Help locating dead wire

[Bonstrosity]

Here is my dilemma, I just moved into a house and in the detached garage there is a sub panel with 2 sets of wires running into it. The subpanel is fused for 15 amps on each of these wire sets. However one of these wires is dead. Everything seems to run off the live set of wires.

Is there an easy way to find the dead wire back to the main panel? I have a feeling it may have been disconnected at some point because back at the main panel there is 1 20 amp breaker for the garage. I wouldn't mind having the extra amps on another circuit at the garage but was unable to find any loose wires at the main panel.

 

[mllester]

Maybe pictures of the main and sub panels would help with suggestions. The 15 amp fuses in the subpanel are protecting the two circuits in the garage. A fuse or circuit breaker in the main panel controls/protects the garage panel.

 

[pattenp]

First off you say this is a detached garage so I can tell you it's not code compliant to have more than one power feed to a detached structure. I'll assume you are in the US.

 

[eljefino]

Romex or individual wires? Finished walls at main panel? Subpanel? Unique markings on garage wire (eg different brand or manufacture date?) Main panel full? (Maybe they cut off a garage feed for a computer room or something.)

Believe there's a "beeper gizmo" you/ an electrician can attach at the garage end of things and "sniff" for it at the house.

 

[Ch3No2]

First off you say this is a detached garage so I can tell you it's not code compliant to have more than one power feed to a detached structure. I'll assume you are in the US.

Maybe that's why he has two now since one is dead?

 

[Bonstrosity]

First off, thanks for the replies.

The Main pannel is currently full and there has been electrical work for additions that has started to use the dual breakers. So I'm assuming one of the lines runing out to the garage was disconnected whether it be not up to code or to get more space in the box.

At the subpannel the incomming wires are Romex I believe (3 wire sets, black white and ground). I'll try to take some pictures and post them tonight. I have a feeling I'm stuck with what I have unless I want to do some upgrades.

I did speak to a low voltage guy today, he recommended a toner. It is hooked up to one end of the wire. The other portion will beep when it gets close to the same wire. I coud possibly track it down near the main panel, though it sounds like it would not be up to code having 2 live wires running out there.