have to make holes in the wall. In order to not accidentally get into the wiring that is hidden in it, use a special device - a concealed wiring indicator. This device weighs only ~ 250 grams, but it can be of great help in repair work. After all, there is little pleasant in getting a drill into a pipe or electrical cable. Versions of the device
This device has a lot of names, but the essence remains the same. Alternative names: indicator, detector, searcher, tester, hidden post identifier. However, several types of instruments are commercially available. They differ in the principle of action and functionality.
Most devices are small metal detectors. The disadvantage is that the determinant of hidden wiring will react to any metal object. Therefore, if there is an armature in the wall, for example, it will continuously signal it.
To detect electrical wiring, there are special devices that catch the electromagnetic field that forms when current flows through the wires.
If there is moisture on the wall( from dampness), then the readings of the device will be false, because water has the ability to reflect the electromagnetic field.
The most optimal variant is a universal device for searching for hidden wiring. The advantage is that, switching modes, you can find in the wall as a metal pipe, and electrical wiring. There are more expensive models with which you can recognize plastic, wood. But they must be moisture. Such signaling devices of hidden wiring are much more expensive than their simplified analogues, and therefore are considered professional.
Read also: Electric boilers, principles of operation and variations
Indicator screwdriver
A device for detecting a break in a concealed wiring in the form of a screwdriver is designed to measure voltage. Thus, in what place the current will be detected, there is a wiring. The device itself is transparent. Upon detecting the voltage, a light and sound signal will emanate from inside. The tip of the screwdriver is straight for easy attachment to the wall.
Wiring detector in the form of a screwdriver is available at a price. There are both contact and contactless models. There are also additional modifications designed for different voltages and conditions.
With the help of such devices you can easily find out if the outlet is working, determine the voltage.
Contact model
Contact models can:
- determine the functioning of the outlet;
- check if the ground is present at the extension;
- find the phase of the cartridge in the chandelier, phase wires during the installation of electrical appliances.
To start the flashing wiring detector, you need to press just one “on” button( on the handle-holder).It is a pity to touch the contact. If voltage is present, the light will come on. So find the phase wire. Physical contact is necessary, since man is part of the electrical circuit. The current will not harm, it is too weak due to the built-in resistor, which creates a strong resistance.
The contact model is the simplest hidden wiring detector. If you do not need extra features, then consider buying this option.
Very bad build is often encountered, so read reviews about a particular model before purchasing and buy only in trusted stores.
Contactless model
Non-contact indicator for hidden wiring is battery operated. The device is set to an LED that consumes minimal energy. The detection zone for contactless models is not large, but the indicator is able to detect wiring even under a small layer of plaster and cement.
The work is based on the creation of its own magnetic field.
Advantage: you can replace the screwdriver by unscrewing several screws and bolts( be careful not to damage it).Disadvantage: the battery requires periodic replacement.
Read also: Ceramic heaters for home and garden - a new solution to old problems
Contactless models can be electronic. They not only determine the voltage, but also bring its value to the display. The minimum is 15 V, the maximum is 250 V. Of course, such devices are convenient, but their cost is much higher.
How to choose a flush wiring alarm
Now you should figure out which wiring detector to choose. First you need to decide for what purpose the device is purchased. Its functionality will depend on it. For example, to detect only electrical wiring, it is enough to buy an ordinary detector. But if you need functions such as defining frames, piping, the wiring indicator in the wall needs to be chosen carefully.
By scanning depth
Cheap models can scan no further than 2 cm. Often this is not enough, because the layer of the same plaster is about 3-4 cm. Of course, the longer the scanning range, the better. But along with this, the price rises, so choose the best option, depending on your needs.
You need to navigate not only the distance at which the indicator acts to detect hidden wiring, but also with what material it works.
This information is usually shown on the packaging or in the description of the technical specifications.
By type of display
Devices can notify about the presence of wiring. There are 3 options:
- Sound alert. If the indicator is designed to search for different materials, the sound will be different in tone or duration.
- Light signal. LED lights that come on when determining wiring or communications. Like the sound, the alert changes depending on the material( color, intensity of light).If you know the response of the device to certain materials, you can quickly learn to identify them with high accuracy.
- Liquid Crystal Display. Screen indicators are the most expensive, but also the most ergonomic. Information display is accurate and understandable, do not need to decrypt anything. Sometimes sound and on-screen alarms are combined in one device, which makes use even more convenient.
Read also: Cleaning the boiler with your own hands
Regardless of which device you select with the alert, you will need to get used to it - examine what signals and in what cases are sent.
Before you start your search, practice in the open space - just bring the detector to different materials - wood, metal, plastic.
But only if for some reason you have lost the packaging. It usually has all the necessary information on the operation.
Wiring detection without the
signaling device There are cases when repair is in full swing. Then the question of how to find the wiring in the wall without the device rises very sharply. There are several ways to do this. The most primitive - remove the wallpaper, plaster, all layers, down to the brick base. But not many are ready for such capital works.
The second method - using a radio. You just need to adjust it to a frequency of 100 kHz and as close as possible to attach to the wall. If there is a wiring in this place, the radio will emit a specific sound.
The latter method is suitable for people who are fond of technology. This is a search for wiring in the wall with a multimeter. In addition to the multimeter you will need a field effect transistor. On a multimeter, set the value to 200,000 ohms, and connect its probes to the left and middle output of the transistor. Right plays the role of the antenna. The change in resistance on the display is a signal of the presence of the desired material behind the wall.
Testing flush-mounted signaling devices -
video
