A hidden wire detector or an electrostatic detector, as well as an electromagnetic device is used:
- when changing the scheme of the electrical network of the premises;
- when laying additional power and low-current cables in the wall;
- when drilling the wall for dowels and nails.
Hidden wiring detectors are used in the overhaul of apartments that require a complete replacement of electrical wiring.
Sometimes electrical wiring is done without a technical plan, according to the principle of the smallest distance between voltage points, so electrical wires in old walls are sometimes located at any angle. In order not to drill the wall at random and protect yourself from electric shock, a preliminary search for hidden wires is carried out.
The device finds wiring in drywall and concrete walls, as well as wooden interior structures. With the help of a hidden wire detector that scans wiring, they look for screws, screws, pipes, metal fittings or ceilings recessed into the wall. To detect copper and aluminum wires, the corrugated pipe will not be a screen.
The principle of operation of the device
Devices differ from each other in functionality. Methods for detecting electrical wiring depend on the type of devices used.
Common types of electronic indicators.
- universal, combined;
- metal detectors;
- electrostatic;
- electromagnetic.
Electrostatic buried wire detectors detect wires that are energized, the sensitivity of the device captures the electric field.
Electromagnetic hidden wire detectors detect the magnetic component of hidden metal products. If the wall being tested is wet or has a metallic surface, then electrostatics and magnetism will interfere with the search for wires.
Metal detectors find metal strands of wires, fittings and steel pipes under plaster. The work is based on the interaction of eddy currents arising in a metal object under the influence of the magnetic field of the inductive coil of the device.
In universal models, several principles for finding wires are used. If accuracy is required in finding a wire in any, even damp, wall, then the versatility of a hidden wire detector is indispensable.
The functions of the devices are not limited only to the search for hidden cables with an approximate range, modern models have wide functionality.
The detection scheme of detector devices and the depth of detection are different, this must be taken into account when choosing and buying a device.
In some devices, a successful search is reported not only by a sound signal, but also by a light pulse. The display shows information about what the sensors find in the wall.
The hidden wire detector can be equipped with a laser level or a digital tape measure.
The disadvantages include the inability of non-universal indicators to detect de-energized wiring.
Rating of the best hidden wiring detectors
The range of models of concealed wiring detectors is wide. The answer to the question of which detector to choose from those available on the market depends on the purpose of using the device.
ADA Wall Scanner 120 PROF А00485
The household model is powered by a krone battery. The body is made of durable plastic. Protective pads protect it from impacts. Detects ferrous and non-ferrous metals, wooden structures in walls, ceilings and floors. Depth of detection - from 4 to 12 cm.
ADA Wall Scanner 50 A00506
Inexpensive scanning detector for metal and hidden wiring. Narrow, with a folding sensor. There is a sensitivity adjustment. Notification - sound and light indicators. Household model, detects metals, wires, electrical voltage, profile under drywall. Depth to target - 5 cm.
Bosch GMS 120 PROF
With a hidden wiring detector, they choose a place on the wall for safe drilling. For this, a marking hole is provided in the center of the body. When a hidden electrical wiring is detected, a red LED light is on. Able to find steel, copper, aluminum and inhomogeneous elements in the investigated walls. It works in several modes, which depend on the surface under study. The depth of impact on the target is from 3.8 to 12 cm.
E121 WOODWOPER
It works according to the electrostatic principle, is lightweight, compact and functional, monitors hidden wiring or breakage, determines the phase and neutral wires in the current-carrying parts of electrical networks, detects grounding or grounding. To scan the wires, the network must be energized. Object detection - up to 12 cm.
BLACK & DECKER BDS 200
Universal metal detector with a shallow wire detection depth. Used as a precaution before drilling. Equipped with a shock-resistant coating and a sensitivity regulator. There is a notification about the result of scanning with an audiovisual response with duplication of information on the display.
DSL8220S
Portable hidden wire detector for detecting wires in the wall. Indication type - red LED light and sound signal. In terms of capabilities, it is similar to the E121 DYATEL signaling device. It is used to indicate hidden objects made of plastic and wooden structures. Defines a phase wire. The body is splash-proof. The depth of the search for the target object is 20 cm.
MEET MS-158M
With this sensor, the integrity of the strands of cables and wires is checked, it allows you to detect alternating voltage and dangerous electromagnetic and microwave radiation. Determines the exact location of the voltage wires, the error is 5 cm. The detection depth is 50 mm.
Ryobi PHONEWORKS RPW-5500
Wall scanner household. On its body there is a special marker that marks the location of the object. Part of the Ryobi line of gadgets for working with a smartphone. Works only with drywall. Scanning depth - 19 mm.
Stanley 0-77-406 S200 STHT0-77406
Non-homogeneous material detector - finds electrical wiring, rebar in concrete, wooden beams, frames.Determines the center of the detected object in one pass. The depth of the search depends on the nature of the object: for scanning metal or wooden parts - 2 cm, for searching for wires - up to 50 mm.
