Metal and hidden wiring detector: cable detection and DIY device creation

During repairs or large-scale redevelopment, it is advisable to know where the wires, fittings and water supply pipes pass. The location of the communications must be taken into account if you just need to make a hole in the wall. You can use a metal and hidden wiring detector to find out where the cables go. It is inexpensive and small, but can be very helpful.

Types of devices

There are several types of hidden wiring detectors. They are used to solve various problems. Such devices are also called detectors, alarms, testers, indicators, or wire finders. Some of them are able to find not only wiring in the walls, but also metal or polypropylene pipes.

There are wiring detectors in the wallthat can detect metal frames and reinforcement. These are miniature metal detectors. They create a small magnetic field that can react to copper, aluminum and steel inclusions.

These devices are usually inexpensive. Most of them show the location of the metal in the wall fairly accurately. Their disadvantage is that with a large number of different communications, it is difficult to distinguish the required material.

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Some devices are capable of distinguishing metal, plastic, wood. Such indicators work in a completely different way. They are able to determine the density of a material by recording the pulse velocity. These models are more expensive as their construction is much more complicated. Most often, detectors are equipped with an LCD screen that displays complete information.

Wiring indicators

In any conductor, an electric current creates an electromagnetic field, and devices react to its change. TThese types of devices can perfectly identify cablesthat are energized. In other cases, wiring detectors are completely useless (for example, if you need to find a pipe or cable without voltage).

Wiring detectors have another rather serious drawback. They may not work adequately on wet or damp walls. This is due to the fact that the device sends a signal continuously, and moisture does not allow it to function fully. The device will continuously emit signals about the found metal.

There is a universal device for locating wires. It was created because it is often necessary to look for not only wiring in work, but also other elements hidden in the wall. It is possible to adjust the sensitivity level to search in different conditions.

Such a device is already considered professional equipment. Its functioning is much better, but the cost is several times higher. Some models of this type of device require preliminary adjustment. Before using it, it must be held for some time against a wall that does not have any voids or metal inclusions.

Functional features

There are certain factors to watch out for. They are common to all types of devices. For each model, they appear to a different degree. Main problems:

1. Maximum limiting depth for revealing structural elements. It is different for each device. The deeper the cable or other material, the higher the chance of device error. Also, the detector can identify several objects in close proximity to each other as one.
2. Objects that are as close as possible to the wall surface are determined with the greatest accuracy.
3. If two objects are located next to each other, then the detector can only detect the larger one. In this case, the smaller one will not be scanned at all. The device averages the location of both objects, which greatly increases the error.

The higher the quality and class of the meter, the less manifest these factors. When using such devices, it is necessary to remember about possible errors.

Purchase of the device

Before purchasing a device, you need to know exactly what functions will be needed. If you need to look exclusively for wiring, then the most common and inexpensive detector is suitable for this. To locate the pipelines and the building frame, you need to buy a higher class device.

At the time of purchase, it is necessary to take into account the materials that the device can detect. You also need to know the depth of the signal. The cheapest detectors operate at a maximum depth of 2 cm. This is very little, since the plaster layer is often 3-4 cm. It is advisable to choose devices as powerful as possible, but their price is much higher. Also, devices are divided by the type of notification. The signal can be:

1. Sound. The pitch is in a different key and usually has a different duration. Sound helps to identify what is in the wall at a specific location.
2. Light. Such models have different LEDs that light up when any material (wiring or other communications) is detected. Often they have several different colors, corresponding to a particular find. Using the device, you can fairly accurately determine the location of various inclusions.
3. Liquid crystal screen. Such devices are the most expensive. The panel displays complete information. Usually, in addition, there is also a sound signal.

Any detector will take some getting used to and getting used to. It will be necessary to study the signals that correspond to a particular find. Before the first use, it is advisable to carefully read the instructions for use of the device. In addition, you can make a device for finding hidden wiring with your own hands.

DIY making

Acquisition of a tester does not cause any particular financial difficulties, but it is not always really required. Most often it is necessary to locate a live cable. For this purpose, an amateur-grade device is suitable. You can make a hidden wiring detector with your own hands. The manufacturing process includes the following stages:

1. The work begins with the preparation stage. It is necessary to select the required material. An old ohmmeter is suitable for making a detector. You will also need a field-effect transistor. It is best to use a headset with a good battery.
2. Then you need to connect all the elements. First, the transistor is connected to an ohmmeter. If the soldering is done well, the device will begin to pick up electromagnetic waves (the arrow will deflect). The maximum readings will mean that the wire is in this section.
3. You can connect in another way. You need to connect the battery, transistor and phone. The signal will be clearer.

Such a device is suitable only for finding cables that are connected to the power supply. The device will not detect a broken or disconnected wiring.