Which tool to detect hot wire?

[Cakemeister]

I need to find out if a certain insulated wire is hot or not, without cutting the wire, and without having access to either end of the wire.

Is there a tick tool or something that will work through an insulated wire?

TIA,
CM

[JeepMonkey]

Yes, the electricians I have been around typically call it a tick tracer.  I know you can by them at local electrical supply houses (like Graybar, Electric Supply, etc) for around $20 - $30.  I wouldn't be suprised if you find it at Lowes or Radio Shack, maybe Harbor Freight.

Just an FYI, these devices DO NOT detect DC voltage.  This is probably no big deal for work in a home, but in indstrial plants with 125VDC circuits, people can get hurt.

EDIT
Here is a link to the one I have.  They make noise as well as have a light.  I prefer the transparant plastic tips, but the "frosted" plastic tips work fine.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_291473-72068-GT16_0__?productId=3201637&Ntt=voltage+detector&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dvoltage%2Bdetector

[protokatie]

Just an FYI, these devices DO NOT detect DC voltage.  This is probably no big deal for work in a home, but in indstrial plants with 125VDC circuits, people can get hurt.

Yeah, just pushing what you said again, as it is worth a repetition. These sensors work via electro-magnetic induction, which requires a changing electric field (AC or pulsed DC).

<at own risk>You could also make a makeshift sensor with a bit of insulated wire wrapped around the wire to be tested in a coil and an LED or a diode with a small needle meter. But going with a premade sensor will prolly be best. Also, you could possibly test DC current if you could shut down all power and then turn it on, depending on what you are using to measure, the change in field strength should cause a momentary change in the detector.</at own risk>