Rating of the best hidden wire detectors, plastic pipes and metal for 2022

Construction, repair, home improvement is one of the priority activities of modern man. Well, if we are talking about cosmetic repairs or a simple rearrangement. But such a trifle as drilling a wall can bring a lot of problems if simple safety standards are not followed.
The reason lies in hidden wiring, pipes, fittings laid in brick and panel arrays, under floor coverings.

How to identify the place where the electrical wire is located. The random drilling method is not suitable because the result can be a short circuit or a powerful electric shock.

A special device - a detector not only detects electrical wiring and other inclusions in wall panels, but also determines the location of a telephone or Internet cable break.

How the detector works

A special scanner generates signals. The radiation penetrates into the medium under study, then there is a return reflected signal, which has either initial vibrations or modified ones, in accordance with the composition of the underlying object.
The device moves in a plane in four possible directions, which allows you to determine the length, density, possible breakage of the embedded system.

To obtain the result, sound and color indicators are used, the display gives detailed parameters.
The modern consumer is offered mainly devices made in digital format.

What are Hidden Object Search Devices?

All modern devices designed to assist in the implementation of construction work can be divided into three types:

1. hidden wiring detectors;
2. tracing devices;
3. electromagnetic field identifiers.

Models of search instruments are distinguished by several parameters.

Indication

When identifying wires and structures, alerts are produced in various ways.

• Light indication

The system operates on LEDs. For materials of different compositions, certain color indicators work.

• Sound notification

The period of duration of the sound signal and a certain tonality informs about the characteristics of the internal object.

The liquid crystal display provides the most complete information about the internal structure.
Some models have all types of indication, such devices are expensive.

How to Choose the Right Detection Detector: Selection Criteria

There is a wide range of domestic and foreign devices, with features and an individual range of functionality.

The quality and ease of use depend on the main parameters of a technical device.

Depth of detection

Device datasheets indicate the maximum scanning depth for various types of material. In the case of active voltage in the wires to be detected, the standard is at around 5 cm.

Accuracy

The classical error is measured in the amount of 5 mm, a non-professional meter can give an error of up to 10 mm.

The more expensive the device, the more accurate the depth and characteristics of the breaks it is able to determine.
Manufacturers do not guarantee the final result in full, since it is difficult for a non-professional to take into account many related factors when measuring.

The main risk factors for reducing accuracy are:

• induced electric, magnetic fields of large values;
• a set of transactions included in the array;
• material and composition of the wall, its moisture resistance, electrical conductivity;
• the presence of metal hooks, loops and other objects in the array.

Experts recommend insuring during work by additional familiarization with design and construction documentation.

Material of the internal object

A good level device can distinguish between a number of identified materials:

• wiring;
• non-ferrous metals;
• black metals;
• fittings;
• plastic pipes;
• wooden structures.

Auto calibration

The device independently performs gradation of materials of both the occurrence and the studied massif.

Shutdown "Automatic"

The detectors are characterized by high power consumption, so it is important to turn off the device for a given period of inactive phase, which saves batteries.

Backlight

The use of detection scanners provides for their operation in darkened rooms, in areas with a power outage, which determines the high value of having a backlight for convenient and accurate work.

Price

The budget option at a price does not cross the borders of 1500 rubles.
The average price level is from 2,000 to 6,000 rubles.
All scanners from 7000 and above carry specifications suitable for professional use.

Where to buy a detector

There are options for purchasing equipment on order from specialized online stores, from AliExpress and, directly, in shopping centers of the city. It is not difficult to make an online order with a choice of payment options and delivery methods.

Errors when choosing

What should you pay attention to when choosing a detector.

Electromagnetic device

The most inexpensive type of finder for finding the location of the live cable. The peculiarity of such a device is that it will react to the wiring only if it is under load. By turning on, for example, a multicooker that does not belong to low-power appliances, you can get a positive detection result. Connecting to the network of a consumer with a weak impulse will not allow the electromagnetic detector to be activated.

In new buildings, empty buildings, premises subject to redevelopment, such devices are unacceptable for operation.

Repair and replacement

You should not rely on the possibility of eliminating the malfunction by repair or warranty replacement of the device. The manufacturer stipulates in advance in such cases the purchase of a new detector.

Rating of high-quality detectors for hidden wiring, pipes and metal structures

Bosch GMS 120 Professional

The detector from a world-renowned German manufacturer, which occupies a leading position in the production of high-quality electrical equipment, has a wide functionality.

The detector detects wiring, wooden internal structures, metal, including colored wire systems.

Bosch GMS 120 Professional
Weight, grams	270
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous operation, hour	5
Protection class	P54
Non-ferrous metals, detection spectrum, cm	8
Ferrous metals, detection spectrum, cm	12
Wiring, detection, penetration, see	5
Wooden structures. Discoveries. Degree of penetration, cm	3,8
Power battery type	Crown

• in the absence of detection of built-in structures, a green LED indication is triggered;
• red indication indicates the presence of internal structures;
• the ability to use different modes to clarify the coordinates of objects - metal, plasterboard, cable conductive;
• the presence of a hole through which marking is carried out to mark the drilling point;
• convenient carrying case and mountable hand loop;
• with an acoustic warning signal for detecting an object, with the ability to turn it off;
• with high precision;
• Ease of controls.

• Designed in Germany, made in Malaysia.

Bosch PMD 7

The device with high sensitivity and accuracy of detection of fittings.

