Hidden wiring detector: how to choose the right device and overview of varieties

Modern technology designed to work with electricity is considered an excellent assistant for domestic and industrial conditions. In our article we will talk about a device called a hidden wiring detector.

We offer you detailed instructions for choosing hidden wiring indicator, and also consider common types of electronic devices.

Today, simple devices and already more advanced ones are on sale. In this section, we will consider how specialists who are well versed in this technique are advised to make a choice of devices:

Important! Do not neglect the "good origin of the device", most likely, it is made to high requirements and standards.

Types of signaling devices

Among the proposed range of devices for finding electrical wiring in the wall, there are a lot of noteworthy options.

Electrostatic signaling devices. The device is reliable and easy to use. Created on the basis of new technology, therefore it has a wide range of operation. If we talk about the shortcomings, we can highlight the inability of the indicator to detect de-energized wiring.

Electromagnetic detectors. They have a very high accuracy of scanning space, there are practically no errors in the calculations. The tool is quite reliable and can last more than the allotted service life. To get an accurate determination of the location of electricity in the walls, a voltage of 1 kW is required.

Important! Electromagnetic detectors are not able to detect a lightly loaded and unloaded electrical network.

Metal detector devices. Such a device is able to detect any metal element immured in the wall. This feature is both an advantage and a disadvantage of the device. With the help of such a device, you can find every nail or old non-working electrician.

Combined fixtures. These devices are considered the most accurate and expensive. The function of the device includes the simultaneous inclusion of several options for the search for electricity. Such mechanisms include tools that can find the location of non-ferrous metal pipes. In addition, it is possible to detect cables at great depths.

Attention! Do not fall for the tricks of cheap prices, perhaps a device of such a cost will not perform important functions for you.

How to check the purchased hidden wiring alarm

If the purchased device has a decent and proven quality, you will not be forbidden to check it directly at the point of sale. You are required to:

• turn on the purchased device and try to find any visible wiring of the included electrical appliances or lighting. Suitable spotlights and wiring from the air conditioner;
• do the same process, but a little away from the wiring being checked;
• try to find a wire with no voltage from different distances;
• try to cover the appliances with some kind of insulating agent (styrofoam, rubber mat or board), of course, if the seller allows you to do this.

Please note that the check carried out must match the description in the instructions, if so, this indicates that the quality was observed during the invention of the device.

Hidden wiring detector rating

Attention! Each of the multi-detectors may contain useful additions, such as a digital tape measure and a laser level.

The Bosch GMS 120 Prof device is literally recognized as a quality standard according to the results of the study. The spectrum of metal detection among all existing indicators is the highest. This metal and hidden wire detector is able to find steel, copper, aluminum and other elements in walls.

A successful search result is accompanied by light and sound alerts.

Black and Decker BDS200 - this device has average characteristics and belongs to the average classification in terms of its own functionality. Such a device is focused solely on finding metal parts. Has a low detection value. The detector is made with a shock-resistant coating and a sensitivity regulator.

The result is transmitted by light and sound signals, and is also duplicated on the LCD monitor. Estimated cost is 1300 rubles.

DSL8220S - the device is produced in China and the Russian Federation. The depth of the search for metal material is about 20 cm. It has the ability to find a phase conductor, it cannot detect wood and plastic. The device is protected from moisture, gives sound and light signals when a metal element is found in the wall. Its average price is from 600 to 900 rubles.

Hidden wiring search procedure

The device for searching hidden wiring has its own characteristics of work. Some of the options are able to find wood beams and floors. Consider the procedure by which we can use the indicator in the wall.

1. We connect the device to the wire. If your cable has an end connector, then the red clip clings to the wire, and the black clip is attached to the device ground. When there is no connector, connect the red terminal to one wire and the black terminal to the other.
2. We turn on the indicator lever, thus bringing it into working condition.
3. Turn on the button of the inductive probe.
4. Now we present an isolated probe to the electrical cable in order to detect the outgoing signal of the detector.
5. We begin to rotate the regulator, thanks to which we adjust the level of the device and find the cable, evaluate its performance.

Important! To avoid a too loud signal, you must use headphones, the output for them is located at the bottom of the device.

How the wiring search indicator works: device diagram

For clarity, let's consider two simple indicators with a diagram of its mechanism.

The second option is more advanced, but has no difficulty in operation. In this device there is not only a sound signal, but there are also light pulses.

