installations, electrical noise or earthed objects may also shield the signal.
Do not open the device or attempt repairs yourself. This increases risk and may void the warranty.
Ready to continue
If you still need help, review the troubleshooting section above or contact support@simplewire.io.
