The best hidden wiring detectors

A hidden wiring detector is a device designed to safely search for it in walls and structures made of concrete, wood and other materials. It is designed to exclude violation of the integrity of telephone, Internet, power cables. It can also be used to locate metal and wood structures, depending on the model. Based on feedback from experienced users, we have selected the best wiring detectors you can buy with no doubt about their quality and functionality.

Which company is better to choose a hidden wiring detector

Our TOP includes the products of the 7 most famous brands that have earned the trust of customers:

• Rexant Is a Russian trade mark under which connectors, consumables and a tool of Chinese origin are sold, designed to create cable networks. The firm also manufactures meters and alarms for detecting hidden wiring in walls. They work in automatic mode, notify about detection with a sound and digital signal, they do not weigh much (about 150 g).
• Precision Mastech Enterprises Co. Is a Hong Kong manufacturer of measuring equipment for various purposes. Its testers are interesting because they do not damage the insulation and even detect faulty wiring. With their help, you do not have to break walls during repair work, the results are displayed on the screen with the help of a sound signal. The firm's locators are compact and work for a long time from one set of batteries.
• Duwi Is a Polish company that produces electrical equipment and various meters. Its devices are universal and are used to detect both live wiring in walls and various metals. The hidden wiring detectors of this company are distinguished by a large detection depth (about 30 mm), the presence of several operating modes and a convenient screen for reading.
• Bison - Russian manufacturer of electrical, petrol, welding equipment. Signaling devices for hidden wiring from this company find it at a depth of 40 mm. They are convenient to use due to the backlit screen, sound and graphic indication of search, ergonomic shape and low weight (about 200 g).
• Allsun Is a Chinese company producing measuring instruments. Its hidden wiring finders have a detection depth of approximately 50 mm and operate in a wide temperature range - from -7 to + 40 ° C. Their weight is about 150 g, the body is made of plastic, they are powered by batteries that are usually included in the kit. Scanners detect AC and DC power cables.
• Eltes - Ukrainian scientific and technical center, which has been producing electrical measuring instruments since 2001. Its signaling devices have a wide range of sensitivity, from 1 to 4 gradations and a self-monitoring option, are lightweight (about 250 g) and have a service life of about 10 years. With the help of the company's scanners, not only hidden wires are detected, but also cable breaks, blown fuses.
• Bosch Is a German manufacturer of electrical equipment, household and construction equipment.The company's detectors are easy to operate with one button; they detect not only electrical wiring, but also metals (non-ferrous and ferrous). They scan walls up to 7 cm deep and are guaranteed for up to two years.

Good wall chasers

Rating of the best hidden wiring detectors

When compiling the rating, we chose the wiring detectors both according to customer reviews and based on the technical characteristics of the goods. The selection parameters were:

• Ease of management;
• Maximum scanning depth;
• Accuracy of readings;
• Dimensions and weight;
• Wiring type - AC and / or DC voltage;
• Application range;
• Convenience of the display;
• The quality of light and sound indication;
• Sensitivity and the ability to adjust it;
• Duration of the guarantee.

Also, the choice was influenced by such factors as the versatility of devices, the ability to detect non-ferrous and ferrous metals, their suitability for professional use and affordability. All models are presented in three price segments.

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The best inexpensive hidden wiring detectors

Of the 9 popular models of hidden wiring budget indicators, the 3 most popular were identified. Their choice was based on positive reviews, reliability, availability and recognition of scanners.

DSL-8220S

The DSL-8220S detector is a simple and reliable device that allows you to find a phase conductor at a depth of 20 mm. The device has a waterproof case and is equipped with sound and light detection indicators, which allows you to respond in a timely manner to a find. For a more accurate result, there is a possibility of manual sensitivity adjustment. The main area of ​​the scanner is the entire front end of the body. The signaling device operates for a long time from the Krona battery. The scheme of its operation assumes that the body of the device is used as an antenna.

Advantages

• Lightweight and compact, dimensions - 195x50x20 mm;
• Easy to operate;
• “Sees” objects under plaster, wood, plastic, brick;
• Affordable cost;
• Detects cables of different types - antenna, telephone, power supply.

disadvantages

• With frequent use, it gets lost in performance and requires calibration.

The DSL-8220S device is manufactured in China and in the Russian Federation. Most users speak well of Russian-assembled models and recommend purchasing only them. Also, during the operation of the scanner, it was noticed that its sensitivity is higher if the wires are not energized.

MS8902B Mastech

The MS8902B indicator is a compact device that fits easily into a jacket or shirt pocket. The device helps to quickly and accurately find hidden wiring in various types of materials (concrete, brick, drywall) and identify cables with alternating voltages from 12 to 600 V. The device can also be used as a directional metal detector, but the detection depth here is reduced to 2.5 cm The scanner has good sensitivity that can be adjusted. When it decreases, the phase and zero in the outlet are determined without problems.

Advantages

• Lightweight and compact, made in the form of a felt-tip pen;
• Easy to use;
• Multifunctional;
• Two working mode;
• Finds dead wiring;
• Large search range;
• Affordable cost.

disadvantages

• Settings are not saved after turning off the tester;
• Not intended for professional use.

The MS8902B wiring finder has proven itself to be a simple and multifunctional device for home use. However, experienced users note that this detector is not intended for finding a break in wires, since the scanner signal is directed to the rest of the cables and the entire "braid" of the tested wiring rings.

