Non-contact indicator of hidden wiring in the wall, which is better, indicator of electrical wiring in the form of a screwdriver

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It is rather difficult to find the wiring embedded in the wall: it is not always on hand that there is a diagram on paper, which indicates how the wires are laid, often you have to look for them yourself. In order not to break the wall at random and cause as little damage as possible, you can use a non-contact indicator of hidden wiring. This device will help to accurately detect the electrical wire and carry out the necessary work. One of its simplest types is an indicator screwdriver.

What are the devices

The indicator is a small-sized mobile device, the weight of which does not exceed 200 grams (which is why the device is convenient to carry with you). It can be useful to both a professional electrician and a simple apartment owner. Thanks to the device, it will be possible to pipe not only under a layer of plaster, but also under tiles and other finishing materials that hide them.

To detect electrical wiring, devices of various types are produced. Their main differences are in the principle of operation and functionality.

Most indicators work on the principle of a metal detector, signaling if there is metal in the wall. This happens due to the magnetic field created by the device. The inconvenience lies in the fact that it reacts to absolutely all metal objects, and not just to hidden wiring, therefore, if fittings are embedded in the wall, the device will work.

Detection of wiring in the wall is most conveniently carried out using indicators or detectors. Such devices capture the electromagnetic fields created by the current as it passes through conductors.

In order for the indicator to give a signal, there must be voltage in the network. If the wall is damp, this type of appliance will not be useful. Moisture deceives the indicator by reflecting its electromagnetic field, causing it to give erroneous readings.

It is better to choose universal devices for finding electrical wiring. Their distinguishing feature is the ability to work in several modes, thanks to which you can not only determine if there are metal objects in the walls, but also look for hidden wiring separately. If there is the ability to switch modes, then you can accurately calculate exactly where the cable is located. Devices will even be able to find wood or plastic if the material is wet or filled with water. Such equipment is considered professional and costs an order of magnitude more expensive than simple household indicators.

Indicator screwdriver

Often there are voltage indicators made in the form of a screwdriver. They determine the phase wire of the 220 V network and indicate the presence of current piercing through the conductor. This is a simple and affordable device that works by contact and non-contact methods.

The indicator handle is transparent, a light bulb and a resistor light up inside. By sound and light signal it is easy to determine where hidden wires are laid. The slot of the screwdriver is made straight so that it is convenient to contact the surface of objects.

There are screwdriver modifications designed for different voltages and operating conditions. With their help, you can determine in 2-3 seconds whether voltage is supplied to the house, whether the socket is working, where the wire passes. By passing the hidden wiring indicator along the wall surface, you can safely drive in a nail, screw in a self-tapping screw and use a puncher.

contact model

The contact indicator determines the performance of sockets, checks for grounding of extension cords, finds the phase of chandelier cartridges and phase wires during electrical installation.

In order for the contact indicator to start working, you need to take it in your hand and press the button on the handle. The sharp end (sting) touches the contact. If there is voltage on the wire, the light will flash. This is how the phase wire is determined. Body contact must be mandatory as the person enters the chain. The resistance of the built-in resistor is large, so the current in the circuit will be small and will not cause harm.

The contact indicator is considered the simplest and cheapest. It does not require additional power supplies for its operation.

The disadvantage may be poor assembly or a weak glow of the light bulb. It is clear that such a device will not detect hidden wiring.

Contactless model

Indicators equipped with a battery can already detect hidden wiring in a non-contact way. They are equipped with an LED light bulb that consumes a minimum of energy. Although the range of the indicator is small, it is able to find wiring under a layer of plaster and even a small layer of cement.

The operation of the indicator is based on the generation of a magnetic field (induced field). With a screwdriver in the form of an indicator, you can easily determine the integrity of the hidden wire and check if there is a current leakage to the device case.

The advantage of such an indicator is that it can be used as a slotted screwdriver. With its help, small screws and bolts are unscrewed, without applying significant effort, so as not to damage the device. The battery will need to be changed periodically. This is considered one of the disadvantages of the indicator.

They produce electronic non-contact indicators. They give an audible signal when voltage is detected, and in addition show its value on the displays. Measurement range 12 ... 250 V. Such models are very convenient, but their cost is higher. Due to their simplicity, affordability and compact size, indicator screwdrivers are in demand among electricians and people who have nothing to do with this profession. Indicators are used in everyday life and in production.

How to choose

When choosing, you need to understand why you need it. If you only need to find wiring, you can get by with inexpensive models that will do the job relatively well. To search for pipelines or frames, you need more sensitive equipment that can operate in several modes, or two different devices, which will cost more.

Another important parameter is the depth to which the device is able to scan the wall. You should not buy the cheapest indicators: they are usually able to "probe" the wall by no more than 20 mm, and the plaster has a thickness of 40 mm, that is, there will be no benefit from such a device. Do not skimp on the depth of scanning: the deeper the device is able to recognize objects, the better.

The type of notification also plays an important role. There are three of them:

  • sounds;
  • light signal;
  • displaying information on the screen.

Sounds differ in tone and are of different duration. From them you can understand what object was found.

Often, the device is equipped with LEDs that signal the detection of communications or hidden wiring. On an expensive device, knowing the color scheme, you can accurately determine the location of the object and understand what exactly was detected.

The LCD screen is the most accurate and convenient way to identify finds. The device displays all information on the display. However, such a device costs much more than similar models without a crane. There will be no problems with decoding the signals. Metal or cable detection can also be accompanied by sounds.

Checking work

In order to accurately locate hidden wires, you should first learn how to use the indicator. To do this, you need to try to work with it on open wires, pipes, and other elements. This will help you understand when and to what objects the device sends a signal.

Before making a purchase, you should test the indicator in the store. Any electrical appliance will work for this. You can use its wire for testing. You need to test the device at different distances. The wire can be covered with a board, some plastic object. If the detection was successful, then you can safely buy the indicator you like.

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