Bosch PMD 7
Weight, grams	150
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous operation, hour	5
Indication	sound
Non-ferrous metals, search range, mm	60
Ferrous metals, search depth, mm	70
Wiring, search recess, mm	50
Battery type/quantity	AAA/3

• low probability of device errors;
• work on wooden devices is permissible;
• works in an atmosphere with high humidity;
• threshold frequency level 95 Hz;
• compactness;
• the presence of a fuse in 9A.

• high power consumption reduces battery life to 2 hours;
• lower temperature limit -15°С.

Bosch D-Tect 150 SV

The electronic type measuring detector detects hidden structures in building massifs of varying complexity at a professional level with the exception of errors.

Bosch D-Tect 150 SV
Indication	sound
Weight, grams	650
Object Depth Options	+
Wooden stand, detection, depth, cm	4
Wiring, detection, depth, cm	6
Ferrous metals, detection, depth, cm	15
Plastic, detection, depth, mm	80
Type of food, quantity	AA/4

• scanning depth - more than 15 cm;
• high-precision scanner;
• the presence in the development of special functions for detecting panel heating, wet concrete, drywall materials;
• the radar signal viewing function allows, excluding pre-scanning, to detect, for example, a reinforced mesh;
• display in a centimeter scale the exact location of the object;
• perfectly determines the location of the heating pipes both in the sienna and in the floor;
• a special signal mode will notify in a timely manner about the detection of an object;
• when creating the device, a progressive method of radar scanning was used;
• the uniqueness of the scanner in its broadband and high-precision definition of the built-in object.

• high price.

Laserliner MultiFinder Plus 080.965 A

Universal scanner for home and professional use.

Laserliner MultiFinder Plus
Weight, grams	230
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous operation, hour	5
Indication	sound
Non-ferrous metals, deepening when searching, cm	5
Ferrous metals, detection depth, cm	10
Electrical wiring, recess when searching, depth, cm	4
Wooden structures, search with valid scan, see	4
Power battery type	crown

• liquid crystal screen;
• switching modes with a single key;
• automatic power off;
• operation of light and sound indication;
• long warranty period of 4 years.

• during prolonged work there is a danger of discharging a single battery.

ADA instruments Wall Scanner

The popular and compact scanner is distinguished by its quality and ease of use.

ADA instruments Wall Scanner
Weight, grams	240
Shutdown	Machine
Period of continuous operation, hour	6
Indication	sound, color
Non-ferrous metals, search depth, cm	8
Ferrous metals, search deepening, cm	10
Wiring, search, depth, cm	5
Wooden structures, search, sensitivity range, cm	2
Battery type	Crown

• two types of indication;
• acceptable price;
• long duration of work in continuous mode up to 5 hours;
• convenient location of the control keys;
• The durable case is equipped with protective pads, which makes the device invulnerable in case of a fall or impact.

• users note the fuzzy definition of a break in the wiring.

Stayer Master Top Electro

Stayer brand - A company that is stylized as Germany, but produces a mass share of goods in China, offers the buyer a wide range of hand tools, measuring instruments, protective equipment for safe construction work, as well as all kinds of devices from burning to glue guns.

The manufacturer positions the scanner as a multifunctional metal detector capable of:

1. discover metal structures hidden in walls and floors;
2. identify the location of the wire under voltage.

Stayer Master Top Electro
Weight, grams	90
Indication	sound
DC source, polarity, detection range, V	6-36
Continuity, definition, range, mΩ	0-50
Wiring, search, depth, mm	50
Power type	LR 44X4

• suitable for testing electrical appliances;
• sensitivity level adjustment function is available;
• the presence of light, sound indication;
• reliability in operation;
• belongs to the budget class of devices;
• the case is made of plastic and has dielectric properties;
• the comfort of transfer and storage is provided with a clip;
• small dimensions 140*30*20 mm;
• good search accuracy.

• only sound indication;
• without detection of wooden structures and non-ferrous metal objects;
• there is no indication of the exact parameters for the depth of the location of the found object.

Mastech MS 6906

The Three-in-One scanner is able to detect metal pipes, metal and wooden structures, and live electrical wiring.

Mastech MS 6906
Weight, grams	150
Indication	sound
Shutdown	machine
DC source, polarity, detection range, V	6-36
Wooden stand, search depth, cm	3
Wiring, sensitivity thickness, cm	7.5
Ferrous metals, sensitivity range, cm	5
Power type	Crown

• the presence of a display;
• the device is equipped with a backlight;
• batteries are included;
• determination of the parameters of the depth of the location of the object lying in the array;
• accurate search for the edges of wood and metal racks;
• detection of single-phase and three-phase wiring of alternating voltage;
• Guarantee of determination of the laying of metal pipes.

• does not detect wooden structures saturated with moisture;
• does not indicate the presence of combined materials in the array.

Zubr Master DX 350

The detector from a domestic manufacturer belongs to the budget class, is equipped with automatic calibration of surface types.

Zubr Master DX 350
Indication	sound
Object Depth Options	+
Wooden stand, search thickness, cm	1.9
Wiring, detection range, cm	5
Ferrous metals, scanning range, cm	3.8
Power type	Crown

• the presence of sound indication;
• has an ergonomic structure;
• data on the voltage in the cable in the search mode are displayed on the display screen as a percentage;
• indicators have several colors;
• convenience and ease of use.

• users note the low audibility of the alert signal;
• viewing angle on the display is small.

Conclusion

The use of embedded object detection detectors at the first stage of design guarantees cost savings by eliminating erroneous actions and damage from eliminating the consequences of technical miscalculations. In addition to the economic component, scanners will save the nerves of builders and the most precious thing - time.