What is a non-contact hidden wiring indicator?

Non-contact wiring detection devices are designed exclusively for troubleshooting an electrical circuit and finding a break. This device is called special, because sometimes it is impossible to do without it, and leaving wiring with a missing contact is very dangerous for property and for human life as a whole.

The peculiarities of the operation of such devices is their ability not to damage the dangling conductor and to establish the exact location of the problem in the wall. When working with a proximity indicator, you will receive accurate information about the location of the malfunction, therefore, you can easily eliminate it.

Is it possible to make an indicator with your own hands? Manufacturing principle

The purchase of a device that detects wiring located in the wall is available to everyone. However, this is not always necessary. In most cases, you only need to find a live cable, which means that an amateur level of the device, which you can easily make yourself, is also suitable.

Important! Having a phone with a charged battery will allow you to transmit a more accurate pulse and sound signal.

• Let's start connecting the tools. First, we connect the transistor with an ohmmeter. If all fasteners are made correctly, the device will come within the range of electromagnetic waves. This will be noticeable by the deviation of the arrow - if it moves to the maximum, then the cable you are looking for is in this zone.
• There is another connection scheme. Here, the field effect transistor, telephone and battery are directly connected. In these cases, the detection signal will be louder.

The manufacture of such a device is only suitable for searching the network for live conductors. Empty, faulty or old wiring cannot be found in the wall. In addition, you will be able to avoid accidental electric shock during installation work.

How to find electrical wiring in the apartment?

To find electrical wiring, it is not necessary to resort to purchasing special tools. For such purposes, there are two ways to search: visual, magnetic and radio.

What is a visual technique?

A similar search option is to inspect the walls. To do this, you need to know the possibilities of laying electrical cables. In panel-type apartment buildings, this will not be difficult, since here the wiring to powerful consumers was carried out strictly in an upright position, of course, if such manipulations were carried out professionally.

How does the radio find the wire?

This method can be performed by any, even the simplest radio receiver. All that is required is to turn on the radio and listen to it, moving along the walls, if there are crackles and noises, then electrical wiring has been found. It creates audible noise.

In addition, it is easy to detect with a radio receiver whether a conductor is broken or a short circuit has occurred. You can determine it by changing the noise that the radio transmits.

Important! The radio receiver operates on the principle of a modern detector used by professionals. The difference between these devices is the use of technology, and the principle of operation of the devices is similar.

How to use the magnetic method?

This technique is available to smartphone owners. You need to install a special program on it, and thanks to the magnetic elements, the software picks up the signal and transmits it to the monitor of the mobile device.

How to replace the wiring tracking indicator?

In order not to waste your own budget, there is always the opportunity to use more alternative methods. For example,

• indicator screwdriver;
• multimeter;
• tester;
• transistor.

Important! All of these devices must be able to use, as well as understand and decipher the incoming signals.

If we talk about a professional approach to this work, various sensors are used.

Functional features of signaling devices

Whatever hidden wiring signaling device you buy, they all should equally have the following list of functions:

• the presence of alternating voltage and the ability to switch it in the range from 70 to 600 V;
• the presence of identification of magnetic radiation with an indicator of at least 0.5 mW/cm;
• determination of the direction of hidden cables and their search at a depth of at least 55 mm;
• revision of the electrical circuit for integrity and calculation of resistances from 0 to 50 mΩ;
• the presence of power equipment;
• the optimal temperature range for performance is from -10 to +50.

Important! Before using the detector, it must be checked for performance and calibrated.

Which device is better: imported or domestic?

There are no specific complaints about imported or domestic signaling devices. Therefore, each installer must choose a fixture according to his preferences, in which to add functions, appearance, main parameters and many other interesting details.

The domestic device, by all indications, is intended for use within the country, which means that all functions regarding electricity will comply with the requirements of the electrical wiring that needs to be tracked in the walls.

Foreign instruments are made exclusively according to the standards stipulated in the country where they are produced. There is a possibility that the laying of electrical networks abroad according to the PUE does not coincide with our established rules.

When making such equipment with your own hands, you need to take into account the risk of flaws in the completed device. Sometimes even the right circuit cannot be an ideal assistant in the production of indicators for electrical wiring. Therefore, it is better to listen to the opinions of specialists, and if you suspect a malfunction in the electrical circuit, invite them for repair work.