Duwi 26032 5

The Duwi 26032 5 tester is a small-sized device with which you can determine the location of hidden structures made of ferrous and non-ferrous metal and electrical wiring. This detector is relevant when it is located at a depth of 30 mm and it must be energized. To search for unpowered network elements, there is a metal detector mode, but in this case the depth is reduced to 24 mm. The device is equipped with a sensitivity level regulator; upon detection, both a sound and a light signal are given.

Advantages

• Comfortable, good to hold;
• Wide range of applications;
• Weight 0.2 kg;
• Works on one battery for a long time;
• Easy to use
• Inexpensive.

disadvantages

• Small search area.

The best hidden wiring detectors in the middle price range

In the middle price segment, 8 models were considered. Based on the results of testing and analysis of customer reviews, 2 of the highest quality devices for detecting hidden electrical wiring were selected. They are equipped with LCD displays, have a great search depth and allow you to find not only wires, but also structures made of various materials.

Bison wire and metal detector, LCD display, auto-calibration

The uniqueness of this scanner lies in the ability to detect not only metal products and electrical wiring in the walls, but also search for wood. It examines walls and structures using ultrasonic echo sounders, which guarantees a low percentage of errors in the results and allows you to determine the desired objects at a depth of 50 mm for cables, 38 mm for reinforcement and 19 mm (wood). Thanks to him, during the repair, the integrity of the hidden structures and the serviceability of the construction tool are guaranteed.

Advantages

• Convenient form;
• Multi-colored indicators depending on the type of detected objects;
• Automatic calibration;
• Suitable for professional use;
• Signal strength as a percentage of live wires.

disadvantages

• Not very loud signal sound;
• Small viewing angle of the display.

Many users note the external similarity of this wiring identifier with the ADA Wall Scanner 80 A00466 and Elitech D 80 detectors. In the reviews it is recognized as high-quality, functional and easy to use.

TS79 Stud Finder

The TS79 multiscanner is a versatile detector used in the construction industry for detecting AC conductors, metal objects: nails, pins, spacers and wooden structures. The search depth differs depending on the type of material being detected and is 50 mm, 30 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The manufacturer has reduced the number of controls, which greatly simplifies its use, and the results are quickly displayed on the liquid crystal display.

Advantages

• Easy to use;
• Fits comfortably in the hand;
• Wide range of searches;
• Several scanning modes;
• There is an automatic shutdown function.

disadvantages

• Will not be able to detect a wire break under the insulation.

According to reviews, TS79 Stud Finder is a high-quality and easy-to-use device. But some users note that it gives more accurate data when searching for live wires, but when working without a phase, difficulties arise.

The best premium hidden wiring detectors

The 2 hidden wiring detectors below are selected from the 5 most popular premium devices. These devices have a wide range of functions and are often used for professional work.

E121 Woodpecker

The E121 Woodpecker signaling device is an easy-to-use device designed for professional use. The detector works on an electrostatic principle and allows not only to detect hidden wiring, but also to identify devices with a break in the ground, check the serviceability of fuses, fuses, and determine an open circuit in live wires. On the front panel of the device there are 4 buttons for selecting the sensitivity, increasing the chances of successful object detection.

Advantages

• Understandable in management;
• Finds wires quickly;
• Availability of light and sound indicators;
• Good search depth - up to 50 mm;
• The ability to adjust the sensitivity level.

disadvantages

• Designed primarily for locating live wires.

According to user reviews, the E121 Woodpecker detector is a high-quality and reliable device that clearly copes with its direct function - the detection of hidden wiring.

Bosch GMS 120 Professional

The Bosch GMS 120 professional-grade hidden wiring finder quickly and efficiently detects them under voltage and with a current frequency of 50 Hz. The scanner also allows you to establish the location of pipes, fittings, metal profiles, wooden parts not indicated on the drawings. The body of the tester is made of high-quality plastic with rubberized areas, which makes it convenient to use and increases its service life.

This hidden wiring finder differs from analogues in the presence of a through hole to designate the safe drilling zone. The detector has LED backlighting, which makes it much easier to work in twilight and poor lighting conditions.

Advantages

• Compact dimensions;
• Good "sees" the wires;
• Multifunctional;
• Simple and straightforward to operate;
• Battery included;
• There is a hole for marking;
• It is possible to turn off the sound signal.

disadvantages

• High price.

The Bosch GMS 120 Professional signaling device enjoys a well-deserved popularity among buyers and has mostly positive reviews. Only a few users note that the scanner may not accurately locate the wires under the tiles. However, these search conditions cause difficulties for almost all posting identifiers.

Which hidden wiring detector is better to buy?

Particular attention should be paid to the depth of the device's search for hidden wiring. For an ordinary apartment renovation, large indicators are not needed, but for high-quality professional work, it is better to choose an alarm device with the maximum sensitivity level. Some testers only see live wires, while others can distinguish not only wiring, but also fittings, fasteners, wood and metal structures.

At the end of the rating, the following conclusions can be drawn:

• The most budgetary, but at the same time high-quality model is the MS8902B Mastech detector.
• The Duwi 26032 5 signaling device is considered one of the most compact and convenient to use.
• The DSL-8220S signaling device qualitatively finds wires at a considerable depth.
• The Bison detector has a wide range of detection and the ability to determine not only wiring, but also the location of wooden and metal structures.
• If the main goal is to find metal objects and fasteners, then the TS79 multiscanner will cope with this task.
• The E121 Woodpecker device will be able to pinpoint the location of any live wire.
• For professional work of any complexity, the Bosch GMS 120 Professional signaling device is suitable.

When deciding what kind of hidden wiring detector to buy in the end, first of all, you should decide on the budget, and only then select a model that is suitable in terms of characteristics in the right price segment.